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DOEE, in collaboration with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, offers the RiverSmart Communities Grant Program. An opportunity for community engagement and clean water in the District.
Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations and houses of worship. Qualifying projects include the installation of green features that will reduce pollution to local waterways, reduce their stormwater fees, and educate the public about water pollution. While prior RiverSmart Communities grant programs focused primarily on effective stormwater treatment, this year's program heavily emphasizes the community engagement and outreach activities that will accompany the installation of stormwater projects.
RiverSmart programs help to reduce stormwater runoff that harms the District’s waterways and the Chesapeake Bay. RiverSmart programs provide financial incentives to help District property owners install green infrastructure such as rain barrels, green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavement, shade trees, and more. These practices allow rainwater to stay on site, remove pollution and soak into the ground.
Note: This grant program will not fund projects that are required to meet stormwater regulations.
Anticipated Timeline:
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Rolling application period: June – December 2025
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Office Hours available Monday to Friday during business hours: Contact Jordan Gochenaur at [email protected]
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Anticipated awards announced: Quarterly (August & December)
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Kickoff Meetings with awarded applicants: Quarterly (August & December)
Applicants wishing to install stormwater practices on their property through this exciting program must
1. Provide a plan for reaching their audience through outreach and engagement opportunities
2. Demonstrate their ability and long-term commitment to maintain the installed stormwater best management practices (BMPs). Eligible BMPs include, but are not limited to, shade trees, rain gardens/bioretention cells, impervious surface removal and replacement with pervious/vegetated surfaces, cisterns that drain to other BMPs, stormwater planters, and swales.
More information about these best management practices can be found on the Stormwater Management page.
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