MSD Project Clear Rainscaping Small Grants Program

MSD Project Clear Rainscaping Small Grants Program is sponsored by Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD). Grants for rainscaping projects such as rain gardens, native plantings, and permeable pavement to manage stormwater.

Eligibility covers St. Louis City and most of St. Louis County, within the MSD service area.

Pre-approval is required.

Small Grants Program - Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Rainscaping Small Grants Program The MSD Rainscaping Small Grants Program is open! There are no application deadlines – we accept applications on a rolling basis.

Read below for more information. Check your eligibility on this linked map. *Please note, there is some overlap in the MSD and Deer Creek program areas, and you may qualify for both programs.

Landowners may only receive ONE award from ONE of these rainscaping programs. Landowners may not receive multiple awards from one program or an award from both programs. Our next in-person orientation is scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, 2026 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at St.

Louis County Library’s Florissant Valley Branch. Please note: The Library is managing registration and requires RSVPs. For more information and to register, click HERE .

RIVER DES PERES APPLICANTS: We received a robust response from our River des Peres focus area and have allocated nearly all available funds for the 2026 funding cycle (fewer than 10 spots remain) . We welcome continued submission of applications, but be aware that we may need to waitlist them for review until the next funding cycle opens in July 2027. Funds remain available to Mississippi and Stormwater Quality area applicants!

IMPORTANT PROGRAM UPDATE: Beginning October 1, 2025, ALL Small Grants applicants may request up to $4,000 for residential projects or $10,000 for institutional projects. Small Grant Program Overview Learn a bit about MSD’s goals, role in the community and why this and other programs are taking place. The Rainscaping Team sends official communications regarding the Small Grants Program via email.

Be sure to add rainscaping@mobot. org to your address book and check your spam folder periodically to make sure that you do not miss any messages. After watching all videos and reading through the Landowner Handbook in its entirety, feel free to direct any additional questions you have to the Rainscaping Team at rainscaping@mobot.

org or 314-577-0202. The Metropolitan Sewer District and the Missouri Botanical Garden are committed to offering this program to all eligible participants. Should you require any accessibility accommodations, please contact rainscaping@mobot.

org or 314-577-0202. Do NOT begin installation until your application is approved and you have received a Notice to Proceed. The Orientation video below and the Landowner Handbook will serve as your guide throughout the application process.

After viewing the orientation video, complete the survey to satisfy the Program’s orientation requirement. Electronic applications will not be accepted. You must mail or hand-deliver your application to the address at the bottom of the page.

Typical Application Evaluation Timelines While there are no deadlines, we recommend submitting your application by: January for a Spring Installation June for a Fall Installation You can expect reimbursement 4-5 months after you submit your Project Completion Packet, if you submit by mid-October. Click HERE to watch a tutorial when you are ready to fill out your Project Completion Packet.

The review process typically includes a scheduled site visit for a reviewer to see your installation in person. Submission after mid-October may not allow enough time for us to schedule a site visit with you before plants go dormant for the winter. This could extend your reimbursement timeline into spring.

MSD Project Clear & The Community Project Clear is MSD’s initiative to improve water quality and alleviate many wastewater concerns in the St. Louis region. MSD will invest billions of dollars over a generation for community rainscaping projects, system improvements, and an ambitious program of maintenance and repair.

Rainscaping investments alone will total $120 million. Last season, over 100 applications received grant funding, totaling more than $425,000. To meet the program’s orientation requirement, attend an in-person presentation or watch the recorded video orientation below, then complete the following survey.

Check the Program Updates section at the top of this webpage or contact The Rainscaping Team for information about upcoming in-person orientations. If you still have questions after completing the orientation videos and reading through the Landowner Handbook in its entirety, please contact The Rainscaping Team. (314) 577-0202 | Rainscaping@mobot.

org Rainscaping Small Grants Application : The official form to apply for the program. Please download this document before editing to save your progress. Landowner Handbook : Essential guide outlining program requirements.

2. Rainscaping Informational Resources Missouri Botanical Garden Native Landscaping Resources : A guide to native landscaping in Missouri including a chapter on rain gardening and stormwater management. Missouri Botanical Garden Rainscaping Guidance : Detailed informational guide on a variety of rainscaping features.

Rain Garden Maintenance : Tips and guidelines for maintaining rain gardens. 3. Contractor and Educational Signage Resources List of Contractors : Contact information and rainscaping program services provided by contractors who have attended training with The Rainscaping Team and successfully completed a project through the Small Grants Program.

Educational Signage Resources : Resources for purchasing educational rainscaping and plant signage. 4. Rainscaping Design Documents Sample Landscaping Plan : An example plan to help guide your rainscaping design.

Sample Itemized Budget: An example of how to format your itemized budget if it does not fit on the provided application space. Blank Grid Paper for Plan : Printable grid paper for sketching and planning your rainscaping project.

Applications must be submitted in physical form to this address: MSD Project Clear Rainscaping Small Grants c/o Missouri Botanical Garden – Sustainability Division Be sure to make a copy for yourself, in case anything is lost in the mail and consider saving electronically.