Rainscaping Small Grants Program
Program Updates
The MSD Rainscaping Small Grants Program is open! Now ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS on a rolling basis! No specific application deadline. Read below for direction.
Join us from 2:00-3:30 pm on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 for an orientation to the MSD Rainscaping Small Grants Program. This meeting will be virtual only, held via Zoom. Click here to RSVP by November 10, 2023 (nationbuilder.com). Orientations are held on a quarterly basis; the next meeting will be in person in February of 2024.
Program Communication
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.
Program Outline
Do NOT begin construction until your application is approved and you have received a Notice to Proceed.
The below video series and Landowner Handbook will serve as your guide throughout the application process. After viewing all 8 videos, 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
| Note: These are not deadlines. These dates are estimates and this does NOT constitute a guarantee. This process can be delayed for many reasons including issues with the application or plant dormancy. | |||||||||||||||
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| *Approved applicants may elect to receive up to one half of their award before installation. | |||||||||||||||
| **Applications received after August 1 cannot be guaranteed installation until spring of the following year. |
MSD Project Clear & The Community
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.
Orientation Videos
1. Video Layout
This video will give background on what the viewer is watching in the recording and help familiarize them with the layout of the slides.
2. MSDPC Background
Learn a bit about MSD’s goals, role in the community and why this and other programs are taking place.
3. Program Eligibility
Better understand how to navigate the Program Area Map, as well as know who is eligible and for what.
Program Area Map Link – Small Grants Address Verification (arcgis.com)
4. What is Rainscaping?
What is Rainscaping? Why are we using this strategy for Stormwater management?
5. Rainscaping Technical Background
Detailed feature by feature instruction.
6. How to Apply
Instruction on how to submit a proposal and what we are looking for.
7. Plant Basics
A bit to think about when choosing plants for your project.
8. Examples from Previous Round
See some of the projects that have received funding in previous years. This may generate some ideas for you and give you a sense of what we are looking for!
After reviewing all videos, please complete the following survey to ensure your participation in the Orientation has been recorded.
PROGRAM CONTACT
(314) 577-0202 | Rainscaping@mobot.org
HELPFUL DOCUMENTS
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.