Small Grants Program

Rainscaping Small Grants Program

Program Updates

Thank you for your patience as we worked to open the round through the COVID-19 pandemic. Now ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS on a rolling basis! No specific application deadline. Read below for direction.

The below video series and landowner handbook will serve as your guide directing you step by step through the application process.

Should we have any updates or clarifications throughout the round, they will be posted here, at the top of the page.

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 (2019-2020), 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

    1. Rainscaping Small Grants APPLICATION
    2. Rainscaping Small Grants LANDOWNER HANDBOOK
    3. Missouri Botanical Garden Native Plant List
    4. Missouri Botanical Garden Rainscaping Guidance
    5. Rain Garden Maintenance
    6. Small Grants Contractor List

Please mail applications to:

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, incase anything is lost in the mail and consider saving electronically.