US: Rose Foundation’s Puget Sound Stewardship & Mitigation Fund

Deadline: 12-Sep-22

The Rose Foundation is inviting applications for the Puget Sound Stewardship & Mitigation Fund.

The Fund's goal is to mitigate past pollution runoff by supporting community-based efforts to protect or improve the water quality of Puget Sound.

Since inception in 2012, almost $6M in grants have been awarded for projects in Puget Sound related to conservation, restoration, citizen science, environmental justice, shoreline access, and environmental education.

Funding Information

Maximum $30,000 (even if requesting asking for multi-year support).
They've specifically reserved some of the grant funds for smaller grassroots organizations, and they encourage proposals from local, volunteer-based groups and environmental justice-oriented organizations.
If your organization has an annual budget of $150,000 or less, they recommend applying for a grant of $10,000 or less.

Eligible Projects

Here are some examples of the types of projects that are eligible for funding. These are only examples.
- Water quality monitoring and testing including sediment impact analysis, especially if the project also includes an element that uses the data to promote enhanced water quality.
- Innovative low-impact development or green infrastructure projects intended to reduce stormwater pollution or other water quality impacts.
- Water quality-related policy development and associated public outreach.
- Public education and environmental education, especially if the project also includes an element that mobilizes community members and/or students around specific actions to protect water quality.
- Shoreline or riparian restoration and other hands-on stewardship activities.
- Public access in underserved and urbanized areas, which traditionally have disproportionately fewer areas dedicated to parks and open spaces.

Eligibility Criteria

Types of Projects Supported: Projects designed to improve (or prevent degradation of) the water quality of Puget Sound and its watershed. Project activities include water stewardship, advocacy, outreach and education, restoration, and watershed protection. Project proposals with strong community involvement and participation are especially encouraged.
Geographic Focus: for the current grant cycle projects designed to improve (or prevent degradation of) the water quality of Puget Sound and its watershed. To be eligible for a grant, the projects must benefit:
- The water of South Sound, especially Budd Inlet, Muck Creek, and Nisqually River.
- Commencement Bay, including Hylebos Waterway.
- Limited Funds: Duwamish River and Central Sound
Applicant requirements: The applicant must demonstrate the capacity to complete the proposed project, including experience in successfully conducting similar or otherwise related work in the past. If your organization is large with a multi-million dollar budget, we encourage you to include a locally-based group in your proposal.
Environmental Justice: Supporting environmental and social justice is a core organizational value that guides the Fund and the Rose Foundation. Applications from local, volunteer-based groups and environmental justice-oriented organizations are highly encourage. Projects that involve impacted, vulnerable communities and are centered on principles of equity are be given preference.
Duration of Support: Most grants are for a one-year period; however, you do not have to ask for a one-year grant. It is permitted to request a shorter or longer grant period if that is what you need.
Frequency of Applying: Organizations that have been funded may re-apply in the next cycle after their grant report has been submitted. After three consecutive years of funding, groups must wait two years before reapplying.
Non-profit Status: The applicant must be a 501(c) 3 organization, fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)3, or a governmental or tribal entity. If your small neighborhood-based organization is not a 501(c) 3 or already has a fiscal sponsor, but has a compelling project, the Rose Foundation may be willing to act as your fiscal sponsor for this grant proposal. Please contact us for details. Nonprofit colleges, universities, university clinics, and graduate programs are eligible to apply, but university overhead is limited to 5% of grant award.