Rainscaping Small Grants Program
Program Updates
The MSD Rainscaping Small Grants Program is open! There are no application deadlines – we accept applications on a rolling basis. Read below for more information.
Check your eligibility on this linked map.
Notice for River des Peres Applicants: Funding for the River des Peres program focus area has been fully allocated for the 2024-2025 grant cycle. We cannot consider any new projects for funding until our next funding cycle opens in July 2025.
Note: You are welcome to submit an application before July, and we will add it to our review waitlist.
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.
Program Communication
The Rainscaping Team sends official communications regarding the Small Grants Program via 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 the Rainscaping Team at 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 installation until your application is approved and you have received a Notice to Proceed.
The Orientation video below and the Landowner Handbook will serve as your guide throughout the application process. After viewing the orientation video, complete the survey 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 for a Spring Installation
- June for a Fall Installation
You can expect reimbursement 4-5 months after you submit your Project Completion Packet, if you submit by mid-October.
The review process typically includes a scheduled site visit for a reviewer to see your installation in person. Submission after mid-October may not allow enough time for us to schedule a site visit with you before plants go dormant for the winter. This could extend your reimbursement timeline into spring.
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 received grant funding, totaling more than $425,000.
Orientation Video
To meet the program’s orientation requirement, attend an in-person presentation or watch the recorded video orientation below, then complete the following survey. Check the Program Updates section at the top of this webpage or contact The Rainscaping Team for information about upcoming in-person orientations.
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: Contact information and rainscaping program services provided by contractors who have attended training with The Rainscaping Team and successfully completed a project through the Small Grants Program.
- 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.