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Small Grants Program
(Unfunded in Fiscal Year 2006)
Initiated in 1987, the Small Grants Program provides modest amounts of money (pending funding availability) to promote the restoration and protection of the ecological integrity of Commonwealth's rivers, streams and adjacent lands. The grants have proven to be a wise investment for the Commonwealth as they foster action and result in benefits to the community that continue well after the grant period ends, as well as leverage local and foundation funding. This success is due to the energy, commitment and dedication of the partnerships formed by volunteers, watershed associations, local businesses, town officials and others that undertake the projects funded by the grants.
In addition to providing seed money, Riverways also offer technical assistance, as appropriate, to both groups receiving grant awards and those that do not.
Program Details
The Riverways Programs, Mass. Department of Fish and Game, solicits project proposals for Riverways Small Grants for projects to be implemented by June 30, each year (in keeping with the state budget cycle). See below for an overview the grants program and eligibility.
Availability of grants contingent on funding each year. Generally solicitation for project proposals occurs in the early autumn. When available, information will be posted here and on the Comm-Pass website.
- How Much?
- Submission Deadlines
- For What Purpose
- Who is Eligible?
- What Types of Projects Qualify?
- Helpful Hints!!
- Additional Funding Sources
HOW MUCH?
Riverways Small Grants typically average between $1,000 and $5,000 provided on a reimbursement for services basis.
SUBMISSION DEADLINES?
The deadline for proposals varies, but is generally in late fall. Dates will be posted on this site when funds are available.FOR WHAT PURPOSE? Projects selected for Riverways Small Grants should substantively advance some aspect of river, stream and/or adjacent land protection and/or restoration.WHO IS ELIGIBLE?Municipal governments (e.g., conservation commissions, planning boards) and non-profit organizations (e.g., watershed or community groups, land trusts).Note that preference is given to new applicants and new ideas; grants will not be awarded to the same organization three years in a row, or for the same project two years in a row.
Priority is given to projects that encourage cooperation among organizations, business, Stream Teams, watershed associations, governmental entities, educational and citizen groups. Preference will also be given to those who leverage funds and/or in-kind contributions from other sources and for projects that clearly show a new venture for the proposing group or clearly benefit the riverine resources.
WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS QUALIFY?
Riverways Small Grants are given for projects that further watershed, river and stream protection. They can be used, for example:
-To organize Stream Teams as local stewards
-To collect and map land use and landowner information
-To do follow-up contact and work with riverfront landowners
-To implement greenway plans, open space plans, and Stream Team Action Plans or actions identified by ongoing volunteer programs to improve stream conditions -To develop local bylaws and/or regulations for river corridor protection and strategies for implementation
-To provide public information and education about the importance of rivers and citizen involvement in their protection
-To identify and map natural communities and critical habitats for protection
-To enhance public access to and/or along river and stream corridors consistent with resource protection
-To plan and explore dam removal as a river restoration tool.
-To help fund the purchase of and/or other costs associated with riparian land and/or easement protection.
-To undertake streambank restoration projects.
SOME HELPFUL HINTS:
Riverways Small Grants cannot be used to purchase food or cover indirect or overhead costs. In addition, Riverways encourages the following things:
- Support letters for individual projects Double "side" proposals - use both sides of the paper Please do not use three ring binders or report covers (help conserve our resources)
- Riverways is not inclined to pay the total printing costs for maps, brochures, booklets, etc. - local businesses can cover these costs in whole or in part.
Other Funding Sources
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