Puget Sound Stewardship and Mitigation Fund

The Puget Sound Stewardship and Mitigation Fund is a regional grantmaking initiative created to mitigate the impacts of past pollution runoff and improve the water quality of Puget Sound. It is administered by the Rose Foundation for Communities and the Environment and primarily funded through citizen enforcement actions brought by organizations such as the Puget Soundkeeper Alliance and Waste Action Project. These organizations use Clean Water Act litigation to compel polluters into compliance, with settlement funds then redirected into environmental remediation through this grant program. This grant opportunity is specifically tailored to support community-based projects aimed at improving or preserving the water quality of the Puget Sound watershed. Eligible projects can include water stewardship efforts, conservation campaigns, public outreach and education (if tied to tangible environmental actions), watershed restoration initiatives, and community-driven green infrastructure. The Fund strongly favors proposals with measurable outcomes that improve water quality and encourage active participation from local communities. Projects that address emerging chemical threats or enhance community leadership in water stewardship are particularly encouraged. Funding for the Fall 2025 cycle allows for grant requests up to $40,000, with most awards covering a one-year period, although applicants may propose longer or shorter timelines based on project needs. The application window for the Fall cycle closes on September 26, 2025. Announcements of award decisions will be made in early December 2025. A Spring 2026 cycle is planned, with dates to be announced later. There is no rolling or year-round submission option for this program. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3), or governmental or tribal entities. Institutions of higher education are eligible, though indirect costs are capped at 5% of the award. Groups must demonstrate capacity and relevant experience in delivering environmental outcomes. Geographic eligibility is limited to defined subregions within the Puget Sound watershed, including the South Sound (especially Budd Inlet), the Port of Tacoma and Commencement Bay, the corridor between Seattle and Everett, the Skagit River watershed, and the North Sound including parts of the Salish Sea and San Juan Islands. The application process involves confirming eligibility, registering for an online portal, and submitting a complete application. There is no pre-application step such as a letter of intent. Projects that focus heavily on environmental education without near-term water quality impacts are discouraged. Similarly, land acquisition, endowments, and general operating support are ineligible for funding. Repeat applicants are allowed to reapply in the next cycle only after submitting a final grant report. Organizations that have received funding for three consecutive years must wait two years before reapplying. Interested applicants can reach out to Timothy Bell at tbell@rosefdn.org for consultation. Resources such as workshops and application guides are available to help first-time applicants. Public materials and project signage funded through this program must credit the Puget Sound Stewardship and Mitigation Fund and its partners.