Water Quality and Stewardship Project in Minnesota and Wisconsin

The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) provides Action Grants to fund significant water quality and environmental stewardship projects. These grants aim to support initiatives that have already undergone thorough planning, including budgeting, securing landowner permissions, and preparing construction plans or plant lists, if applicable. Grants can provide up to $50,000, with a requirement for a 25% matching contribution from the applicant, which can be met through cash or in-kind support. The application process is competitive, and final decisions on funding are made by the MWMO Board of Commissioners. Projects that are not fully planned should consider applying for a Planning Grant first. Action Grant projects are typically large in scope and seek to make a considerable impact on water quality and community engagement. Eligible activities include implementing erosion control measures, planting native vegetation buffers, ecological restoration such as invasive species removal and native species establishment, and constructing stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs). The grants may also support outreach programs aimed at fostering long-term behavioral changes in water conservation and pollution reduction. Other eligible projects include constructing pervious surfaces, developing educational curricula, conducting communication campaigns, and organizing water-themed workshops and events. Projects should aim not only to improve water quality but also to serve as models for innovative practices. Applicants must submit their applications by December 13, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., using the subject line "Stewardship Fund — Action Grant Application." The submission must include a detailed budget form that outlines the projected expenses. Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss their project ideas with MWMO staff in advance of submission to ensure alignment with grant criteria and address any questions. Initial applications will be reviewed by MWMO staff, and selected candidates will be invited to meet for a more detailed discussion and potential proposal revisions. Final applications are due by January 10, 2025, and will be reviewed by both MWMO staff and the Citizen Advisory Committee, with funding recommendations requiring approval by the MWMO Board of Commissioners during their March 2025 meeting. Grant funds must be used for expenses directly related to the implementation of the project, such as construction costs, materials, consultants, or educational outreach activities. Expenses that do not contribute directly to the project goals, such as administrative overhead, general operational costs, or lobbying, are ineligible. Additionally, Action Grant funds cannot be used to satisfy regulatory compliance requirements unless the project incorporates innovative elements that exceed standard requirements. Grant recipients are expected to participate in an orientation, maintain regular communication with MWMO staff, and attend periodic project meetings to discuss progress. They must also adhere to the project budget and provide necessary documentation for expenses and deliverables. Award notifications will follow the Board's decision in March 2025, with the next application cycle to be announced at a later date.