Clean Water Fund: Small Implementation Grant

The Clean Water Fund: Small Implementation Grant aims to enhance collaboration for water quality improvement in Lancaster County by 2040. It supports diverse, watershed-scale projects, such as agricultural conservation and stormwater management. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) compliant and serve county residents. Grants do not require a match, and funds can cover administrative costs. This initiative is critical for reducing pollution and ensuring healthy water systems in the community.

Description
The Lancaster Clean Water Fund serves as a catalyst for increased collaboration to efficiently achieve clean and clear water in Lancaster County by 2040. It provides a unique opportunity to work with landowners, leaders, and communities across the county on education, restoration, and protection projects to improve water quality. Across Lancaster County, clean water is a priority. With the majority of Lancaster County streams and much of our groundwater unhealthy, our community is a priority area for reducing specific pollutants (nutrient and sediment) by 2025 in accordance with Lancaster’s Countywide Action Plan (CAP).
This grant is created and managed with the Lancaster Clean Water Partners to achieve clean and clear local waterways by 2040. We work with trusted experts in the field to make this grant possible, including Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Economic Development Company of Lancaster County, Lancaster Conservancy, Lancaster County Conservation District, Lancaster Farmland Trust, Local municipalities, and Penn State’s Agriculture and Environment Center.
The Clean Water Implementation Small Grant supports collaborative, watershed-scale restoration projects that encourages diverse audiences to improve Lancaster’s water quality at a rapid pace.
Grant Specifics
Projects can range from agricultural conservation and stormwater practices to riparian buffer plantings to removal of impervious surfaces.Match is not required.Up to 8% of awarded funds can cover administrative costs.If a buffer will be planted as part of the project, a maintenance plan is required. Funds are available for the establishment care of those buffers.Funds can be used for design and engineering.Use the Collaborative Watershed Mapping Tool when applicable to assist with answering application questions.Awarded funds will be released to grantees after signing a Grantee Partner Agreement.Grantees will be responsible for submitting one report at the end of the grant period which includes a financial report.

Eligibility

Eligible applying organizations must meet the following requirements:Serve Lancaster County* residents without discrimination
Current 501(c)(3) designation from the IRS
Registered with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Charitable Organizations unless otherwise exempt per the Institutions of Purely Public Charity Act
Complete IRS Form 990 Annually
Annual Audit or a financial review by an independent CPA within the last 12 months
In good standing with all existing awards and contracts with the Lancaster County Community Foundation
May not receive grants from the same fund for more than 3 consecutive years
Provide organizational Non-Discrimination Policy meeting all federal requirements as it applies to your type of organization (FAQs)

Ineligibility

Please note the Community Foundation will not typically fund:Creation of new organizationSchoolsCapital campaigns/capital costs (equipment, building costs, maintenance)Political campaignsExpenses incurred before the grant is awardedCemetery associationsReligious causes that further a specific belief/agenda