The Community Watershed Stewardship Program can provide up to $10,000 for projects that encourage watershed protection and enhancement. Matching funds (donations from private and public groups) are not required, but demonstrate support for your project and strengthen your proposal. Stronger grant applications will show a commitment to continued maintenance of the project site or area. Environmental Services awards grants annually. Groups may apply for grants in consecutive years, but since the program seeks to involve new partners, projects that include new groups in subsequent years are more likely to receive funding.

Who is eligible?

Citizen groups, businesses, non-profits, student groups, faith organizations, neighborhood, business or homeowner associations, and service groups within the City of Portland are eligible to apply.

Who is not eligible?

Government agencies are not eligible but can be project partners.

Projects that take the place of required mitigation or penalty payments are not eligible for funding.

Projects located outside Portland’s city limits are not eligible.

Where are projects funded?

Community Watershed Stewardship Grants will only support work performed in the City of

Portland. Since Portland sewer ratepayers support the grants program, all grants must benefit Portland residents. Projects implemented on private or public property must be easily accessible or visible to the general public. Projects proposed on private property must show a clear public benefit as well as the environmental benefit to local watersheds.

What must groups do in order to apply?

Applicants must have a fiscal agent, such as a neighborhood coalition, business, school, or non-profit organization to handle project finances. The fiscal agent will need to provide proof of general insurance coverage and workers’ compensation insurance for staff and volunteers and list the City of Portland as an “additional insured.” Include a letter from your fiscal agent in Part D of this proposal. If the project is at a public school in Portland or on Portland Parks and Recreation property, you must obtain written permission in advance (see Part D: Letters of Support for more information).

Make sure that the fiscal agent you select can offer these services before submitting your application.

How and when can funds be spent?

• All grant funds ($10,000 maximum per project) must be spent between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. Funds are available after your fiscal agent and the city finalize the grant agreement. Funds are disbursed as a reimbursement to the fiscal agent upon receipt of invoices and copies of receipts for approved budget items.
• Up to $3,000 can be spent on technical assistance and project coordination. These costs include fees paid to fiscal agents, liability insurance, consultants, educators, permit fees, graphic design, bus drivers, AmeriCorps or EnviroCorps fees, contractors, and other fees or taxes. There is no requirement that groups spend grant funds on such services. Technical assistance and project coordination costs above $3,000 must be paid from another source.


• All plants purchased with grant funding must be native to the Willamette Valley and found on the Portland Plant List, available at www.portlandonline.com/bps/pdxplantlist.
• Funds cannot be spent on insecticides, herbicides, or entertainment.
• There is a $200 allowance for food and refreshments for volunteers and work parties. This money cannot be used to purchase alcoholic beverages.