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, schools, churches and businesses 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 led by schools, art organizations, and environmental or faith groups that share our mission to protect the District’s water resources. Partner grants provide assistance for educating the public and promoting clean water actions within the watershed. Grants are awarded once per year in December and awards range from $2,000 to $20,000.
Go to Partner GrantsStewardship Grants
Stewardship Grants help homeowners, businesses, schools, and community organizations design and build projects that prevent stormwater pollution. Through this program, CRWD hopes to encourage a strong ethic of water resource stewardship within the watershed. Grant awards typically range from $300 to $40,000 and applications are accepted year-round.
Go to Stewardship Grants
Water Quality Planning Grants
Water Quality 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 Water Quality Planning GrantsWater Quality Capital Improvement Grants
Water Quality Capital Improvement Project Grants provide financial assistance for final engineering and construction 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 $40,000-$150,000 and applications are accepted up to two times each year.
Go to Water Quality Capital Improvement Grants
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:
Stewardship Grants help businesses, schools, community organizations and homeowners build projects that prevent stormwater pollution.
Water Quality Planning and Capital Improvement Grants fund construction or design costs for projects that improve water quality and have high visibility or educational value.
Partner Grants fund programs led by schools, arts, environmental or faith groups that educate residents and promote clean water actions.
Rain Barrel Workshop Grants provide assistance to neighborhood groups who organize a community rain barrel construction workshop.
Abandoned Well Sealing Grants are used for sealing abandoned wells that are within the District. -
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.
Maintenance
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.
Community rain garden maintenance, for example, is often necessary to keep rain gardens functioning as stormwater filters. Regular weeding, excess dirt and debris removal, native plant replacement, frequent watering and flood prevention are among the maintenance activities required for rain gardens.