Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Sringer and the Manhattan Solid Waste Advisory Board, a citizen advisory board appointed by the borough president and New York City council members, are launching a new grant program to offer up to $750 in funding for community, small-scale composting initiatives.

The grants will be awarded in 2011 to eligible community groups including community associations, community gardens, friends of park groups, housing development organizations, nonprofits, public schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and private businesses to purchase equipment, tools, and materials to start, expand and grow neighborhood composting programs. Currently, food and yard waste make up over 20% of the residential waste stream in the city.

“Offering these grants to innovative and far-sighted composting programs will help ensure that the people who call Manhattan home will have a healthy and environmentally responsible future,” said Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer.

Qualifying applicants must submit proposals by February 4, 2011. Selections will be made by members of SWAB and awards will be announced by March 11, 2011. To apply, please visit www.mbpo.org/composting or call 212-669-7664.