WaterSmart Garden Grant Program
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Water Conservation Demonstration Garden at Gardens at Heather Farm, Walnut Creek, CA |
Educating the public about saving water in the garden is the goal of EBMUD’s WaterSmart Garden Grant Program. EBMUD has been working with the public and green industry for over 30 years installing low water use gardens and encouraging customers to do the same on their property. EBMUD is now offering monetary awards to community groups and organizations for public garden projects that clearly and effectively demonstrate water-conserving principles.
Eligibility Requirements
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Gardens must be within the District service area.
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Grants are awarded for EBMUD-approved proposed projects only (the program is not retroactive).
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Funding is limited by type/size of project, available budget and can be no more than 50% of the entire demonstration project cost.
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The garden site must have safe public access with high visibility.
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Conservation of water and other natural resources must be the clear message of the garden through its design, printed materials and interpretive signage. EBMUD support of the project will be acknowledged in signage.
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Where possible, a demonstration site must utilize best current sustainable design principles including but not limited to: (a) California native and summer-dry climate plants; (b) weather-based irrigation controllers; (c) low volume irrigation methods; (d) recycled or reclaimed materials; and (e) permeable hardscape.
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Applicants must commit to ongoing operation and maintenance of their demonstration project according to proper horticultural principles supplied by EBMUD.
How the Program Works:
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There are two open application periods each year, during the months of January and July. Applications are evaluated by a selection committee and successful applicants are notified, typically within 30 days, in February and August. Garden projects must be completed in 120 days.
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Applications are evaluated by a numerical ranking system, based on factors such as clarity of vision, preparedness to begin and willingness of organization members to make a long-term commitment to maintenance of the garden,
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There are four levels of demonstration garden grant awards ranging from a minimum of $500 to a maximum of $15,000, with one large project award of up to $25,000, subject to available funds. Grants for accepted garden projects will be paid in arrears only upon successful completion of each project. Approved grants will be awarded twice each year at the following levels:
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Grant funds will pay for up to 100% of water efficient irrigation products and no more than 50% of plant costs, up to the maximum grant award and available funding. Plant choices must come from the EBMUD plant book, Plants and Landscapes for Summer-Dry Climates or be cited as appropriate in two other publications. Grant money is not available for plants in containers larger than 15 gallons. Grant funds cover materials and supplies only. Labor costs are not covered.
EBMUD encourages applicants to show their unique qualifications for these grant-funded projects by providing a signed application and maintenance agreement as well as planting and irrigation plans. In addition, photographs, drawings, models, and any other supporting documents are welcome.
Application instructions and forms package can be sent to you; please e-mail custsvc@ebmud.com with your contact information and mailing address, or call 1-866-403-2683.