Small Grants – FAQ

• Each year, the Board will announce the availability of funds and the corresponding deadlines.
• The Board may at any time in its discretion make grants to deserving and qualified recipients on its own initiative, as the Board deems appropriate.

• Grants are typically aimed at supporting project, specific initiatives, or activities with clear objectives and outcomes that would enhance or create opportunities to advance the mission of the NBWA. They can be in various water related fields such as research, training, technical assistance, or community services. Additionally, NBWA’s small grants are also designed to support the creation, enhancement, and execution of water educational programs. They aim to improve educational outcomes, innovate teaching methods, or expand access to education.
• Not eligible for funding: Land purchases and associated costs, such as appraisals.

For 2025, a combined total of $50,000 is available to service projects and initiatives across multiple applicant awardees.

Due to a limited amount of funds available, the desired disbursement by the committee, but not mandatory, is:

• $30,000 collectively for Regional Solicitation (all lands draining to the San Pablo Bay)
• $5,000 collectively for each of the four NBWA Counties individually (Marin, Napa, Solano, Sonoma)

Applicants can request a reasonable amount and may be granted in full or in part. Please note that:

• Amounts under $10,000 will be awarded as a “trust-based grant” which allows the recipient greater autonomy to allocate funds as needed. This model emphasizes transparency, equity, and a collaborative relationship between NBWA and grantee.
• Amounts over $10,000 will be awarded as a reimbursement grant. Under this model, the grantee initially covers the expenses for approved activities or projects and then submits documentation to the NBWA to receive reimbursement for those costs.
• Awarded grant amounts are at the discretion of the Board.
• If the project cost is greater than the grant funding and other funding is required, include that and note where that funding is coming from and if it is secured.

Eligible Recipients include:

• Non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations
• Municipalities
• Tribes
• Public/Private Educational Institution
• Projects/programs benefiting NBWA residents (lands draining to the San Pablo Bay)

No family of members of the NBWA’s Board are eligible to apply for assistance from the Program. For purposes of this program, family (by whole or half blood, adoption or marriage) includes spouse, brothers or sisters, spouses of brothers or sisters, ancestors, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and spouses of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

If the project cost exceeds the NBWA grant funding, and additional funding is required, any secured additional funding will be considered.

NBWA may prioritized projects:

• where planning is advanced enough that—with sufficient funding—it can begin within a very short time;
• that provide maximum regional benefit; and/or
• that would enhance or create opportunities to advance the mission of the NBWA.

The application provides comprehensive details and further insights into the scoring criteria to be utilized by NBWA, ensuring transparency and clarity in the evaluation process.

One small grant application per person/organization per cycle. Receipt of an award does not guarantee future funding.

Grants for education programs require submission of an outcome report within three months of project completion, or as specified at the time of award.

Application shall note the estimated end date of the project/initiative.

If the project cost is greater than the NBWA grant funding and other funding is required, include where additional funding is coming from and if it is secured.

Grant availabilities are announced no later than April of every year and awarded as applicable.

For 2025, April 30 is the deadline.

Any performance measurements and reporting that is identified between awardee and NBWA as applicable.

Email completed applications to [email protected] with “[insert year] Watershed Grant Application” in the subject line.

General checklist for applications:

• Completed application
• Proof of eligibility
• Project Location
• Amount requested
• Project Summary
• Timeline and Schedule of Events and Tasks
• Deliverables
• Letter of Recommendation/Support
• Additional information, as applicable

Application outline can be viewed and downloaded at www.nbwatershed.org/small-grants-and-scholarship-program-2.

Application does require detailed information, which can be provided on an attached sheet.

Email questions to [email protected]

Checks will be made payable, and mailed directly to, the awardee, if under $10,000.

If over $10,000 receipts must be submitted via email or physical mail and a reimbursement check will be mailed within 60 days. In general, the streamlined process for grant awardees to request reimbursement for expenses incurred:

1. 1. Prepare Documentation. Compile receipts, invoices, and proof of payment for all relevant expenses. Ensure each document clearly identifies the expense, the amount, and the date.
   2. Create cover letter for reimbursement request. Include details like expense type, total amount, and project details linked to the grant.
   3. Attach Supporting Documents. Organize and attach the required supporting documentation (e.g., receipts, invoices, contracts) along with the completed cover letter.
   4. Submit Request. Send the reimbursement request via email or physical mail.

NBWA’s Subcommittee and Awardee will work together on how to define performance measurements for use of funds so as not to be rigid or burdensome to awardee staff. NBWA staff will reach out to coordinate this meeting and review applicable next steps.

Grant recipients are asked to acknowledge the NBWA in any publicity (e.g., brochures, newsletters, websites, signage at a site) concerning the project/program for which the grant is made and whenever the organization’s financial supporters are listed.

The NBWA reserves the right to feature information and images regarding grant awardees and their associated projects on its official website and social media platforms. By accepting a grant, recipients acknowledge and agree that such details may be publicly shared for promotional, informational, and transparency purposes. If you have any concerns regarding this policy, please contact the NBWA directly.

NBWA’s Subcommittee and Awardee will work together on how to define performance measurements for use of funds so as not to be rigid or burdensome to awardee staff.

If eligibility status changes or projects/initiatives are cancelled over the course of implementation, all unused funds are to be returned and credited back to the Program.

Receipt of an award does not guarantee future funding and, ordinarily, the Program does not provide funds for more than one year. Organizations may reapply to the Program each year they meet eligibility requirements.