Clean Water Montgomery Watershed Restoration and Outreach Grant Program

Clean Water Montgomery Watershed Restoration and Outreach Grant Program is sponsored by Chesapeake Bay Trust. This program funds public outreach, stewardship, and community-based restoration projects that reduce pollutants and improve water quality in Montgomery County's local streams and waterways.

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 other than for permeable paver installation. For permeable paver installation projects, the budget should include a 20% match from the property owner or entity receiving the permeable paver installation, which may or may not be the applicant organization.

Preference will be given to projects with match and/or in-kind services. Deadline was Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 4PM ET Click Here to View the Previous Request for Proposals (RFP) Watch the recording of our informational webinar! Click Here to View the Recorded Webinar Since 2014, 123 projects have been awarded for a total of $5.

5 million in approved awards. Learn more about previously awarded projects on our interactive map! FY25 Anacostia Watershed Trash Hotspot Survey – Litter Reduction applicants must review this survey when determining project locations.

September 13, 2023 Information Session This session was held during the application stage, to orient potential applicants to the grant program and discuss potential project ideas. Recorded Zoom Presentation April 18, 2024 Post-Application Workshop This session was held to familiarize awardees with the grant program, Montgomery County initiatives, and to discuss grant management best practices.

Recorded Zoom Presentation “ 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 Follow Us to Stay Informed Positions on Global Issues Standing Strong Against Acts of Racism Stream Restoration Practices Investment and Gift Acceptance Policies Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Become a Host Organization Corps Mini Grant (12-mo Only) District of Columbia Community Stormwater Solutions Anne Arundel County Community Tree Planting Anne Arundel County Watershed Restoration and Forestry City of Annapolis Electric Leaf Blower Rebate City of Annapolis Stormwater Facility Maintenance Support Program Charles County Tree Planting City of Rockville Flood Mitigation Assistance Program City of Rockville RainScapes Rebate City of Gaithersburg Rainscapes Reward Program Prince George’s County Community Gardens Mini Grant Prince George’s County Community Resilience Hub Grant Program Prince George’s County Rain Check Rebate Prince George’s Stormwater Stewardship Grant Program Outdoor Learning Network Initiative Youth Environmental Education Grant Program Mid-Atlantic Community Forestry Fund Community Forestry Catalyst Fund Community Engagement & Restoration Mini Grants Veteran’s Engagement Mini Grant Program Healthy Environment, Healthy Communities Grant Program Jones Falls- Healthy Environment, Healthy Communities Grant Program Chesapeake Oyster Innovation Goal Implementation Team Funding Program Maintenance Small Grants Program Pooled Monitoring Initiative’s Restoration Research Award Program Healthy Environment, Healthy Communities Grant Program Jones Falls- Healthy Environment, Healthy Communities Grant Program Applicant Resources, Forms, & Policies Awardee Resources, Forms, & Policies Gifts in Honor, Memory, or Tribute Thomas V.

Mike Miller, Jr. Education Fund Angler, Boater, or Hunter Support Maryland Outdoor Recreation and Clean Water Fund Healing, Hunting, and Fishing Fund Chesapeake Bay Merchandise Plate Perks Program: Discounts for Bay Plate Owners