Watersheds Small Grants Program
About the Small Grants Program
Pierce County partners with local organizations and agencies to provide grants to raise environmental literacy and improve habitat and water quality in Pierce County. The small grant programs are available in the four watersheds described below: Nisqually, Puyallup, Chambers-Clover, and KGI. You can find supporting documents and priorities of the councils posted online by viewing the appropriate council page. Each council's priorities are unique, so do not overlook this step if you are applying for more than one grant in different watersheds. Applications are ranked and reviewed separately with slightly different criteria and different priorities based on the watershed.
Successful applications support one or more of the goals outlined in the current Action Agendas (or work plans) of the watershed councils. Examples of successful past projects include volunteer riparian plantings, invasive species removal, stream clean-up events, nature-based education preK-16 such as nature-themed school camps, community science, outreach to shoreline property owners, rain garden installations, rain barrel workshops, development of educational materials or purchase of equipment, signage or supplies for projects that benefit water quality or riparian habitat in public spaces such as parks, schools and libraries. Grant funds may not be used for lobbying activities.
Sign up to be notified by email of future grant rounds and deadlines.
From funding stream clean-up events to contributing to nature-based education camps, the Watersheds Small Grants Program allows community organizations to focus on environmental education and implement projects that protect our watersheds.
Click the button below to see how the 2021 grant recipients are using the funds to bring environmental benefits to their communities.
2023 Grant Cycle
UPDATE: EXTENDED! Applications for the 2023 Nisqually Watershed Small Grants will now be accepted until May 26. The application period for all other watersheds is now closed.
Pierce County is partnering with watershed councils, local nonprofits and agencies to fund a small grants program supporting community projects that improve habitat and water quality across the county.
The 2023 cycle will award more than $70,000 total to projects in four watersheds: Key Peninsula-Gig Harbor-Islands, Chambers-Clover Creek, Puyallup-White River, and Nisqually. Individual grants are funded up to $2,500.
- Nisqually Watershed Small Grants
- Puyallup-White River Watershed Small Grants
- Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed Small Grants
- KGI Watershed: Lu Winsor Environmental Grants
EXTENDED! Applications for the 2023 Nisqually Watershed Small Grants will now be accepted until May 26.
This grant is for nonprofit organizations, schools, businesses and individuals working to enhance water quality and habitats in the Nisqually River Watershed.
2023 Grant Cycle Materials
Applications are now closed. The Grant application period was March 1 - April 21, 2023. The Watershed Councilmembers are currently reviewing applications and will announce awards in June.
This program provides small grants to nonprofit organizations, schools, teachers, businesses, and individuals wishing to enhance water quality and habitats in the Puyallup-White River Watershed (WRIA 10). This program is a partnership with Pierce County and the Puyallup River Watershed Council.
A total of $22,375 will be awarded to highly qualified applicants this year.
2023 Grant Cycle Materials:
Applications are now closed. The Grant application period was March 1 - April 21, 2023. The Watershed Councilmembers are currently reviewing applications and will announce awards in June.
This year, $22,500 will be available for funding, with a maximum grant award of $2,500 per project. Small grants are available to assist local nonprofit organizations, jurisdictions, schools, teachers, and individuals wishing to enhance water quality and habitat in the Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed (WRIA 12). Pierce County partners with the City of Lakewood to fund this grant program.
2023 Grant Cycle Materials:
Applications are now closed. The Grant application period was March 1 - April 21, 2023. The Watershed Councilmembers are currently reviewing applications and will announce awards in June.
For more information or to submit a grant application, visit the Lu Winsor Grant Program page. This program provides small grants to nonprofit organizations, schools, teachers, and individuals wishing to enhance water quality and habitat in the Key Peninsula - Gig Harbor - Islands Watershed (WRIA 15). We will partner with the Peninsula Light Co. and the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation to provide grants.
To apply: All grant applications must be submitted to the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation. View the Lu Winsor Environmental Fund page to apply for a grant or donate to the fund.