Stewardship Funding Grants from Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO)

Article by Becky Fillinger  Photo credit: MWMO

Adam Flett, Communications and Outreach Specialist, MWMO Listen up neighborhood organizations, block clubs, non-profits, home owner associations and more – three types of grants are available to you from MWMO for projects that range from Community Grants, Planning Grants and Action Grants. We talked to Adam Flett, Communications and Outreach Specialist and Alicia Beattie, Capital Projects and Stewardship Specialist, about the different types of funding available and how to apply. 

Q:  Please tell us more about your Stewardship Funding Grants. How many years have they been awarded?

A:  Stewardship Fund Grants are designed to support small- to medium-sized projects and programs to manage stormwater, control pollution, and improve water quality and habitat.

Alicia Beattie, Capital Projects and Stewardship Specialist, MWMOOur Stewardship Fund Grant program has been around for approximately 20 years, and has spawned a wide range of creative projects. The grants can be used for in-the-ground infrastructure like raingardens, but they can also be used for more outreach-focused projects that help build community understanding, initiative, and engagement in creating solutions. 

Our board of commissioners recently approved a funding increase for the program, so that up to 40 percent more money is available in a given year to support our three different grant types. Community Grants (up to $5,000) are available for short-term or small-scale projects. Planning Grants (up to $20,000) help organizations prepare planning and design documents for future projects. Action Grants (up to $50,000) are our largest Stewardship Fund Grant type, and are used to fund water quality and stewardship projects that are significant in scope and cost.

Full information on grant types and eligibility can be found on our Stewardship Fund Grants web page. (For large-scale, innovative projects over $50,000, the MWMO also has a separate Capital Project Grants program.) 

Q:  Who may apply? Is it intended for individuals or organizations? 

A:  Eligible applicants include non-profit organizations, schools, faith-based organizations, local units of government, and business or homeowner associations. Individuals, for-profit businesses, and political organizations are not eligible to receive funding directly; however, they may partner with eligible organizations to apply for our grants.

The grants are awarded through a competitive process. Applications that demonstrate a number of connections between organizations, communities and individuals tend to appear more competitive in a pool of applicants. Our watershed is incredibly diverse, and creating partnerships that invest in leadership from individuals and communities of color, or other groups that have been marginalized, are central to the Stewardship Fund.

Q:  Do you supervise the projects to ensure compliance with MWMO policies?

A:  There are certainly parts of the project that need to meet our policies, particularly those related to what is required when entering a contract agreement with the MWMO. This might include rules around where money can be spent, or helping our grantee partners understand what are permissible activities when using government funding. We also provide guidance to help ensure that projects are achieving their expected outcomes.

Q:  Are matching funds required?

A:  We don’t require matching funds for Community Grants. For our Planning and Action Grants, a 25 percent match is required. The match may consist of cash or in-kind support (e.g., volunteer time, donated materials, or services).

Q:  How are the grants funded?

A:  The MWMO is a joint-powers local unit of government. The MWMO raises funds via a property tax levy to carry out our mission. This annual levy is the primary source of revenue for all of the MWMO’s activities, including the Stewardship Fund program.

Grant applications are reviewed by MWMO staff, with invitations to meet and discuss project ideas. Selected applicants use feedback to complete final applications. Planning and Action Grant applications are also reviewed by the Citizen Advisory Committee and are brought to the MWMO Board of Commissioners for final review and approval.

Q:  Do you provide help in writing the grant requests? 

A:  We take an active role in helping applicants think through their project before they apply. We meet with potential grant applicants and discuss their ideas, provide feedback on what requirements must be addressed or what would make the idea more compelling during review, and assist in creating connections with potential partners. We offer to look at grant application materials and provide suggestions prior to the deadlines. We also continue to offer support to grantees after funds are awarded, with tips and guidance on project management, design review, communications, outreach, long-term maintenance strategies, and more.

Q:  What's the timeline of the grant cycle?

A:  For Community Grants, there are typically two rounds per year, with initial deadlines in April and December. Planning Grants are due once annually in March, with award in July. Action Grants are due once annually in November, with award in March. Projects must be completed within one year after the contract is signed.

Watershed Trash Can Mural - Community Grant 

Elliot Park Skate Plaza - Action Grant

Islamic Cultural  Community Center - Action Grant 

East Side Water Watch - Community Grant

Nicollet Island Restoration (Planning Grant, Action Grant)

Q:  Could you tell us about prior grantee projects?

A:  Projects have ranged from neighborhood-led efforts to restore woodland and prairie habitat to educational programming for kids. Each project helps increase stewardship and community awareness of ways to improve urban water quality and habitat. A few recent examples include a North Loop neighborhood-led initiative to restore habitat at James Rice Park, construction of raingardens at University Baptist Church, and implementation of the Northeast Adopt-a-Drain Challenge.

Q: How may we follow your news?

A: You can sign up to receive e-newsletters on our website at mwmo.org where it says “Subscribe to email updates” at the bottom of the landing page. We also post regularly on social media – Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Folks can also contact staff directly with questions and project ideas.