Retain Your Rain Mini-Grant

The Retain Your Rain Mini-Grant is a recurring grant program administered by the City of Norfolk, Virginia through its Office of Resilience. This program reflects the city's ongoing commitment to mitigating stormwater runoff and improving environmental sustainability through community-based green infrastructure projects. The grant initiative supports grassroots environmental efforts aimed at capturing and managing rainwater, enhancing urban resilience, and fostering civic engagement across Norfolk neighborhoods. Administered twice a year, the Retain Your Rain Mini-Grant offers financial support to nonprofit organizations and neighborhood associations for small-scale stormwater retention projects. The grant provides up to $2,500 per project to eligible entities, which can include nonprofit organizations, civic leagues, and neighborhood associations legally recognized by the state as nonprofits. Additionally, entities such as businesses, schools, and churches may apply in partnership with a nonprofit organization. The program specifically funds projects designed to capture and retain rainwater, including but not limited to rain gardens, tree planting, rain barrels, and other innovative methods. Organizations that have previously received funding through this program may also apply for supplemental funding to maintain or expand their original projects, allowing for sustained environmental impact. Applicants must meet several requirements to be eligible for funding. They must submit documentation verifying nonprofit status and commit to hosting a volunteer event or a comparable outreach activity prior to the grant closeout. Selected grantees are also required to submit a W-9 form. These conditions ensure that funded projects not only benefit the environment but also engage the community in meaningful ways. The emphasis on volunteer involvement highlights the city’s broader strategy of encouraging resident participation in environmental stewardship. The application process is straightforward. Interested applicants must complete the official application form and submit it via email to [email protected] or deliver it to 501 Boush Street, Norfolk, VA 23510. The city opens two funding windows each year: spring and fall. For the Spring 2026 cycle, applications are accepted from January 1 through March 1, with grant awards announced by April 1. For the Fall 2026 cycle, applications are accepted from July 1 through September 1, with awards announced by October 1. There is no pre-application process such as a letter of intent or concept paper required. Organizations uncertain about their eligibility or with questions about project ideas are encouraged to contact the Office of Resilience directly at (757) 840-1484 or [email protected]. This accessibility demonstrates the city’s commitment to inclusive engagement and support for potential applicants. If an organization is not eligible on its own but has a qualifying project idea, the city offers to help connect them with eligible partners, broadening access to this funding opportunity. The Retain Your Rain Mini-Grant represents an important effort by the City of Norfolk to support local solutions to urban water management challenges. Through targeted investments in small-scale green infrastructure, the grant not only addresses pressing environmental issues but also strengthens community capacity and awareness around resilience and sustainability practices. Its twice-yearly cycle ensures continuous support for projects that align with the city’s long-term environmental goals.