The Anne Arundel County Watershed Restoration Grant Program for FY25, administered by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and funded by Anne Arundel County’s Bureau of Watershed Protection and Restoration along with the City of Annapolis, supports projects that aim to reduce pollutants in local waterways. The program funds initiatives to improve water quality, manage stormwater, and engage local communities in conservation activities. Eligible projects must align with Anne Arundel County’s stormwater management objectives and may include restoration efforts, designs, and planning projects, particularly those targeting pollutant reduction in priority watersheds.

Eligible applicants include registered 501(c) nonprofits such as watershed groups, youth organizations, community associations, and faith-based groups. At least one Anne Arundel County-based partner is required for application, with the exception of homeowners or community associations in Annapolis. Projects can be located throughout Anne Arundel County, though watershed planning projects are limited to Annapolis. Funding ranges from $15,000 to $300,000, with approximately $1.2 million available for county projects and $285,000 allocated for Annapolis-specific initiatives. Projects should be designed to achieve completion within two years, though extensions may be considered.

The program has four eligible project tracks: (1) watershed planning (for Annapolis only), (2) design for construction-ready projects, (3) small-scale restoration (less than 5,000 square feet), and (4) large-scale restoration (over 5,000 square feet). Examples of projects include rain gardens, green roofs, bioretention cells, and stream or wetland restoration. Projects must demonstrate a commitment to reducing pollutant loads, and designs should incorporate best management practices (BMPs) approved by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). For restoration projects, applicants must complete a pre-application site visit by February 28, 2025, which includes representatives from the Trust, the county or city, and any project partners.

Applications must be submitted online by March 20, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST. Required documents include a narrative, a budget, and, for site-specific projects, landowner letters of commitment. Applicants are asked to complete a seven-page narrative that addresses project goals, justifications, community engagement, long-term sustainability, and partnerships. The evaluation criteria assess the project’s technical soundness, environmental benefits, cost-effectiveness, potential for community impact, and the applicant’s qualifications and experience. Additionally, applications involving community outreach and those involving underrepresented communities are encouraged.

Projects are expected to yield detailed deliverables, including final designs, pollutant reduction estimates, and maintenance plans. For awarded projects, reporting and financial documentation are mandatory, and final reports must align with the Trust’s requirements. A Memorandum of Understanding or Maintenance Agreement may be necessary for projects on privately-owned land, specifying the landowner’s commitment to ongoing maintenance.

Award notifications are expected in June 2025, with partial or full funding possible. For support with the application process, applicants are advised to contact the program officers Whitney Vong or Megan Andreasen, especially if unfamiliar with grant application procedures or experiencing capacity challenges.