The Watershed Assistance Grant Program is seeking request for proposals (RFPs) from county governments seeking grants to assist with design funding for projects outlined in a county’s Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP).  The deadline for submitting an RFP is September 3, 2015, at 4:00 PM.

Funding awards are generally for less than $75,000 and matches are encouraged but not required.  Both local governments and nonprofit organizations may apply for the grants.  Total available grant funding for FY 2016 is approximately $1.5 million.

Watershed Assistance Grant Program – Milestone Support Grant Information

From the support grant information document:

The Chesapeake Bay Trust and the Maryland Departments of Natural Resources and Environment welcome requests from local governments and non-profit organizations for assistance with the earliest phases of watershed restoration projects.  Support is available for watershed restoration project designs and for watershed planning and programmatic development. The ultimate goal of the projects funded through this opportunity will be improved water quality in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the Maryland portion of the Youghiogheny watershed, and the Maryland Coastal Bays and, specifically, progress towards goals of the Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) process.  This opportunity is intended to enhance local engagement in near-term WIP goals. …

Applicants must submit proposals using the online grants system by 4:00 pm on September 3, 2015.   Late applications will not be accepted, and the online funding opportunity will close promptly at 5:00 pm. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit at least a few days prior to the deadline given potential for high website traffic on the due date.  The Trust cannot guarantee availability of technical assistance for our online grants system on the deadline date.