The RiverHealth Stewardship Program (RHSP), administered by Clackamas Water Environment Services (WES), provides annual grants to support community-driven initiatives that enhance the health of local watersheds. These grants are specifically designed to support projects within the surface water areas served by WES, which includes Clackamas River, Mt Scott Creek, Kellogg Creek, Johnson Creek, and a portion of the Tualatin River. The intent is to promote ecological restoration, stormwater management, education, and community engagement around water quality and watershed stewardship.
Eligible applicants include community groups, businesses, schools, nonprofits, student groups, faith organizations, and neighborhood or business associations within the Portland Metropolitan Area and Clackamas County. Consultants are not eligible to apply independently but may be subcontracted by an eligible applicant. Projects must not be a substitute for regulatory compliance, required mitigation, or penalty payments. A special Supplemental Grant is also available to nonprofits partnering with businesses on commercial or industrial properties, focusing on water quality improvement or stormwater reduction.
Projects may receive funding up to $30,000 and must be completed within the fiscal year, from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. All expenses must be reimbursed with receipts and must be approved within the scope of the project agreement. Allowable costs include materials, supplies, professional services, administrative fees, and volunteer refreshments. Up to 15% of the total project cost can cover indirect or overhead expenses. Reporting requirements include quarterly invoicing, progress updates, and final documentation on project impact.
The program places a high priority on projects that physically enhance streamside habitats, reduce stormwater runoff, or utilize Low Impact Development Approaches (LIDA). Educational components are encouraged but may rank lower than on-the-ground restoration activities due to existing educational programming by WES. Projects must demonstrate community impact, potential for long-term maintenance, and alignment with WES’ goals of improving physical habitat, water quality, hydrology, and biological communities.
Applications must be submitted electronically as a single document, including a cover sheet, project narrative, timeline, and budget form. Supporting documentation such as letters of support, maps, and photos may be included, but must not exceed 10 pages. Proposals must comply with submission guidelines, including a limit of 12 pages for the narrative and a minimum font size of 11 pt. The application deadline is 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Questions may be directed to Grant Program Manager Gail Shaloum via email or phone.
