Applications now open for Can’d Aid’s Crush It Crusade recycling grants

Can’d Aid, Longmont, Colorado, in partnership with Westminster, Colorado-based Ball Corp.’s philanthropic division, The Ball Foundation, is now accepting applications for the Crush It Crusade (CIC), a grant program dedicated to helping communities embrace recyclable aluminum and establish effective recycling programs. 

Over 11 years of partnership, Can’d Aid and Ball have funded more than 120 community organizations, municipalities, parks and festivals across 35 states to launch new or expand existing community recycling programs with Crush It Crusade grants. Through education, engagement, training and collection equipment, the Crush It Crusade aims to build a nationwide coalition of passionate community recyclers. It also works to make music festivals more sustainable, including WinterWonderGrass and Healing Appalachia, Can’d Aid says. 

The initiative has reached more than 3.3 million people, trained more than 11,500 individuals in zero waste practices and recycled more than 1,200 tons of aluminum.

This fall, the Crush it Crusade will award grants of $3,000-$8,000 to organizations that:

• Promote recycling at large public-facing community events and/or for a series of public-facing events throughout a season or the year, including music, cultural, food, and arts festivals;
• Demonstrate active volunteer engagement;
• Promote inclusive community outreach; and
• Have achieved consistent or growing event attendance.

The application deadline is Sept. 15. Interested organizations can apply at https://candaid.org/crush-it-crusade/.