Community Watershed Stewardship Program (CWSP) Grant

The Community Watershed Stewardship Program (CWSP), administered by Environmental Services in partnership with Portland State University's Indigenous Nations Studies Department, offers annual grants to support community-led projects that improve the health of Portland’s watersheds. The program's primary goal is to fund initiatives that enhance watershed and neighborhood health while providing environmental education to local communities. By fostering collaboration between community members and city departments, CWSP empowers residents to take an active role in environmental stewardship. CWSP grants provide funding of up to $12,000 per project. These funds are intended for efforts that protect and enhance the natural environment in Portland’s neighborhoods, including projects focused on watershed health, environmental education, and community engagement. While matching funds are not required, applicants are encouraged to include in-kind contributions or cash donations to demonstrate community support. These matches can come in the form of volunteer labor, donated materials, or monetary support for specific project costs. The application process for CWSP grants is structured in two stages. Interested parties must first submit a pre-application, which is reviewed by a selection committee. Those selected are then invited to submit a full application. Grants are awarded annually, with project implementation beginning around June 30, contingent on contract completion. All project activities must be completed, and funds spent, within the grant year, typically from September 1 through June 30. Grantees receive funds on a reimbursement basis, either once or twice per contract, and must submit invoices and receipts for approved budget items. Projects cannot begin until a fully authorized grant agreement is in place. Grantees must be able to pay for expenses upfront or work with a fiscal agent who can do so on their behalf. CWSP staff are available to assist applicants in connecting with fiscal agents as needed. CWSP provides additional support to applicants by offering technical assistance, connections to partner organizations, and help in developing project proposals. Resources such as case studies, insurance examples, and necessary forms are also made available. Furthermore, the program offers native plant certificates to support projects that incorporate environmentally beneficial plants into community spaces. For more information or assistance, applicants can contact CWSP Coordinators Kathy Dang at [email protected] (503-823-6675) or Daryl Houtman at [email protected] (503-823-1849). These coordinators are available to provide guidance and answer questions throughout the application process.