Community Stormwater Solutions Mini Grant Program

The Community Stormwater Solutions Mini-Grant for Fiscal Year 2025 is a funding opportunity designed to support innovative, community-driven projects that enhance environmental education and stormwater management within the District of Columbia. The Chesapeake Bay Trust, in partnership with the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), administers this program to improve the city's waterways, reduce litter, and engage communities in watershed protection efforts. The grant prioritizes outreach to historically excluded groups, new or small organizations, and aims to simplify the application process to encourage broad participation. The grant specifically aims to fund projects that raise awareness about stormwater runoff and encourage participation in environmental stewardship. Eligible projects should involve community engagement, use culturally inclusive strategies, and address systemic barriers to participation. The three primary project areas supported by the grant are: revitalizing existing green infrastructure, connecting communities to nature through accessible programming, and piloting innovative community-driven stormwater management solutions. All projects must aim to educate, foster behavior change, or engage priority audiences to improve local water quality and environmental health. Applicants may request up to $5,000, with a total of $20,000 available in the FY25 cycle. The grant is distributed on a rolling basis until all funds are exhausted, and applications must be submitted at least eight weeks prior to the proposed start date. The grant review process takes approximately four weeks. Projects must be completed within 12 months, and awardees are required to submit a final report with supporting documentation upon project completion. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, faith-based groups, government agencies, educational institutions, and private enterprises physically located in the District of Columbia. Priority is given to organizations that are small (25 or fewer full-time employees), new applicants, and Minority/Women-Owned Business Enterprises. Individuals and unincorporated associations are not eligible. Projects that are legally mandated, overlap with other DOEE funding, or involve prohibited practices (e.g., pesticide use, invasive species) are ineligible. Applications must be submitted through the Trust’s online portal and include various required documents, including a signed "Promises, Certifications, Assertions, and Assurances" form, IRS W-9, and tax-exemption confirmation. Additional documentation may be needed for projects on public property, such as schools or parks. Applicants must provide detailed information about project goals, community engagement strategies, budgets, timelines, and partner commitments. Evaluation criteria include project need, alignment with program goals, likelihood of success, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and creativity. Special consideration is given to projects located in the District’s Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) area and those submitted by first-time applicants. Comprehensive insurance coverage is required for awardees, and grantees must adhere to all applicable federal and local regulations.