Deadline: 31-Jul-20
The Watershed Institute’s Small Grant Program has supported local watershed and conservation nonprofits in their work to protect the state’s environment and inspire a shared vision for the stewardship of New Jersey’s watersheds.
The focus of their grants program is environmental education and outreach, specifically as it relates to grant program’s Targeted Actions: Water Quality Science and Education, Stormwater Policy, Green Infrastructure and Climate Change Resiliency.
The Watershed Institute’s Small Grant Program, which has given about $1.1 million to recipients since 2003, is now in it’s 18th year. The program aims to help the efforts of small watershed and conservation organizations throughout New Jersey in their work toward building capacity and partnerships in support of a shared vision for watershed protection. The grant program is made possible by the generous funding of the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.
Funding Information
Grant awards range from $1,000 to $8,500, with in-kind matching strongly encouraged but not required.
Eligible Activities
- Water Quality Science and Education: Promote data-to-action efforts of organizations monitoring water quality, increase accessibility of water quality information, and improve communication to the public on why good water quality is important to environmental and community wellbeing
- Stormwater Policy: Promote collaborative efforts with state, county, and municipal officials (where practical) to advocate for improved stormwater rules and ordinances beyond the current minimal and often ineffective requirements
- Green Infrastructure: Educate landowners, municipal decision-makers, and the public on the role of impervious cover in flooding, using green infrastructure as a solution, and green infrastructure best practices (including the importance of long-term maintenance)
- Climate Change Resiliency: Incorporate resiliency and adaptation into all aspects of future projects, planning, and policy efforts, and increase the accessibility of information and appropriate tools regarding climate change impacts
Eligibility Criteria
- Nonprofit environmental groups that have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status and conduct work in New Jersey are eligible to apply for funds.
- Organizations not classified as tax-exempt may not use a conduit organization.
- Priority will be given to New Jersey-based watershed organizations.
For more information, visit https://thewatershed.org/current-institute-grant-cycle/