Clean Water Montgomery Grant Program

Clean Water Montgomery Grant Program is sponsored by Montgomery County, Maryland. This program funds watershed restoration, public outreach, water-quality monitoring, tree planting, behavior-change projects, community restoration, and litter reduction in Montgomery County, Maryland.

Clean Water Montgomery - Chesapeake Bay Trust Clean Water Montgomery Grant Program The Montgomery County Government and the Chesapeake Bay Trust announce a grant program to support watershed restoration and outreach projects throughout Montgomery County.

This program aims to promote initiatives and projects which will improve water quality in Montgomery County’s local streams and waterways through public engagement, education, and on-the-ground restoration.

What this funds: The Clean Water Montgomery Grant Program funds public outreach and stewardship projects, community-based restoration water quality implementation projects, tree planting and reforestation projects, and litter reduction projects in the Anacostia River Watershed. Projects should educate and engage residents in watershed improvement while achieving measurable impacts and sustainable behavior change.

Creative and innovative proposals are encouraged. Together, these efforts will restore and protect the local rivers and streams of Montgomery County. Who can apply: Non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, such as local watershed groups, faith-based organizations, service and civic groups, and more.

If your organization does not have a current 501(c)3 status, a fiscal sponsor may be able to apply and secure funds on your behalf and we encourage you to reach out to the Trust for further information.

Public Outreach and Stewardship projects up to $40,000 for knowledge building projects, $60,000 for behavior change projects Community Based Restoration projects up to $100,000 Water Quality Monitoring projects up to $75,000 Litter Reduction in the Anacostia River Watershed projects up to $50,000 Implementation project location: Montgomery County, Maryland outside the municipalities of Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Takoma Park.

Is match required? Match is encouraged but is not required. Preference will be given to projects with match and/or in-kind services.

Pre-Application Site Visit A Pre-Application Site Visit with the Trust and the County should be held for Track 2 restoration projects. Pre-application Site Visit Worksheet “ In 2019, Butler Montessori received an award to replace 3,000 square feet of asphalt in our driveway with permeable pavers. These pavers allow for rainwater to be absorbed into the ground instead of running off.

This reduces erosion of the land and pollution that enters our rivers. In addition, we installed a student-created sign to educate our students and visitors about the water cycle and the important role the pavers play in reducing erosion and pollution. We hope to teach and inspire other schools, businesses, and residents to reduce their asphalt footprint and help the environment.

” Scott Chidakel Business Manager, Butler Montessori “ In 2016, LDS Earth Stewardship received an award to implement stormwater management practices and engage with the community. We have successfully designed, installed, and maintained conservation landscaping while educating the public on sustainable gardening practices and storm water management at historic Pleasant View over a two-year period.

More than 330 volunteers have participated, many being entirely new to planting. All volunteers learned something about the benefits of native plants and conservation landscaping as well as basic techniques for gardening. ” Merikay Smith Board Member, LDS Earth Stewardship “ In 2016, Beth Sholom Congregation and Talmud Torah received an award to install an “Interfaith Greenway” and promote an understanding of environmental stewardship.

The Interfaith Greenway was designed to address issues of stormwater which existed on the properties of St. James Episcopal Church and Beth Sholom Congregation and Talmud Torah. Built along the shared property line of the two faith communities, the Greenway not only addresses stormwater and drainage concerns, but also provides educational and outreach opportunities for the pre-schools and memberships of both organizations.

” David Felsen Board Member, Beth Sholom Congregation and Talmud Torah “ In 2016, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments received an award to remove over 1,470 square feet of an asphalt basketball court located next to a stream and replant the area with native trees and shrubs.

This project engaged the community at several points, including getting community input on the plantings and involving the community during planting days and future maintenance plans.

” Phong Trieu Senior Planner, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Deadline: Friday, November 13, 2026 at 4PM ET Click Here to View the Previous Request for Proposals (RFP) Track 1: Public Outreach and Stewardship Track 2: Community Based Restoration Track 3: Water Quality Monitoring Track 4: Litter Reduction in the Anacostia River Watershed Click the button below to access and learn how to navigate our New Portal System Access The Bay Trust Awards Portal Here!

An Information Session was held on Thursday, September 17, 2026 at 6pm Join Us for Application Office Hours! Do you have questions about the grant program, your eligibility, or your application? Drop into our Biweekly Office Hours from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm every other Wednesday (until program closes on 11/13/26).

Can’t make office hours? No worries – Please reach out to the grant managers to schedule a one-on-one application meeting. Register for Office Hours Here!

Since 2014, 163 projects have been awarded for a total of $7. 2 million in approved awards. Learn more about previously awarded projects on our interactive map!

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