Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed Small Grants

The Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed Small Grants Program provides financial support for grassroots and community-led environmental projects within the Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed of Pierce County, Washington. This program is part of a broader collaboration between Pierce County and several watershed councils to enhance habitat and water quality across the region. Specifically, the Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed Council (CCWC) administers this funding opportunity to advance projects aligned with its mission to protect, enhance, and steward the local watershed. The Council promotes collaborative engagement among local agencies, nonprofits, and residents, and emphasizes improvements in fish habitat, water quality, and environmental education. The small grants program provides up to $2,500 per individual project. Grants are not reimbursable—recipients receive funds upfront to help reduce barriers for small organizations and individuals. Applicants must document actual expenses incurred and submit a final project report by July 31, 2027. Additionally, awardees are expected to present their project outcomes to the Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed Council during the 2027 cycle. Funds are typically disbursed approximately one month after all required tax and legal documentation is received, including a W-9 form. For individuals not affiliated with an institution, fiscal sponsorship is required to receive funds. Applications are due by May 6, 2026, and can be submitted online. Interested applicants may attend a virtual office-hours session scheduled for March 25, 2026, from 3:00–5:00 p.m., where they can discuss project ideas and application questions with grant administrators. These sessions are intended to assist prospective grantees in refining their proposals and aligning them with the CCWC’s goals. Eligible applicants include individuals, nonprofit organizations, teachers, schools, tribes, and government entities. The grant excludes funding for profit-making ventures, political lobbying, or advocacy projects. Applications must be complete and include details such as the project description, timeline, itemized budget, and responses to evaluation criteria. Evaluation criteria include consistency with the 2025–2030 CCWC Action Agenda, expected environmental outcomes, community engagement strategy, resource efficiency, equity impacts, and partnership or in-kind leverage. The Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed covers approximately 149 square miles, including parts of Tacoma, Lakewood, University Place, Fircrest, Steilacoom, DuPont, and Ruston. Key natural features include Chambers, Clover, and Spanaway Creeks, as well as several lakes and wetland systems. With a population of over 400,000 residents and multiple overlapping jurisdictions—including military installations and a drainage district—the watershed council plays a critical role in convening stakeholders to address shared environmental challenges. This recurring annual grant program provides a crucial opportunity for residents and organizations to contribute to the long-term health of the watershed.