Small Grants Program

The MSD Rainscaping Small Grants Program is open! Now ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS on a rolling basis! No specific application deadline. Read below for direction.

Check your eligibility on this linked map.

Small Grant Program Overview

MSDPC Background

Learn a bit about MSD’s goals, role in the community and why this and other programs are taking place. 

Official communications regarding this Program are made by email. Be sure to add rainscaping@mobot.org to your address book and check your spam folder periodically to make sure that you do not miss any messages.

Sign up on the register page (MSD Small Grants Program Registration (nationbuilder.com) to receive Program notifications.

After watching all videos and reading through the landowner handbook in its entirety, feel free to direct any additional questions you have to rainscaping@mobot.org or 314-577-0202.

The Metropolitan Sewer District and the Missouri Botanical Garden are committed to offering this program to all eligible participants. Should you require any accessibility accommodations, please contact rainscaping@mobot.org or 314-577-0202.

Do NOT begin construction until your application is approved and you have received a Notice to Proceed.

The video below and Landowner Handbook will serve as your guide throughout the application process. After viewing the orientation video, be sure to complete the survey in order to satisfy the Program’s orientation requirement.

Electronic applications will not be accepted. You must mail or hand-deliver your application to the address at the bottom of the page.

Typical Application Evaluation Timelines

While there are no deadlines, we recommend submitting your application by:

• January 1st for a Spring Installation
• June 1st for a Fall Installation

Project Clear is MSD’s initiative to improve water quality and alleviate many wastewater concerns in the St. Louis region. MSD will invest billions of dollars over a generation for community rainscaping projects, system improvements, and an ambitious program of maintenance and repair. Rainscaping investments alone will total $120 million.  Last season, over 100 applications were selected to receive grant funding, totaling more than $425,000.

After reviewing all videos, please complete the following survey to ensure your orientation requirement is recorded as complete..

PROGRAM CONTACT  

(314) 577-0202   |  Rainscaping@mobot.org

Resources and Documents

1. Application Documents

• Rainscaping Small Grants Application: The official form to apply for the program. Please download this document before editing to save your progress.
• Landowner Handbook: Essential guide outlining program requirements.

2. Rainscaping Informational Resources

• Missouri Botanical Garden Native Landscaping Resources: A guide to native landscaping in Missouri including a chapter on rain gardening and stormwater management.
• Missouri Botanical Garden Rainscaping Guidance: Detailed informational guide on a variety of rainscaping features.
• Rain Garden Maintenance: Tips and guidelines for maintaining rain gardens.

3. Contractor and Educational Signage Resources

• List of Contractors: List of contractors who have successfully participated in the previous year with their contact information.
• Educational Signage Resources: Resources for purchasing educational rainscaping and plant signage.

4. Rainscaping Design Documents

• Sample Landscaping Plan: An example plan to help guide your rainscaping design.
• Blank Grid Paper for Plan: Printable grid paper for sketching and planning your rainscaping project.

Applications must be submitted in physical form to this address:

MSD Project Clear Rainscaping Small Grants
c/o Missouri Botanical Garden – Sustainability Division
EarthWays Center – CBEC-West
4651 Shaw Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63110

Be sure to make a copy for yourself, in case anything is lost in the mail and consider saving electronically.