Water Quality Fund (WQF) Proposal for Collaborative Project Funding

Small planting projects, streambank restoration or stabilization, basin naturalization, nature-based stormwater control measures (SCM), land management and invasives control, specialized contracted services, planting materials and protection, signage, or public outreach initiatives.

Download the Application Forms:

Application Deadline

June 15th, 2025

Summary

The Bucks County Conservation District (BCCD) offers this reimbursement mini grant, valued at up to $10,000. WQF projects aim to increase collaboration between the District, Municipalities, Environmental Advisory Councils (EAC), community groups, conservation nonprofits, and watershed associations. Funded projects will produce water quality improvements through direct implementation or outreach that encourages beneficial behaviors. Eligible projects will fall into one of the following categories:

• Education Outreach (<$1,500) Materials or supplies supporting workshops or clean up events for resident participation. E.g. Rain barrels, drain marking, trash bags, grabbers, safety supplies.
• Community Science (<$1,500) Establish or maintain volunteer-based water quality monitoring programs. E.g. test strips, sample bottles/jars, macroinvertebrate collection nets, identification keys, safety vests, etc.
• Stormwater Management (<$5,000) e.g. Basin / green space naturalization / SCMs E.g. tree plantings, tree protection, plugs.
• Stream Repair / Maintenance or Basin Retrofit (<$10,000) Support for larger, often permitted and/or engineered bank restoration or retrofit projects.
• Land Management / Other Includes habitat improvement projects benefiting ecosystem processes and biodiversity. E.g. plant materials for reintroduction of natives, hand tools for volunteer use in a specific project with a plan for long-term use in maintenance or other projects, etc.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be a Bucks County based business, organization or resident and submit a W-9 or Tax Identification number for use in District accounting. Projects sites may be public or private land, with applicants and landowners identified. Landowners must sign BCCD’s Landowner Consent form which is an agreement to maintain a practice (where applicable) throughout its lifespan and allow BCCD access for inspection.

Project partnerships are strongly encouraged. Potential partners include municipal EACs, Parks and Recreation departments, HOAs, neighborhood groups, scouting, civic, or recreational groups, watershed or other conservation associations.

Application Submittal

Send completed application materials to ReceptionInfo@BucksCCD.org with the Subject Line: WQF “Your Project Name”

More Information

After reading the materials, contact Karen Ogden at KOgden@BucksCCD.org or call 215-345-7577 with any questions.

Trees for Watersheds – Grant Program

As of February 28, 2025, the application period for the Trees for Watersheds grant has closed. Please contact the Watershed Specialist for questions.

Riparian buffers, basin naturalizations, upland and headwaters restoration – this reimbursement grant helps purchase trees and planting supplies, and pitches in for some site preparation too!

Application Deadline

February 28, 2025

Summary

Since 2005, Trees for Watersheds (formerly TreeVitalize Watersheds),led by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) in the five-county southeastern Pennsylvania region, has focused on tree planting along stream corridors, wetlands, adjacent upland areas, headwaters, and naturalized stormwater basins. Through this program, dozens of watershed restoration projects are conducted throughout the region every year, resulting in well over 100,000 trees planted in sensitive water protection zones. The program receives funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and corporate sponsors Aqua PA and PECO, as well as substantial in-kind contributions from various partners.

Who Can Apply

Anyone with a good project on permanently protected land can apply, such as non-profit organizations, municipalities, schools, scouting groups and community organizations. If your organization is not a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit you can partner with a registered nonprofit or your local government to apply. New applicants must have at least one appropriate representative complete PHS Tree Tenders® training or equivalent education or training to be eligible. Private landowners can apply through a registered non-profit or local government if they are willing to sign a 20-year agreement promising to leave the plantings undisturbed and allow maintenance of the plantings

More Information

Visit the PHS website to learn more and download the application forms: https://phsonline.org/programs/tree-programs/watersheds-grant-program

The Conservation District can assist you developing your project and applying for the grant. After reading the materials, contact Karen Ogden at KOgden@BucksCCD.org or call 215-345-7577.

Schuylkill Highlands Mini-Grant

The Schuylkill Highlands Mini-Grant Program is a reimbursement grant program funded by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and administered by Natural Lands. The program will provide mini-grants in the amount of $1,000 to $15,000 for projects that support and advance the goals and objectives of the Schuylkill Highlands Conservation Landscape.

Application Deadline

Estimate: Late April, 2025 (not currently open)

Summary

Mini grant applications should connect residents and visitors to the outdoors; encourage sustainable regional development; protect natural and cultural resources; and inspire people to care for, enjoy, and explore the Schuylkill Highlands. Potential projects include:

• Agricultural or storm water best management practices.
• A regional trail feasibility, boardwalks, mapping, master plans, and trail construction.
• Implementation of land stewardship, restoration, and conservation plans.
• Water quality, habitat improvement, restoration projects, and riparian buffers.
• Marketing and tour planning materials, maps, brochures, and or other educational materials.
• Interpretive and wayfinding signage 
• Recreational user amenities such as bike racks, benches, and bottle fill stations.
• Water trail landings, fishing piers and development of access points from rivers, and streams.
• Plans or conservation ordinances that result in a significant contribution to the protection of important natural, cultural, and recreational resources

The project must occur within the area depicted below.

More Grants

With annual application periods, it is best to check the following websites for opportunities:

PA Department of Community and Economic Development – multiple opportunities for business, community, municipalities

1. Search all DCED programs
2. Watershed Restoration and Protection Program
3. Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program

PA Department of Environmental Protection

1. Growing Greener Grants
2. Environmental Education Grant
3. Flood Protection – Stream Improvements (threatened businesses/homes)

PA Department of Natural Resources and Conservation – new, improved parks & open space and watershed restoration projects

1. Community Conservation Partnerships Program Grants
2. DCNR Rivers Conservation, Community and Watershed Forestry Grants

Environmental Protection Agency – a list of programs

1. Federal Green Infrastructure Funding Opportunities
2. Section 319 Non-Point Source Pollution Grant
3. Environmental Education Grant

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation – focus on habitat improvement for prioritized species/regions

1. Delaware River Program
2. Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration

PECO – for municipal open spaces: PECO Green Region

Bowman’s Hill – ~$500 grant in plants for small community projects: Plants Grant