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 Montgomery County Watershed Restoration and Outreach Grant Program funds public outreach and stewardship projects, community-based restoration water quality implementation 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: Any 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization such as local watershed groups, faith-based organizations, service and civic groups, and more.

How much can be awarded: Up to $30,000 for Public Outreach and Stewardship projects (Track 1) and up to $100,000 for Community Based Restoration (Track 2) projects.

New this year: Up to $50,000 for Litter Reduction in the Anacostia River Watershed projects (Track 3) projects. This track is meant to broaden the people and groups involved in the solutions to reduce litter in the Anacostia River Watershed. Projects must have a defined goal and process that leads to the eventual successful implementation of efforts that reduce litter entering the Anacostia Watershed and/or innovative techniques to influence positive behavior change to reduce littering behavior.

Implementation project location: Montgomery County, Maryland outside the municipalities of Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Takoma Park.

Application process: Review the Request for Proposals and submit an application at https://cbtrust.org/grants/montgomery-county-watershed-restoration-outreach/. Applications are due by December 2, 2021 at 4pm EST.

Contact: Jeff Popp| jpopp@cbtrust.org | 410-974-2941 x103