The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) in the District of Columbia is offering a grant opportunity titled "Restoring the District’s Natural Areas" to support restoration and community engagement efforts in publicly-owned parks and green spaces. The purpose of the grant is to address environmental degradation in natural areas, particularly those historically underserved, by removing trash and invasive species and maintaining green infrastructure such as stormwater management systems. In parallel, DOEE aims to foster community involvement and long-term stewardship through educational activities, job opportunities, and outreach initiatives.
The program is administered by DOEE’s Natural Resources Administration - Watershed Protection Division and is funded through local funds. A total of $150,000 is available, with the Department expecting to make up to three awards. Individual grant awards will range from a minimum of $50,000 up to the full $150,000. The performance period will run through September 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension for up to three additional years, subject to funding availability and grantee performance.
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, faith-based organizations, private enterprises, educational institutions, and government agencies. Priority will be given to projects located in Wards 7 and 8 and within DOEE’s Targeted Subwatersheds. Projects must include clear plans for restoration, quantifiable outputs such as pounds of trash removed or invasive species cleared, and specific strategies for engaging local communities beyond one-off clean-up events.
Applications must be submitted electronically via DOEE’s Grants Management System no later than 11:59 PM on November 3, 2025. The grant program encourages applicants to attend one of the two pre-application webinars, scheduled for October 8 and October 15, 2025. Applicants must submit a detailed work plan, budget, staffing plan, and supporting documentation, including letters of support for projects taking place on public land. DOEE expects successful applicants to provide quarterly reports and a final project report quantifying environmental and community engagement outcomes.
The grant is reimbursable, though advance payments may be approved on a case-by-case basis. DOEE will monitor grantees through site visits, audits, and regular reporting. Applicants are required to submit compliance documentation, including a Certificate of Good Standing, Certificate of Clean Hands, financial statements, a separation of duties policy, and registration in SAM.gov. Preference points are available for local District-based organizations and projects targeting priority areas.
Proposals should emphasize quantifiable outcomes, creative community engagement strategies beyond volunteer events, detailed restoration plans, and targeted work in Wards 7 and 8 or DOEE-priority subwatersheds
