Applications Due
Total Funding
Funding Source
Maximum Award
Award Details
The maximum grant amount is $40,000 with most grants expected to range between $10,000 and $30,000.
Eligibility
- Applicant must be a 501(c)3 organization, fiscally-sponsored by a 501(c)3, or a governmental or Tribal entity.
- Non-profit colleges, universities, university clinics and graduate programs are eligible applicants.
- The applicant must demonstrate the capacity to complete the proposed project as well as a strong track record of community-based water quality stewardship.
- The Rose Foundation welcomes proposals from small grassroots conservation and environmental justice groups.
Eligible Activities
Water stewardship, conservation, outreach and education, restoration, and watershed protection. The foundation will consider some projects related to citizen enforcement of existing water quality laws, rules, procedures, etc. on a case-by-case basis. Any enforcement related project must meet the geographic eligibility, which can be found under “Notable Requirements”.
Examples of eligible projects and proposals include:
- Water Quality Monitoring & Testing: Community science or monitoring programs where data will be used to update an agency’s dataset, help guide water-related policy decisions, or inform a community or neighborhood plan. There should be a clear purpose for the data collection and a plan its use.
- Watershed Restoration: Project proposals may include some element of river, stream, creek, or other surface water improvement. This can include a wide variety of projects including removal of invasive species, planting native species in riparian areas, culvert removal, etc.
- Innovative Green Stormwater Infrastructure Projects: Multi-purpose projects that reduce stormwater pollution and provide community benefits like water for community gardens, workforce development, or improve public/open space. Becomes a springboard for community-driven programs that benefit both people and the watershed.
- Emerging Toxic & Chemical Threats: Projects related to toxic and chemical threats where the substance in question poses a clear public health danger but may not yet be well regulated, for example “forever chemicals” such as those found in flame retardants, tires, chemical cleaners, etc.
- Community Leadership & Capacity Building: Develop capacity for community-led stewardship related to improving the water quality of California watersheds. This effort should lead to identifiable actions community members can take to improve water quality through your project proposal.
Duration
Notable Requirements
Geographic scope: For the current cycle, funding is available for the following watersheds:
- San Francisco Bay Delta Watershed
- Los Angeles watersheds, including the Los Angeles River, San Gabriel River, Santa Clara River, Dominguez Channel, and San Pedro Bay
Preferences
Priority will be given to community-oriented grassroots groups as well as to organizations with a strong track record of community-based water quality work.
The foundation encourages projects that involve impacted communities, benefit vulnerable populations, and are centered around principles of equity and environmental justice. Applicants should consider the inclusion of hands-on activities such as planting, restoration, or trash cleanups as part of their projects or other activities that will have a more immediate impact and should be a substantive part of the project proposal.
How to Apply
Complete and submit an application online by following the instructions outlined here.