WASHINGTON, DC – January 20, 2016 — The Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE) recently announced the launch of its RiverSmart Innovations Grants Program which will provide funding for innovative projects that positively impact the District’s watersheds and waterbodies. DOEE anticipates awarding multiple grants of up to $20,000 each. Applications are due by 4:30pm on February 29, 2016.
When rain falls on rooftops, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces in the District, it washes trash, oil, grease, sediment, and other pollutants into District waterbodies. The sheer volume of this stormwater runoff is also harmful as it erodes stream channels and washes sediment downstream, degrading aquatic habitat. See an overview of stormwater-related issues in the District.
“We all have a role to play in reducing the harmful impacts of stormwater runoff,” said DOEE Director Tommy Wells. “We’re hoping to receive a wide range of proposals that might include community art installations, seasonal partnerships, habitat restoration projects, green job creation, youth training, and other projects to reduce litter.”
Through this grant opportunity, DOEE seeks to establish new relationships. Applicants must be physically located in the District and are limited to nonprofits, faith-based organizations, government agencies, schools, universities, other educational institutions, and small businesses. Individuals and unincorporated groups (e.g., neighborhood associations or student clubs) are encouraged to partner with an eligible applicant to submit an application.
DOEE will host four pre-application informational meetings to be held:
- January 26 at 3:30pm: DOEE headquarters – 1200 First St NE (NOMA/Gallaudet Metro)
- February 1 at 7pm: Lamond-Riggs library - 5401 South Dakota Ave NE (Fort Totten Metro)
- February 2 at 7pm: Petworth Library – 4200 Kansas Ave NW (Georgia Ave/Petworth Metro)
- February 8 at 7pm: Benning Library – 3935 Benning Road NE (Minnesota Ave Metro)
The full text of the Request for Applications (RFA) is available. Interested applicants may also request a copy of the RFA by emailing a request to [email protected]; or by contacting Emily Rice at (202) 535-2679.
For more information visit the RiverSmart Innovations Grant Program.
CONTACT: Julia Robey Christian, PIO, (202) 741-0842 desk, (202) 450-7878 cell, [email protected]