Watershed Grants Program

The County's Clean Water Montgomery grant program is shaped by two core objectives:

Sustainable environmental behavior change; and
Local water quality improvement

The goal of the grants program is to promote initiatives and projects that reduce pollutants and improve water quality in Montgomery County’s local streams and waterways through public engagement, education, and community-based, on-the-ground restoration.

To support these objectives, the County has contracted with the Chesapeake Bay Trust (CBT) to develop the grants and serve as the administrator. The grant program is funded entirely through the County’s Water Quality Protection Charge and all proposals are evaluated by a Technical Review Committee prior to being awarded.

What this program funds

The Montgomery County Watershed Restoration and Outreach Grant Program funds public outreach and stewardship projects, and community-based restoration water quality implementation projects. 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.

Learn more about the program criteria, eligibility requirements, and funding availability and application process visit the Chesapeake Bay Trust website.

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Types of Projects

Public Outreach and Stewardship - Projects assisting non-profits to educate, engage, and change the behavior of residents to achieve water quality improvement.
Community-based Restoration – Designs for construction-ready “in-the-ground” projects demonstrating runoff reduction and local water quality improvement on non-profit-owned property such as faith-based organizations.
Tree planting – Projects that focus on increasing and restoring tree canopy. Projects should focus on enhancing water quality and achieve multiple co-benefits to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Litter Reduction – Project focused on reducing litter in the Anacostia watershed and countywide through awareness and community stewardship efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply

Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization such as local watershed groups, community associations, service and civic groups, faith-based organizations, and more. Applicants must include at least one partner that represents a stakeholder group based in Montgomery County, Maryland.

How much can be awarded?

Award amounts are set each year based on available funds.

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

Program Status

Visit the CBT website for the most up-to-date program status.

Grant Application Process

The Chesapeake Bay Trust's grant applications are all submitted through an online system. If you have questions regarding the application process, please contact CBT.

Application deadline: Typically, the fall of each year.