Stewardship Grants

Stewardship Grants help homeowners, businesses, schools, and community organizations build projects that prevent stormwater pollution in Capitol Region Watershed District (CRWD), which includes portions of Saint Paul, Roseville, Falcon Heights, Maplewood, and Lauderdale (view the map of CRWD). Awards range from $300-$40,000 and applications are accepted year-round.

Public and private landowners are eligible for technical and financial assistance to install water quality improvement best management practices (BMPs). Specifically, the program funds BMPs that reduce stormwater runoff, prevent erosion and filter pollutants. Typical BMP projects include but are not limited to:

  • rain gardens 
  • shoreline restoration
  • water reuse systems
  • permeable hardscapes (pavers, asphalt etc.).
View Stewardship Grants Overview PDF

Stewardship Grant Program COVID-19 Response

Updated: June 2, 2020

Summer is here, and with it comes opportunities to improve our landscapes and protect water quality! During this period of staying at home and social distancing to contain the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), CRWD’s Stewardship Grant Program is still available to provide technical assistance and landscape designs. Below are adjustments being made to the program services available to property owners in CRWD. Please note these could change at any time based on new guidance related to COVID-19.

Service Adjustments for Social Distancing Guidance:
• Most site visits will occur onsite while practicing social distancing. Residents may also opt for a virtual visit where staff can use maps and aerial imagery for project planning purposes.
• Property owners do not need to be home or come outside for a site visit. If property owner is not home, staff will request permission to access the property to evaluate project opportunities.

Ongoing Services:
• CRWD staff and Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation Division (RCSWCD) are available via phone, email, and “virtual site visits” (if technology allows) to answer questions and discuss project opportunities.
• Grant awards and administration for projects that have completed designs or are already in-progress will continue.

Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time.

 

How Do I Get Started?

You can start the application process for a Stewardship Grant online using the link below or contact Joe Lochner at Ramsey County Soil & Water Conservation Division at 651-266-7273 or joseph.lochner@co.ramsey.mn.us to coordinate a free site visit.

Work with Joe Lochner to develop a Clean Water Plan for your property based on your discussion during the visit. Your Clean Water Plan will be a diagram illustrating viable project locations throughout your property. It will aslo give you an estimate of the cost of your project as well as potential funding.  

Submit application for approval by CRWD

Implement project and submit information to the District for reimbursement

 

CRWD offers free clean water plans for residents.

Stewardship Grant Interest Form

​How is funding determined?

Stewardship Grant awards are allocated based on the water quality benefits provided by each project. Projects that capture runoff from streets (such as curb-cut rain gardens), parking lots or other impervious surfaces receive higher award amounts due to their higher water quality benefits. These projects could receive up to 95 percent of the total project costs, in addition to free design services. Projects that have a small impact in reducing stormwater volume and pollutants receive a lower grant award or may not qualify for Stewardship Grant funds.

Curb cut rain garden captures runoff from nearby streets
Multiple downspouts flow into a rain garden, allowing runoff to soak into the ground rather than going down the storm drain
Rain gardens at Bang Brewing capture and clean stormwater runoff and provide pollinator habitat
Permeable pavers in a driveway allow water to soak into the ground and reduce runoff
Rain gardens capture and clean stormwater
Stormwater pond at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Saint Paul collects and cleans runnoff from the church parking lot
The boulevard rain garden at this residence captures and cleans street runoff
The restoration along Lake McCarrons' shoreline stabilizes the shoreline and filters out pollutants
The water from neighboring driveways flows into a rain garden where it can soak into the ground
A native plant community garden at Rice Street and Maryland Avenue provides green space and allows water to soak into the ground
This permeable paver patio allows water to soak into the ground