The Mississippi Watershed Management Organization (MWMO) offers Planning Grants to support organizations in the preparation and development of projects aimed at improving water quality and watershed management. These grants are designed to facilitate the planning process for projects that involve construction, education, outreach, or other innovative methods to enhance water quality. The grant amount can be up to $20,000, though most requests are expected to fall between $10,000 and $15,000. A 25% matching contribution from the applicant is required, which can be met through cash or in-kind support. The application process is competitive, and final funding decisions are subject to approval by the MWMO Board of Commissioners.

Eligible project examples for Planning Grants include site evaluations for stormwater management, development of engineering plans for Best Management Practices (BMPs), creation of natural resource management plans, or drafting construction documents for erosion control and habitat restoration efforts. Projects may also involve program designs to promote water conservation, reduce pollutant usage, or encourage the adoption of stormwater BMPs. Additional examples include calculations and modeling for pollution reduction, development of educational curricula, outreach campaigns, or schematic designs for converting impervious surfaces to pervious materials. Grant funds can also support soil testing or other assessments needed to determine project feasibility.

To apply, applicants must submit a completed Planning Grant Application via email by December 13, 2024, at 4:30 p.m., using the specified subject line. The submission must include a budget form that outlines projected expenses, with detailed instructions provided by MWMO. Early consultation with MWMO staff is highly recommended to discuss project ideas and application requirements. After an initial review, selected applicants will be invited to refine their proposals and submit a final application by January 10, 2025. The revised proposals will undergo further evaluation by MWMO staff and the Citizen Advisory Committee, with final recommendations subject to approval by the Board of Commissioners at their March 2025 meeting.

Funding is intended to cover expenses directly related to the planning and preparation of projects, such as consultant fees, engineering costs, materials, and outreach activities. Ineligible expenses include general administrative costs, lobbying activities, and any expenses unrelated to the proposed project. The grant funds cannot be used to meet regulatory requirements unless they involve innovative solutions that go beyond standard compliance.

Grant recipients are expected to maintain regular communication with MWMO, attend an orientation session, and participate in periodic meetings to discuss project progress. Award notifications will be issued following the board's approval, and funding will be disbursed based on project milestones. The next cycle of Planning Grants will be announced at a later date, with future deadlines to be determined.