2025 Water Quality Grant Program

The Ellensburg Community Grant Program offers a water quality-focused grant to support community-based projects aimed at improving or protecting surface water quality. Funded by the Stormwater Utility, this grant aligns with the broader mission of fostering a healthy environment where water quality sustains diverse organisms and safeguards public health. The program provides funding for community groups to engage in outreach, education, assessments, planning, implementation, prevention, and control initiatives specifically targeting the city's surface water. The grant targets eligible volunteer groups, including youth, seniors, non-profit organizations, and educational organizations. While business and governmental partners are encouraged to participate, they cannot be the primary applicants. The overarching impact goal is to improve stormwater quality within Ellensburg city limits. Projects are expected to demonstrate tangible improvements in surface water quality, educate a significant and diverse portion of Ellensburg's population about water quality and protective actions, and promote best practices to reduce or eliminate adverse impacts on water quality. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrably improve surface water quality, educate residents on water quality and actions to protect it, and teach best practices to minimize water quality impacts. Examples of eligible projects include public outreach and education, yard care initiatives, and litter pickup, all aimed at benefiting stormwater quality within the city. Projects must be situated within city limits, and if on publicly owned property, an agreement addressing various terms, including the use of minors as volunteers and hold harmless clauses, will be required. A total of $10,000 is available for this grant cycle. Expected outcomes include a more informed community regarding water quality issues, a reduction in pollutants impacting surface waters, and a greater adoption of environmentally sound practices. The program’s theory of change is that by empowering and funding community groups to engage in direct action and education, Ellensburg can achieve measurable improvements in its surface water quality, thereby enhancing ecological health and public well-being. Grant funds explicitly prohibit projects that involve or promote the use of alcohol.