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Clean Water Montgomery Grant Program

The Montgomery County Government and the Chesapeake Bay Trust announce a grant program to support watershed restoration and outreach projects throughout Montgomery County. This program aims to promote initiatives and projects which will improve water quality in Montgomery County’s local streams and waterways through public engagement, education, and on-the-ground restoration.

What this funds: The Clean Water Montgomery Grant Program funds public outreach and stewardship projects, community-based restoration water quality implementation projects, tree planting and reforestation projects, and litter reduction projects in the Anacostia River Watershed. Projects should educate and engage residents in watershed improvement while achieving measurable impacts and sustainable behavior change. Creative and innovative proposals are encouraged. Together, these efforts will restore and protect the local rivers and streams of Montgomery County.

Who can apply: Non-profit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, such as local watershed groups, faith-based organizations, service and civic groups, and more. If your organization does not have a current 501(c)3 status, a fiscal sponsor may be able to apply and secure funds on your behalf and we encourage you to reach out to the Trust for further information.

How much can be awarded:

  • Public Outreach and Stewardship projects up to $40,000 for knowledge building projects, $60,000 for behavior change projects
  • Community Based Restoration projects up to $100,000
  • Water Quality Monitoring projects up to $75,000
  • Litter Reduction in the Anacostia River Watershed projects up to $50,000

Implementation project location: Montgomery County, Maryland outside the municipalities of Rockville, Gaithersburg, and Takoma Park.

Is match required? Match is encouraged but is not required other than for permeable paver installation. For permeable paver installation projects, the budget should include a 20% match from the property owner or entity receiving the permeable paver installation, which may or may not be the applicant organization. Preference will be given to projects with match and/or in-kind services.

Program Status: OPEN

Deadline is Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 4PM ET

Click Here to View the Request for Proposals (RFP)

Start a New Application

Get Started

Join Us for Application Office Hour!

Do you have questions about the grant program, your eligibility, or your application? Drop into our application office hours from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm every Monday (until program closes on 11/13/25).

Can’t make office hours? No worries – Please reach out to the grant managers to schedule a one-on-one application meeting.

Click Here to Join Our Zoom

Watch the recording of our informational webinar!

Click Here to View the Recorded Webinar

Awarded Projects

Since 2014, 123 projects have been awarded for a total of $5.5 million in approved awards.

Learn More

Learn more about previously awarded projects on our interactive map!

View Map

Contact

Kathy Somoza
ksomoza@cbtrust.org
410-974-2941 x120

September 13, 2023 Information Session

This session was held during the application stage, to orient potential applicants to the grant program and discuss potential project ideas.

April 18, 2024 Post-Application Workshop

This session was held to familiarize awardees with the grant program, Montgomery County initiatives, and to discuss grant management best practices.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

“In 2019, Butler Montessori received an award to replace 3,000 square feet of asphalt in our driveway with permeable pavers. These pavers allow for rainwater to be absorbed into the ground instead of running off. This reduces erosion of the land and pollution that enters our rivers. In addition, we installed a student-created sign to educate our students and visitors about the water cycle and the important role the pavers play in reducing erosion and pollution. We hope to teach and inspire other schools, businesses, and residents to reduce their asphalt footprint and help the environment.”

Scott ChidakelBusiness Manager, Butler Montessori

“In 2016, LDS Earth Stewardship received an award to implement stormwater management practices and engage with the community. We have successfully designed, installed, and maintained conservation landscaping while educating the public on sustainable gardening practices and storm water management at historic Pleasant View over a two-year period. More than 330 volunteers have participated, many being entirely new to planting. All volunteers learned something about the benefits of native plants and conservation landscaping as well as basic techniques for gardening.”

Merikay SmithBoard Member, LDS Earth Stewardship

“In 2016, Beth Sholom Congregation and Talmud Torah received an award to install an “Interfaith Greenway” and promote an understanding of environmental stewardship. The Interfaith Greenway was designed to address issues of stormwater which existed on the properties of St. James Episcopal Church and Beth Sholom Congregation and Talmud Torah. Built along the shared property line of the two faith communities, the Greenway not only addresses stormwater and drainage concerns, but also provides educational and outreach opportunities for the pre-schools and memberships of both organizations.”

David FelsenBoard Member, Beth Sholom Congregation and Talmud Torah

“In 2016, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments received an award to remove over 1,470 square feet of an asphalt basketball court located next to a stream and replant the area with native trees and shrubs. This project engaged the community at several points, including getting community input on the plantings and involving the community during planting days and future maintenance plans.”

Phong TrieuSenior Planner, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments