District of Columbia Community Stormwater Solutions Grant Program

Overview

District of Columbia Community Stormwater Solutions Grant Program

The District of Columbia Community Stormwater Solutions Grant Program (DC-CSS) is funded by the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). This program provides funding for innovative and community centered projects, that improve the District of Columbia’s waterways, reduce litter, and raise awareness about what we can do to restore our rivers, streams, and parks.

What does this program fund?

Activities such as educational events/workshops, installation and maintenance of runoff-reducing green infrastructure, art installations, restoration of habitat, litter or pollution reduction, or other project types that meet the goals of the grant program. Projects should be inspired and supported by the priority community within the District. See the RFA for the full list of eligible project types.

Eligibility

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Application Details

District of Columbia:
Community Stormwater Solutions
FY25 Request for Applications
Chesapeake Bay Trust | 108 Severn Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21403
(410) 974 - 2941 | www.cbtrust.org

Introduction and Program Goals
At A Glance
The Chesapeake Bay Trust (Trust) is a nonprofit, grant-making
organization dedicated to improving the bays, streams, rivers,
Program Summary:
forests, parks, and other natural resources of our local systems,
from the Chesapeake to the Coastal Bays to the Youghiogheny
The Community Stormwater Solutions
River. The Trust, supported in large part by Maryland’s Chesapeake
Grant Program provides funding for
Bay License Plate, and partnerships with other regional funders,
engages and empowers diverse groups to take actions that enrich innovative and community centered
natural resources and local communities of the Chesapeake Bay projects, that improve the District of
region. Since 1985, the Trust has awarded over $160 million in Columbia’s waterways, reduce litter, and
grants to municipalities, nonprofit organizations, schools, and raise awareness about what we can do to
public agencies throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. restore our rivers, streams, and parks.
The Community Stormwater Solutions Grant Program (CSS) is
funded by the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). Deadline:
The Trust is committed to the advancement of diversity and Thursday March 13th, 2025, at 4:00 PM EST
inclusion in its award-making and environmental work. As a result,
Eligible Project Locations:
the Trust strongly encourages applications directly from
underrepresented groups, and for projects that increase
District of Columbia
awareness and participation of communities that are traditionally
underrepresented, such as communities of color. For a full Request Amounts:
description of the Trust’s efforts to engage under-engaged groups,
see our strategic plan at www.cbtrust.org/strategic-plan and Up to $35,000
https://cbtrust.org/diversity-inclusion/.
Submit Your Application:
Follow the instructions online at
The Trust recognizes that application processes can be https://us.grantrequest.com/application.aspx?sid=
complicated and time-consuming; the Trust continues to 1520&fid=35542
work to simplify our application processes where
Contact:
possible. New applicants, new organizations, small
organizations, or any group that is experiencing capacity
Marylin Veiman Echeverría, Program Officer 410-
challenges or other barriers to applying, is eligible to
974-2941 ext. 130, mveiman@cbtrust.org
receive guidance on the application process. Please
contact the Program Officer, Marylin Veiman Echeverría This Request for Applications was released on
for assistance in English or in Spanish at 12/2/2024
mveiman@cbtrust.org
Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact Trust staff
to discuss applications at least two weeks prior to the
deadline. The Trust cannot guarantee availability for
project development assistance within two weeks of the
deadline.
0
.

Key Questions for Applicants
Is My Organization Eligible?
Eligible Applicants:

Applicants must be located in the District of Columbia and meet one of the following criteria:

-Nonprofit organizations, Faith-based organizations, Government agencies, Universities/educational
institutions, Private enterprises
Priority Applicants:
-Small organizations (25 FTEs or less)
-New applicants (those that have not received previous CSS grants)
-Minority/Women’s Business Enterprises (51% or more owned by eligible groups, including Black,
Hispanic, Latino, Native American, Asian/Pacific Islander, and women).
Note: Applicants must maintain liability insurance during the project term.
Ineligible Applicants:
-Individuals or unincorporated associations are not eligible (e.g., neighborhood groups without formal
incorporation papers).
-Projects that are already required by law or other grants.
-Projects that fall within the scope of one of DOEE’s green infrastructure programs are not eligible.
Applicants are encouraged to review DOEE’s RiverSmart programs or reach out to Marissa O’Neill at
Marissa.oneill@dc.gov with any questions.
What Is the Funding Availability?
-Total Available: $191,500
-Funding Request: Projects may request up to $35,000
-Funding Restrictions:
-Ineligible items include projects that use invasive species, herbicides, or
pesticides.
-Projects cannot overlap with other funding sources.
What are the eligible Project Types?
Projects should:
-Focus: Educate priority audiences, reduce stormwater runoff, or restore waterways.
-Target Communities: Applicants must focus on community engagement and propose culturally
inclusive, participatory methods to ensure the active involvement of historically excluded groups (e.g.,
communities of color).
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• Priority: Projects involving meaningful partnerships with communities facing systemic barriers to
participation. What Is the Project Timeline?
• Completion: Projects should be completed within 12 months of receiving the award. Extensions will be
reviewed on a case-by-case basis. What Is the Application Deadline?
• Deadline for Applications: Submit by 4:00 PM EST on Thursday, March 13, 2025.
How Is the Application Reviewed? Applications are scored by technical experts and reviewed by a committee based on set evaluation criteria. Additional priority points will be awarded to projects that align with the Trust’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEIJ) goals, and prioritize community-led initiatives. How Should I Prepare My Budget?
• Use the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Financial Management Spreadsheet (FMS) for budget uploads.
• Include a descriptive budget narrative justifying costs and indicating reliance on other funding if
applicable. What Are the Terms and Conditions?
• Applicants must agree to comply with federal and local employment and non-discrimination laws.
• All project outcomes will be owned by the funding partners and may be used or distributed at their
discretion.
• Applicants must sign and submit the “Promises, Certifications, Assertions, and Assurances” form, which
includes certification of compliance with obligations to the District. Eligible Applicants The Department of Energy and Environment and the Trust welcome requests from the following organizations:  Applicants physically located in the District of Columbia that are Nonprofit organizations; Faith- based organizations; Government agencies; Universities/educational institutions; or Private Enterprises.  Eligible applicants will have and maintain in full force and effect during the term of the proposed project liability insurance coverage in connection with the performance or failure to perform services proposed. 2

Funding Availability
Funding for this program comes from the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). The funding
partners anticipate funds available in FY25 of $191,500.
Eligible Project Types
All applications submitted under this Request for Applications (RFA) must describe a project that
aims to educate a priority audience, increase knowledge, or lead to behavior change that ultimately
improves the health of the District’s waterways, including reducing the impacts of stormwater
runoff and pollution to restore local waterways. A list of potential project types is included below
under the section “Project Areas”.
Applicants should propose projects that involve meaningful engagement; to ensure the proposed
methods reflect and respond to the community’s needs and goals. Projects should demonstrate the use
of participatory methods in engagement and use culturally inclusive and tailored engagement
strategies to promote inclusive involvement with the priority audience. Some communities, such as
communities of color, have been less involved in
natural resource topics due to historical exclusion and
systemic barriers, but could be a part of the solution in
restoring healthy waterways today. When partnering
Definitions
with historically excluded communities, applicants are
strongly encouraged to develop meaningful and
Meaningful engagement is the
mutually beneficial partnerships that honor the
respectful, dignified, and equitable
strengths of community leaders but do not burden inclusion of individuals in a space
them. It is recommended that these leaders and that allows for their contribution in
the process and outcomes of a
organizations be programmatically and financially
process, project, or activity.
recognized for their contributions to the programming.
Engagement can be informing,
Appropriate costs can be included in the project
consulting, involving, collaborating,
budget. Additionally, it is important to utilize inclusive and empowering the community.
and equitable strategies to reduce barriers to
Participatory processes are
participation. Strategies to consider include providing
methods employed to give people
childcare, transportation and stipends for
of the community an opportunity
participation. Stipends should not be in the form of gift to play an active role in all or
cards (please reach out to Trust staff for clarity on development (design,
development, evaluation etc.) and
stipend options). Applicants proposing to work with
decision making. The participatory
residents with limited or no English proficiency
process should create shared
(LEP/NEP) are encouraged to provide translated
ownership and involve the
documents and translation services as needed. community in the design and
implementation of the education
and/or restoration project.
The Trust is available throughout the application
period to provide guidance and assistance. Priority will
Stormwater runoff occurs when
be given to Small (25 full time equivalents (FTE) or rain (or snowmelt) flows over the
less), New (have not received a CSS grant), and land picking up pollutants such as
oil, sediment and nutrients that
make their way to local waterways. 3

Historically Excluded (SHNE), Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)/ Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE):
51% owned, operated, capitalized, and controlled by a member(s) of the following groups: Black,
Hispanic, Latino, Native American, Asia and Pacific Islander, Women organizations.
Project areas
DOEE has identified project areas and locations that support DOEE’s existing efforts and priorities that
can be included in your proposal. While DOEE and the Trust welcome projects that focus on these areas,
applicants are also encouraged to propose their own creative and innovative ideas.
Project Area 1: Equitable access to natural areas along the Anacostia River
and its tributaries
Proposals in this area should focus on increasing access to local green spaces for historically
excluded communities, including people of color, at-risk children and underserved
students, people from non – or – limited English Proficient communities and people with
disabilities. Projects should also promote meaningful connection to local green spaces
rooted in the unique culture, history and environment of the participant’s communities.
Projects should be free of charge and designed to address barriers to participation, such as
accessibility issues ensuring that all individuals have the opportunity to engage.
Additionally, projects should prioritize cultural understanding by incorporating elements
such as oral history, storytelling, public events and public art, educational programming, or
trauma-informed training for educators.
Project Area 2: Small-Scale Green Infrastructure Projects &/or maintenance
Green infrastructure, such as green roofs, rain gardens, rainwater harvesting, permeable
pavement, and tree planting, allows stormwater to be absorbed into the ground, reducing
the impact of runoff on the District’s waterbodies. Projects may include the design,
installation and/or maintenance as well as stewardship of existing small-scale infrastructure
projects Maintenance plan templates are available here). Applications should include
property owner approval if the proposed project is on land that is not owned by the
applicant.
Projects that fall within the scope of one of DOEE’s other green infrastructure programs
are not eligible. Applicants are encouraged to review DOEE’s RiverSmart programs or
reach out to Marissa O’Neill at Marissa.oneill@dc.gov with any questions.
For design projects, applicants should outline their plans for installation, even if it falls
outside the scope of the proposed project. This is important in case they are eligible for and
successfully receive funding for multiple years.
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Project Area 3: Pathways to green jobs
Applications in this project area should support existing certification programs that empower
communities to find jobs and career resources on topics such as litter prevention, watershed health,
stormwater management and green infrastructure.
Definitions:
Examples of local job training, certification, and
knowledge-building programs, including Watershed
Stewards Academy, RiverCorps, the Green Zone Vulnerable populations: DOEE
defines “Vulnerable Populations“ in
Environmental Program, Chesapeake Bay Landscape
their Equity Framework as:
Professionals, Chesapeake Stormwater Network’s
Populations more susceptible to the
Chesapeake Urban Stormwater Professionals
adverse effects of environmental
(CUSP), the Center for Watershed Protection’s
harms. These include groups that
Clean Water Certificate (CWC) Training Program for
public health experts widely regard
Construction, Maintenance and Inspection of Green
as physiologically vulnerable--
Infrastructure Practices and the National Green
children, the elderly pregnant
Infrastructure Certification Program. Applicants are individuals, and individuals with
encouraged to engage vulnerable or marginalized asthma or compromised immune
populations and to consider barriers to systems. They also include members
employment, such as stipends for training courses, of working-class, racially
transportation and childcare. marginalized, immigrant,
linguistically isolated, and Native
Project Area 4: Natural Habitat Restoration and American communities, whose
Outreach abilities to withstand and recover
from environmental harms are
Proposals in this category should intentionally assist compromised by racist biases and
in the recovery of a degraded ecosystem to recreate violence, exclusion from medical
a functional ecosystem. This could include tactics and other social services, fear of
such as reducing or halting pollution, reviving the interacting with law enforcement,
and other social factors.
vegetation through removal of non-native plants,
forest understory thinning and improvements, and
Marginalization: DOEE defines it as the
restoration with native species that are appropriate
systematic disempowerment of a person
to that habitat as well as transforming blighted and
or community by denying access to
vacant property into green space; and DOEE’s
necessary resources, enforcing prejudice
priority areas for invasive species removal and through society’s institutions, and/or not
native plantings are locations within the “Targeted allowing for that individual or community’s
Subwatersheds”, along with any Department of voice, history, and perspective to be heard.
Parks and Restoration (DPR) forested area. Projects
at DPR sites should complete Appendix D.
Applications should include property owner approval if the proposed project is on land that is not
owned by the applicant.
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Project Area 5: Project-based Educational Programming for District of Columbia Public and
Charter School students
A project in this category should provide engaging, out-of-the-box ideas for project-based educational
programing that increases student awareness and knowledge or leads to behavior change on issues
related to water quality. By encouraging creative and out-of-the-box approaches, projects should
inspire students to think critically and take responsible actions in restoring rivers, streams, and parks.
They should provide opportunities to develop critical thinking skills, make informed decisions, and
create pathways for meaningful environmental engagement. Projects that take place at schools should
include a letter of support from the school. Applications should include evaluations to measure
changes in knowledge and behavior.
Project Area 6: Transitioning from single use to reusable food service ware at restaurants and
institutions
This program is open to both brick-and-mortar restaurants and other food-serving entities, such as
houses of worship or community spaces. The goal is to transition from single-use, disposable food
service ware to reusable alternatives. Projects should focus on reducing trash from disposable items,
which contribute significantly to waste in storm drains and waterways. The initiative should include a
public education component to inform customers about the change and highlight the benefits of
reusables for trash reduction, water quality, and ecosystem health. Applications must include a plan to
measure trash reduction and cost savings. For more information, see the District’s Ditch the
Disposables program.
Project Area 7: Small Events at Kingman and Heritage Islands
Applicants can propose small-scale, community-oriented events at Kingman and Heritage Islands.
Applicants should keep in mind:
1. The Islands have limited infrastructure. They do not have electricity or running water. There are
two compostable toilets near the Benning Road entrance.
2. The Trust plans to award these CSS Grants by June 2025; applicants should keep this in mind as
they consider when the event they propose will take place.
3. Small-scale events should expect to gather less than 500 people to minimize the impact of
wildlife on the islands.
4. Events must respect the natural resources of the Islands. Applicants must address how they will
“leave no trace” in their proposal and include a waste management plan.
5. Depending on the scope and activities of the event, there may be additional permitting required
through Department of Buildings, Department of Health, and Fire and Emergency Medical
Services. Applicants should address this in their proposals.
6. Additional event insurance coverage may be required depending on the scope and activities of
the event.
7. Applicant must include a pedestrian safety plan if the event requires vehicles on the island for
loading in and loading out as will be subject to permitting, insurance, and DOEE approval.
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8. DOEE does not allow the following activities to take place on the islands:
• Vending
• Off-leashed dogs and other pets
• Hunting
• Fishing without a license
• Swimming, unless with a special permit
9. Events must be free of charge.
For more information visit: https://www.kingmanisland.com/
Special Focus Areas
Each year, DOEE identifies special focus areas for the Community Stormwater Solutions Grant Program
based on current Agency priorities. Projects focused on one or both areas will receive an additional 5
priority points. To receive the additional 5 priority points, most of the project needs to address at least
one or both goals outlined below.
Special Focus Area 1: Advance stewardship, environmental education, restoration, community
engagement, and maintenance efforts in neighborhoods within the Oxon Run watershed and
Oxon Run Park corridor in the District or Fort Dupont watershed and Fort Dupont Park.
About DOEE’s Oxon Run Work: The long-term goal of the Oxon Run Stream Restoration & Master Park
Plan is to restore to a naturalized state the stream that flows through the Project Area, thereby
restoring natural hydrology, preventing erosion, reducing flood risk, improving water quality, and
enhancing and creating wildlife habitat. DOEE has a design contract underway and seeks to support
efforts to prioritize educational community engagement activities and/or conservation or restoration
work for residents of all ages within the Oxon Run watershed in the District. For more information on
the Oxon Run Stream Restoration Project visit: https://doee.dc.gov/service/oxon-run-stream-
restoration
About DOEE’s Fort Dupont work: In partnership with the National Park Service, DOEE will implement a
large-scale stream and wetland restoration project in Fort Dupont Park to reduce streambank erosion
and restore parts of the stream and several acres of wetlands.
DOEE seeks to support efforts to engage the community in educational programming and/or
conservation or restoration work within the Fort Dupont watershed in the District. For more
information on the Fort Dupont Stream and Wetland Restoration Project visit:
• https://doee.dc.gov/service/fort-dupont-stream-
and-wetland-restoration-project
• https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?pro
jectID=68832
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Special Focus Area 2: Conduct Targeted Pet Waste Disposal Education/Outreach strategies in
the Fort Chaplin catchment area
DOEE and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted a microbial source tracking study to
identify sources of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in stormwater outfalls (drainpipes) in the Anacostia
watershed. The Fort Chaplin catchment area had the highest fecal pollution ranking Fort Chaplin
catchment area compared to the other study sites. This prompted recommendations to implement
improved dog waste management practices and increased public awareness in Fort Chaplin.
DOEE seeks to support efforts to conduct targeted pet waste disposal education/outreach campaign to
the public in Fort Chaplin catchment area.
A project is NOT eligible if:
1. A law, or an order of a court or agency, requires that the work be done anyway. For example,
DOEE’s stormwater management regulations, found at 21 DCMR Part 500, require certain
properties to meet a stormwater retention requirement. Exception: A project involving
required work IS eligible if the project’s capacity or function is in excess of the required work.
(Example: if the regulations required a project of 10,000-gallon storage capacity, and you
proposed a 15,000-gallon project, DOEE funding would be available for the extra 5,000
gallons.)
2. The same project is already being funded by another grant or contract. An exception
is if the proposed project is adding a new scope that requires additional funding.
3. It uses invasive plant species, herbicides, or pesticides.
4. The applicant is an individual person, or it is an organization without a formal legal non-profit
or business status. An “unincorporated association” is therefore, not eligible. (Example: a
neighborhood association that has members, a bank account, and rules of organization, but
no formal incorporation papers.) Exception and work-around: A sole proprietorship business IS
eligible, if registered in the District. An otherwise ineligible person or group could submit their
application through an eligible applicant (from the entities list above). If the project is
selected, the Trust would award the grant to the eligible entity as the “fiscal agent.”
5. A project that could otherwise be funded by other DOEE programs. Review the RiverSmart
webpage and Grants webpage for a complete list of funding opportunities. For questions
reach out to Marissa O’Neill at marissa.oneill@dc.gov.
Continuing conditions of eligibility are that the information in the application is complete and truthful
and that the Applicant is able to meet any material conditions stated in its application. For instance,
if an Applicant’s ability to fulfill the terms of the grant is based on the availability of skilled staff or
volunteers and those staff or volunteers should leave after the application’s submittal or the grant
award to the Applicant, the Applicant has the responsibility to advise the Trust in writing of this
change in material conditions. Another example of change in material conditions that could result in
the loss of eligibility would be the loss of the Applicant’s tax-exempt status.
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Project Timeline
Watch our video on how to apply and how
to submit an application using our online
Project Timeline: Projects should be completed in
system at https://cbtrust.org/grants/.
approximately 12 months upon receipt of the award.
Requests to extend the project completion period will be ____________________________
reviewed and considered on a case-by-case basis.
Online Application Submission Instructions Definitions
The Trust uses an online system for the application The Executive Officer is the individual
process, and if awarded, project management. To apply for that oversees the organization (e.g.,
an award, go to https://cbtrust.org/grants/district-of- Executive Director, Chief Executive
Officer, Mayor, President or Vice
columbia-community-stormwater-solutions/ and click on
President, Principal (for schools), etc.)
“Get Started” to begin a new application. This will open a
and has the authority to sign/execute
new window asking you to log in or create an account on award agreements on behalf of the
our online system. If you have applied in the past, use your organization. The Executive Officer
information is tied directly to all the
existing username and password (if you have forgotten
organization’s applications and should
either of these use the ‘forgot password’ feature). If you
not vary from application to
have not used our online system before, click on “New application. If the Executive Officer
Applicant” and follow the instructions. More information could be listed as the Project Leader
can be found in Appendix A: Ready to apply? in a future proposal, we recommend
listing a Board Member or other
Applicants must submit applications in the Chesapeake
higher-ranking position of the
Bay Trust Online System by 4:00 pm on Thursday, March
organization as the Executive Officer
13th, 2025. Late applications will not be accepted, and the in order to reduce the variation in the
online funding opportunity will close promptly at 4:00 pm. Executive Officer across applications.
By submitting an application to this program, applicants
The Program Leader is the individual
acknowledge that: 1) they are compliant with federal
will be responsible for all project
employment and non-discrimination laws and 2) they have coordination and correspondence
not been debarred, convicted, charged or had a civil with the Trust for the duration of the
judgment rendered against them for fraud or related project. The email address entered
here MUST be the same as the email
offense by any government agency (federal, state or local)
address you used to log in to the
or been terminated for cause or default by any
online system. The Project Leader is
government agency (federal, state, or local). In addition, all the primary point of contact for the
final products will be provided to the funding partners for application, and the email address
used to submit the application via the
use and distribution at the sole discretion of the funding
online system must be that of the
partners.
Project Leader. Applications in which
the email address associated with the
Deadline Project Leader in the applicant
information tab of the online
opportunity does not match the email
Applicants must submit applications in the Chesapeake
address used to submit the
Bay Trust Online System by 4:00 PM ET on Thursday,
application will not be considered for
March 13th 2025. Late applications will not be accepted, funding. The Trust cannot conduct any
and the online funding opportunity will close official correspondence with
contractors or other project partners.
automatically and promptly at 4 PM EST. Applicants are
If at any time the Project Leader
cannot continue in the position, the
9
organization must contact the Trust
and assign a new qualified Project
Leader.

strongly encouraged to submit at least a few days prior to the deadline given the potential for high
website traffic on the due date. The Trust cannot guarantee the availability of technical assistance for
our online system on the deadline date.
Evaluation Criteria
The following criteria will be used by technical expert reviewers to evaluate your proposal:
Scoring Criteria Description of Scoring Criteria Points Available
Application • Are all required application components included for
Components sound evaluation of the application? E.g., community Scale of 1 to 5
engagement plan, letters of commitment, planting plan,
and native plant list.
Consistency with the • Is the project proposed aligned with the RFA?
Request for Scale of 1 to 5
Applications (RFA)
Justification • Does the applicant justify the need for the project (the
(Project Need) problem to be addressed and the potential benefits
or value of the project)?
• Does the proposed project support broader goals of the
organization and/or other existing community efforts? Scale of 1 to 20
• Is the project a continuation or building upon a
previously funded Community Stormwater Solutions
Grant?
Likelihood of • What is the likelihood of success if this project were to be
Project Success funded? Success should be defined as the
accomplishment of outcomes proposed.
• Is the plan for carrying out the proposed activities well-
reasoned, well-organized, and based on a sound
rationale? Scale of 1 to 20
• Has the applicant proposed metrics to monitor
progress and evaluate results (a mechanism to assess
success)?
Cost • Is the budget appropriate and cost effective?
Effectiveness/Budg • Are the line items budgeted justified in the budget
et narrative? In-kind and cash match is not required but can Scale of 1 to 10
be included, if necessary, to accomplish project goals.
• Are project partners being resourced appropriately?
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Partnership and • Is a priority audience selected? Scale of 1 to 15
Community • Does the organization have experience working in
the specific communities that they are prioritizing?
• Are any key partnerships required, and if so, are the
selected partnerships appropriate?
• Are considerations included to improve access and
implement accommodations for people with
disabilities and limited English proficient or non-
English proficient residents?
• Are any partners missing that should have been engaged?
• Is the community to be served involved or going to be
involved in the project? i.e., were community members
involved in the development of the project, was
community buy-in obtained, were community needs and
desires assessed, and are there individual(s) in the
community committed to serving as community leads?
• Does the applicant provide letter(s) of commitment from
project partners?
• Has/will a consultant be hired and has a contractor been
selected?
• What was your consultant/contractor selection
Sustainability • Has the applicant addressed future project Scale of 1 to 5
process? Include justification and background of the
sustainability?
selected consultant/contractor. If using a bid process,
• Will the impact of the work be felt after the grant
describe the process.
period has ended?
• Will the project be well maintained and continue to
function as designed to provide habitat and water
quality benefits?
Creative Solutions • To what degree does the project utilize art,
placemaking, dance, oral histories, or another Scale of 1 to 5
creative solution to engaging the priority audience
in the project?
District MS4 Area • Does the majority of the project take place in the
District’s MS4 area? To determine the project's Scale of 1 to 5
watershed, go to this website and
https://dcgis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/i
ndex.html?id=d872faed1f8642d190c45befed97c760
and enter the site address.
Priority Points
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New Applicant • Has the applicant previously been awarded funds through
the Community Stormwater Solutions Grant Program?
Exception: if the applicant has previously been 0 or 5 points
funded through this program, but its primary role is
to serve as the fiscal agent for another entity or
individual that has not previously received funding,
then the proposal may receive these additional
points.
Oxon Run
Special project area: • To assist with this criterion, view this website:
1.Advance https://doee.dc.gov/service/oxon-run-stream-restoration
stewardship,
0 to 5 points
environmental
education, Fort Dupont Watershed
restoration, • To assist with this criterion, view this website:
community https://doee.dc.gov/service/fort-dupont-stream-and-
engagement, and wetland-restoration-project
maintenance efforts
in neighborhoods Pet waste strategies in Fort Chaplin
within the Oxon Run • To assist with this criterion, this website contains some
and Fort Dupont information on pet waste:
watershed https://doee.dc.gov/page/petwaste
Special Focus Area 2:
Pet waste strategies
in the Fort Chaplin
catchment area
Total 100 points
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Application Review Process
Each application is reviewed by a Technical Review Committee (TRC), composed of individuals who are
experts in the fields supported by this RFA and represent communities served by projects funded by this
RFA. The TRC ranks and scores all applications based on the criteria listed in the “Evaluation Criteria”
section above, then meets to discuss the application merits. The TRC then recommends a suite of
applications to the Trust’s Board of Trustees.
The funding partners reserve the right to fund projects and budget items that advance their missions and
meet specific funding priorities and criteria.
To allow applicants to set expectations prior to investing time in application, the Trust provides historical
application approval rates for the same or similar programs. The average approval rate from the last 3
rounds (2021 to 2023) in this grant program is 44%, including both fully and partially funded applications.
Awards and Notifications
The Community Stormwater Solutions Grant Program awards will be announced in May 2025.
All applicants will receive a letter stating the funding partnership’s decision. An application may be
declined, partially awarded, or fully awarded. If approved, the Trust will send an award agreement with
award conditions and due dates of status, progress, and final reports. The Trust will mail the first award
payment to the requesting organization following: satisfaction of any phase 1 payment award
contingencies, including upload of the signed award agreement. Ten percent of the total award will be
held until the final report is submitted and approved. In cases where the awardee fails to submit a status
report, progress report, final report, or other requirement by the due date, the Trust reserves the right to
terminate the award agreement and require a refund of funds already transferred to the awardee.
When the project is complete, awardees are required to complete final reports that may include but are
not limited to submission of all receipts for supplies, invoices for subcontractors/contractors, and copies
of timesheets for personnel time used (timesheets must include date, name, time worked per day, and
coding to tie the time worked to the award).
All financial back-up documentation will be grouped and numbered to correspond to the budget line item
reported as spent. Organizations with outstanding final, progress, or status reports will not be awarded
additional grants.
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Appendix A: Ready to Apply? Online Application Form
You will be asked to provide the following information on the online application form. Some items are
required to submit your application. Refer to the online application for details.
Eligibility Quiz: This three-question quiz is meant to assist you in determining if your project meets the
requirements of this award program and that your staff/organizational structure best supports a
successful application.
Applicant Information Tab: Provide the organization’s name, mailing address, phone number,
organization type, mission, EIN number, and SAM UEI number. Provide the Executive Officer and Project
Leader’s name, title, address, phone, and email address.
• Both an Executive Officer and a Project Leader, two separate individuals, must be identified for all
applications.
• The Executive Officer and Project Leader must both be able to make decisions on behalf of the
organization either as a board member, an employee, or in other approved position recognized by
the organization but not a contractor of the application.
• To avoid conflict of interest issues, individuals associated with for-profit entities to be engaged in
the project cannot serve in either role.
Project Information Tab: Provide a project title; project abstract; the watershed, county, and legislative
district in which the project is located; and the latitude and longitude coordinates of the project location.
Timeline Tab: Add the project start and end date. Provide a project timeline that includes major tasks and
their associated start and end dates.
Deliverables Tab: Provide estimated metrics for your proposed project such as project participants and
outreach and restoration outcomes.
Volunteers Tab: Provide a description of volunteer activities, the number of volunteers, and total number
of volunteer hours.
Project Partnerships: Provide a list of project partner organizations or contractors, individuals, their areas
of expertise, and their role(s) in your project.
Applicants are encouraged to upload a letter of commitment for the project from each partner describing
in detail the partner’s role or contribution to the project. Applications including strong letter(s) of
commitment often receive higher scores. If not submitted with the application, letter(s) of commitment
may be required prior to the release of any awarded funding. To better understand the Trust’s definition
of and policy on Letter(s) of Commitment, visit our Forms and Policies webpage: www.cbtrust.org/forms.
Narrative & Supporting Documents Tab: Use the links below to download the required narrative
questions template for the track you are applying to. Complete all questions and upload the completed
document as a Microsoft Word or PDF file.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_J8n37oCL7XKaxUX_S55UGh42rtilB_9/edit?usp=sharing
&ouid=107490349100015486318&frtpof=true&sd=true –
Required Documents: Note: Some documents take a while to obtain, so you are advised not to
wait until the last minute to review these critical requirements.
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• Promises, Certifications, Assertions, and Assurances: Each applicant must sign and submit
the “Promises, Certifications, Assertions, and Assurances” (“PCA”) in Appendix B. Signing the
PCA is a condition of eligibility for this grant. If the Applicant is not prepared to sign the PCA,
it should not apply for a grant. Compliance with the promises, certifications, and assurances
in the PCA is a continuing condition of eligibility for this grant.
The PCA must be signed by the Applicant or, if the Applicant is an organization, by a
duly authorized officer of the organization. The PCA also includes a sworn statement
verifying that the Applicant is not in arrears (i.e., is “current”) on all obligations
outstanding to the District, including all District agencies. The Applicant must be
“current” as of the date of the application and the date of a grant award. DOEE
requires, as a condition of continuing eligibility, that a grantee stay current on such
obligations during the period of the grant.
This form is administered by DOEE. Questions can be directed to Marissa O’Neil
marissa.oneill@dc.gov, phone number: (202) 535-2679.
• IRS W-9 Tax Form: The Applicant must submit a current completed W-9 form prepared for the
U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). DOEE defines “current” to mean that the document was
completed within the same calendar year as that of the application date.
• Tax Exemption Affirmation Letter: The tax exemption affirmation letter is the IRS’s
determination letter of non-profit status. If this letter is not available, then the Applicant
should provide its most recent IRS Form 990 tax return if one was submitted. If no return has
yet been filed, the organization can submit its application for tax-exempt status. If the group
has a supporting organization with an IRS tax-exempt status determination, then that
organization’s tax exemption affirmation letter should also be submitted.
• If there is no IRS tax exemption affirmation letter because the organization is a religious
organization, then the Applicant may submit the best evidence it can of its status. Examples of
potential best evidence for this purpose include, but are not limited to (i) a letter from the
leader of the organization verifying that the organization is a religious group; (ii) a letter from
the group’s board chair or similar official, verifying that the organization is a religious group;
o (iii) the Applicant’s most recently submitted state sales or other tax exemption form, if it
exists (Form 164 in the District of Columbia); or (iv) the state’s issued tax exemption
certificate or card, if it exists. (See IRS publication no. 1828, Tax Guide for Churches and
Religious Organizations.)
Budget Tab:
1. Financial Management Spreadsheet – Application Budget Upload
a. You will be asked to upload your budget using the “Application Budget” worksheet of the
Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Financial Management Spreadsheet (FMS), an excel file
15

template. The template can be found by visiting https://cbtrust.org/forms-policies/ where
you can watch a video with instructions on how to complete the FMS.
2. Financial Management Spreadsheet – Application Budget Information
a. This online application component will ask you to enter budget category and request
totals. These totals will be automatically calculated in the FMS Application Budget, so you
will only need to copy and paste the values from the FMS to the Online Application.
3. Additional Budget Justification
a. This online application component will ask you to provide a descriptive budget narrative
to justify and explain costs. If the success of the work is contingent upon award of other
funds, make this clear in your budget justification section.
Terms and Conditions Tab: Agree to the specified terms and conditions for the program for which you are
applying.
Demographics Tab (optional): Provide voluntary demographic information. Provide information about
your organization’s current diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) efforts and future goals.
16

Appendix B: DOEE Grant Promises, Certifications, Assertions, and Assurances
DC Grant Promises, Certifications, Assertions, and Assurances (Rev. 2-12-2019)
GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Department of Energy and Environment
Table of Contents
True statements
.......................................................................................................................................................................
20
Resources and record
.......................................................................................................................................................................
20
Tax status/organizational form
.......................................................................................................................................................................
21
Obligations to the District/good standing
.......................................................................................................................................................................
21
Not suspended or debarred
.......................................................................................................................................................................
21
Criminal charges or investigations, or other legal proceedings
.......................................................................................................................................................................
22
Taxes due and related liabilities
.......................................................................................................................................................................
22
Conflicts of interest
.......................................................................................................................................................................
22
Books and records
17

.......................................................................................................................................................................
23
Property owner permission
.......................................................................................................................................................................
23
Termination/new grantee
.......................................................................................................................................................................
23
Compliance with laws
.......................................................................................................................................................................
23
Compliance with general terms
.......................................................................................................................................................................
25
MEANING OF SIGNATURE ON THE PCA……………………………………………………………………………………………………
............................................................................. 19
SPECIFIC ASSURANCES…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
............................................................................. 20
SIGNATURE
ANDCERTIFICATIONOFTHEAPPLICANT………………………………………………………………………………………26
An Applicant must agree in writing, by signature below, to comply with the following promises,
certifications, assertions, and assurances, made in support of the grant application.
MEANING OF SIGNATURE ON THE PCA
This Appendix B – DC Grant Promises, Certifications, Assertions, and Assurances (PCA) contains
terms that apply to: the undersigned Applicant (Applicant) and its application (Application) and,
upon award of the grant applied for (Grant), to the successful applicant (Grantee). This PCA is
incorporated into the Request for Applications (RFA) and each Grant Award Notice. The
Applicant signifies its agreement to the PCA terms by signing below in the Signature and
Certification of the Applicant section.
1. The Applicant, either personally if a natural person or through an authorized
representative if a legal entity, must read the terms of this PCA, state that the terms are
understood, and agree to them.
2. Specifically, the Applicant is:
18