In what is being touted as a first-of-a-kind funding in the nation, Republic Services has awarded the Fountain Hills Cultural and Civic Association a $10,000 2014 Republic Rewards grant.

FHCCA was selected for the grant by citizens who participate in the Republic Rewards Recycling Program.

FHCCA will use the $10,000 grant to purchase and plant shade trees in Fountain Park, supplementing trees that have died or mature trees showing distress, while adding buffer landscaping. The planting will be completed in 2014.

The grant was made possible by Republic Services through Republic Rewards, a recycling program launched in 2013 between the town, businesses and residents.

Program participants earn points for joining and every recycling pick up, plus bonus points for activities and reporting on republicgivesback.com. Participants also earn instant access to rewards, discounted offers, as well as premium rewards that can be redeemed with both local and national businesses.

Additionally, participants can use their points to vote for civic improvement projects benefiting Fountain Hills’ residents and visitors alike.

FHCCA, plus the Fountain Hills Theater and the River of Time Museum, submitted proposals for community projects and were selected by the Town Council as eligible grant recipients for 2014. Voting took place January through May.

Currently, approximately 1100 Fountain Hills residents participate in the recycling rewards program.

“This program gives residents an easy way to get involved with community improvement projects and makes a difference through recycling,” Mayor Linda Kavanagh said.

“We’re thrilled that so many of our residents took part in this year’s grant program, and we are looking forward to the benefits it will bring our community going forward.

“We are very excited to be the first town in the nation to receive this grant.”

Republic Services will make community grants available for Fountain Hills community improvement projects annually through Republic Rewards. Participation in the program is free. Residents can sign up at republicgivesback.com and begin earning points immediately.

The program was established at the urging of citizens who were concerned about the potential loss of a charity element in recycling after the town hired Republic to become the single hauler trash and recycling provider for Fountain Hills in 2011.

The new program was tailored for Fountain Hills, but Republic has plans to use it nationwide.