Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, Inc. (Sweet Water) is pleased to announce a new cycle of Request for Proposals (RFPs) for its Water Quality Mini-Grant Program. Projects to be funded under this announcement will advance the mission of Sweet Water in restoring the Greater Milwaukee watersheds to conditions that are healthy for swimming and fishing and be located in the Kinnickinnic, Menomonee, Milwaukee, Root, and/or Oak Creek watersheds.

The aim of the Sweet Water Mini-Grant Program is to support local, grassroots efforts that employ water quality improvement and related practices, including green infrastructure, to positively affect the quality of our water, enhance conservation, restore habitat, and/or educate communities about water quality issues and associated stewardship actions.  Sweet Water prefers to fund pilot projects on a one-time basis or those in need of a “kick-start” of sorts.  Preference will be given to projects with the potential to make a direct and long-lasting effect on the nearest water body, and those that are highly visible to the community. 

Eligible applicants include organizations such as non-profits, schools, community and civic groups, Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops, churches, neighborhood associations and others.

Grant awards range from $1,000 to $5,000 with total distribution subject to the availability of funds.  Applications are due November 1, 2016.

Mini-grant award winners will be announced by January 31, 2017 and honored at Sweet Water’s annual Clean Rivers, Clean Lake Conference at Florian Park Conference & Event Center in Germantown, Wisconsin on May 4, 2017.

Examples of projects that may be submitted to this RFP include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Rain barrel, rain garden, and native landscaping installations
• Riparian buffer or shoreline restoration efforts
• Planting of trees and other vegetation to reduce stormwater runoff
• Replacement of asphalt, concrete and conventional lawns with trees, plantings and gardens
• Educating the public about polluted storm water prevention options

For the complete RFP and Application Form, visit www.swwtwater.org/mini-grants .  Please contact Sweet Water with any questions at info@swwtwater.org or (414) 382-1766.