The Watershed Stewardship and Education Grant

The Watershed Stewardship and Education Grant is administered through the Sacramento County Department of Water Resources Stormwater Quality Program. This program reflects the County’s ongoing commitment to protecting and restoring local creeks, rivers, and watersheds. By offering small but impactful awards, the program encourages community-driven stewardship and educational efforts that support clean water, pollution prevention, and ecological restoration in the Sacramento region. The purpose of the grant is to provide financial support for creative projects that engage residents, students, and organizations in protecting waterways. The program specifically seeks projects that promote environmental awareness, reduce stormwater pollution, and inspire behavior changes that contribute to healthier water systems. Examples include classroom and community education, habitat restoration, citizen science, cleanup events, monitoring projects, and outreach activities. Innovative and locally relevant approaches are strongly encouraged. The scope of funding is limited to projects that take place within the boundaries of the Sacramento County Storm Water Utility or that directly affect residents in these areas. Eligible applicants include schools, youth organizations, community and neighborhood groups, service clubs, and nonprofit organizations. Informal groups may also apply, provided they demonstrate innovative ideas and clear benefits to the watershed. Individuals and for-profit organizations are not eligible. The program emphasizes accessibility and collaboration, encouraging groups to partner on shared projects. Grant funds can be used for specific project expenses such as supplies, equipment rental, bus transportation, field trips, printing, postage, and purchase of native vegetation. The grant does not cover salaries, administrative fees, food, refreshments, personal mileage, or major equipment purchases such as cameras and computers. Awardees are expected to complete their projects by May 1, 2026 and submit a final narrative report, receipts, supporting materials, and documentation of results by May 22, 2026. Applications must be submitted by October 17, 2025. Awards will be announced in November 2025, and funds will be distributed in December 2025. The process is straightforward: applicants confirm eligibility, submit an application, wait for review, sign a grant agreement upon approval, complete the project, and submit a final report. Proposals will be evaluated based on educational value, clarity, budget, and outreach. Projects are scored out of 100 points with emphasis placed on increasing awareness of stormwater pollution and demonstrating measurable effectiveness. Applicants are expected to acknowledge the County’s Stormwater Quality Program as a funding source in project materials, follow safety precautions, and ensure the use of native or non-invasive plants for habitat work. The primary contact for this program is Jeanette Huddleston of the Sacramento County Department of Water Resources, who can be reached by email at huddlestonj@saccounty.gov or by phone at (916) 874-4711. Full application materials are available online, including the official application form and guidelines. The program’s recurring annual schedule ensures consistent opportunities for local organizations to develop and expand community stewardship of Sacramento’s watersheds.

Projects evaluated on stormwater education impact, clarity, cost-effectiveness, and outreach; emphasize measurable outcomes and clear educational value