Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD) grant programs provide financial and technical assistance to help build projects that protect local lakes and the Mississippi River. Polluted runoff – stormwater that flows over impervious surfaces and into storm sewers – is a leading cause of water pollution in lakes and rivers, particularly in urban areas. Much of the land in CRWD is already developed and privately owned, so working with residents, non-profits, schools, businesses, and faith-based groups that build clean water projects is essential for improving water quality. Find out if you or your organization qualify for a water conservation grant in Saint Paul or the surrounding areas.
Grants
Partner Grants
Partner Grants fund programs and projects led by community, arts and environmental organizations, schools, faith-based groups and cities that increase clean water knowledge and actions. Grants are awarded once per year in December and awards range from $5,000 to $20,000. Visit the Partner Grants page for more details on eligibility, schedule and reporting.
Go to Partner GrantsClean Water Project Grants
Clean Water Project Grants help build clean water projects that prevent stormwater pollution and promote water resource stewardship. Residents, non-profits, schools, businesses, and public agencies are eligible to apply. To encourage clean water projects in areas historically underrepresented, projects in the Focus Area will receive additional consideration. Grant awards typically range from $500 – $200,000 and applications are accepted year-round.
Go to Clean Water Project Grants
Planning Grants
Planning Grants provide financial assistance for feasibility and design of innovative projects that protect and improve water quality in CRWD. Public, private and non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. The typical grant award is $10,000-$30,000 and applications are accepted anytime.
Go to Planning GrantsClean Water Project Maintenance Grants
Creating stormwater improvements is only a first step in protecting the District’s water resources. Ongoing maintenance ensures that CRWD grant projects continue to capture and clean stormwater runoff. Maintenance Grants are available for eligible Clean Water Project Grant projects. Grant awards range from $200 -$2,000 annually for the life of the project. Applications are accepted year-round for past clean water projects.
Clean Water Project Maintenance Grants
Native Landscape Grants
Native Landscape Grants build native landscaping in CRWD’s Focus Area. Through this program, CRWD hopes to foster the expansion of native plant communities and improve water quality in select areas within the watershed. Property owners in the Focus Areas are eligible to apply. Grants awards are one-time up to $1,000 and applications are accepted year-round.
Go To Native Landscape Grants
Project Maintenance and Resources
From getting started to regular upkeep, find helpful resources for your clean water projects here. Creating stormwater improvements is only a first step in protecting the District’s water resources. Ongoing maintenance ensures that CRWD grant projects continue to capture and clean stormwater runoff. A maintenance component is essential for every CRWD grant project, and the District can help residents identify and execute maintenance best practices for all projects submitted for grant consideration.
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Rain Barrel Workshop Grants
Rain Barrel Workshop Grants provide assistance to groups who organize and host an educational rain barrel workshop. Awards cover up to $50 for each participant and can be used to purchase ready-made rain barrels or materials to build your own. All projects must include an educational component and provide each participant with their very own rain barrel.
Go to Rain Barrel Workshop GrantsWell-Sealing Grants
Well-Sealing Grants are awarded year-round and can be used for sealing abandoned wells that are within the District. Old or abandoned wells can be a public health hazard and a pathway for groundwater contaminants. Award amounts typically cover 50 percent of the cost of well sealing, with up to $750 total funding provided per well. The service must be performed by a licensed well sealing contractor.
Go to Well-Sealing Grants
FAQ
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Yes – CRWD grants provide financial and technical assistance to help build projects that protect local lakes and the Mississippi River. Polluted runoff is a leading cause of water pollution in lakes and rivers, particularly in urban areas like the District. As much of the land in CRWD is already developed and privately owned, working with residents who build clean water projects is essential for improving water quality.
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CRWD offers a variety of grant programs for its residents:
- Partner Grants fund programs led by schools, arts, environmental or faith groups that educate residents and promote clean water actions.
- Clean Water Project Grants help residents, non-profits, schools, businesses, and public agencies build projects that prevent stormwater pollution.
- Planning Grants fund feasibility or design costs for projects that improve water quality and have high visibility or educational value.
- Clean Water Project Maintenance Grants help eligible clean water project grantees to ensure the projects continue to provide water quality benefits.
- Native Landscapes Grants provide assistance in select areas in the watershed, CRWD’s Focus Area, to build native landscaping projects.
- Rain Barrel Workshop Grants provide assistance to neighborhood groups who organize a community rain barrel construction workshop.
- Well Sealing Grants are used for sealing abandoned wells that are within the District.
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To apply for a CRWD grant, the first step is to learn the specific application requirements for each grant. Then, grant applicants will work with CRWD and its partners to determine the projects they want to pursue. Once the application is submitted and approved by CRWD, provide reimbursement to the grant recipients.
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To check the status of a submitted grant application please contact CRWD online or call (651) 644-8888.
Past Grant Projects
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Lake McCarrons Shoreline Restoration
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Great River School
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Bang Brewing Company
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