Environmental Officer Grants

The Environmental Officer Grant is administered by the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) under its jurisdiction for managing pollution caused by solid waste. Established under Oklahoma Statutes Title 27A, this program aims to address the pressing issue of illegal dumping and support community-based efforts in waste management and environmental enforcement. The funder, DEQ, is authorized to enter into agreements to support environmental quality objectives across Oklahoma. These grants are part of a broader initiative to mitigate environmental and public health hazards through local-level enforcement and cleanup activities. The Environmental Officer Grant specifically supports the hiring of part-time environmental officers and funding related to cleanup operations. Eligible expenses include labor, cleanup equipment, and costs associated with collection events. However, the grant explicitly does not reimburse purchases such as buildings, vehicles, drones, laptops, or certain law enforcement gear. A key stipulation is that all grant funds must be used within the designated fiscal year and cannot be expended prior to the execution of a formal agreement and purchase order with the DEQ. Applicants must be governmental units or closely aligned entities such as tribal governments, political subdivisions of the state, public institutions of higher education, and planning districts recognized by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Nonprofit organizations may qualify only if they can demonstrate sole-source service provision. All grantees are required to track and report on specific project metrics, such as the number of illegal dumps identified and the amount of waste collected. The application process begins with an online submission, after which DEQ may initiate discussions with applicants for revisions to the scope of work and budget. A formal agreement is then issued and routed through the state’s procurement process. Once executed, the applicant can begin the project and submit monthly invoices and reports for reimbursement. All invoices must be submitted by August 31, 2027, and funds spent before formal authorization are ineligible for reimbursement. The application window for Fiscal Year 2027 runs from November 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, with agreements expiring on June 30, 2027. This annual cycle allows communities to plan and align their enforcement efforts with state-supported timelines. The funding is not guaranteed and is subject to availability, with typical awards ranging from $1,000 to $50,000 and an 80% reimbursement rate for equipment costs within specified limits. Questions about the program can be directed to the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality at their main phone number, 405-702-0100. More details, including the application form, are available online via the DEQ’s official website.

Do not spend any funds prior to receiving a fully executed agreement and purchase order.