Watershed Grants

 

The Montgomery County watershed restoration and outreach grant program is shaped by two core objectives:

  • Sustainable environmental behavior change; and
  • ​Local water quality improvement. 

The goal of the grants program is to promote initiatives and projects that reduce pollutants and improve water quality in Montgomery County’s local streams and waterways through public engagement, education, and community-based, on-the-ground restoration.

To support these objectives, the County has contracted with the Chesapeake Bay Trust to develop the grants and serve as the administrator.  The grant program is funded entirely through the County’s Water Quality Protection Charge and all proposals are evaluated by a Technical Review Committee prior to being awarded.

 

Stormwater Management at Glen Waye Gardens from Bethesda Green on Vimeo.


The grant consists of two Project Categories:

  1. Public Outreach and Stewardship - Projects that assist non-profit organizations, such as watershed organizations, to significantly engage residents in achieving water quality improvement through increased awareness and quantifiable behavior change; and/or

  2. Community based Restoration - Projects that demonstrate runoff reduction and local water quality improvement on non-profit owned property. Priority will be given to projects installed on property owned by Faith based institutions where projects are able to demonstrate significant social influence and impact.

 

What this program funds:

The Montgomery County Watershed Restoration and Outreach Grant Program funds public outreach and stewardship projects, community-based restoration water quality implementation projects. Projects should educate and engage residents in watershed improvement while achieving measurable impacts and sustainable behavior change. Creative and innovative proposals are encouraged. Together, these efforts will restore and protect the local rivers and streams of Montgomery County.

  • To learn more about the program criteria, eligibility requirements, and funding availability, visit the CBT website.

Chesapeake Bay Trust

Who can apply:

Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization such as local watershed groups, community associations, service and civic groups, faith-based organizations, and more. Applicants must include at least one partner that represents a stakeholder group based in Montgomery County, Maryland.

 

How much can be awarded: 

Award amounts are set each year based on available funds.

Is match required? Match is encouraged but is not required. Preference will be given to projects with match and/or in-kind services.

 

Eligible project locations:

Throughout Montgomery County, Maryland outside the municipalities of Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Takoma Park.

 

Deadline:

Typically, the fall of each year.

 

Program Status:

Visit the CBT website for the most up to date program status. To be notified, if and when the grants will be open for applications, sign up for the My Green Montgomery monthly e-news. 

 

Grant Application Process:

The Chesapeake Bay Trust's grant applications are all submitted through an online system. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact the Trust.

*Please note: The Trust's grant system works best in Internet Explorer, especially when uploading documents.*