About
The Office of Community Sustainability's Community Stormwater Partnership grant program offers funds to implement on-the-ground stormwater practices on nonprofit and HOA properties. Howard County recognizes the unique challenges nonprofits and HOA's have that may impact access to stormwater treatment and resources. The grant program is offered yearly. Howard County strives to reduce stormwater runoff and improve access to stormwater treatment practices. This program is only available to Howard County nonprofits and HOA's.
Program Status: OPEN
Howard County is now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 Community Stormwater Partnership grant program. The deadline to submit the RFP is on Friday, June 26th, 2026. Download the Community Stormwater Partnership Grant RFP to get started on your application. You may choose to submit your application package via email (afarrell@howardcounty.gov) or Jotform Submission Portal.
Application Package Downloads
Community Stormwater Partnership Grant Program RFP
Homeowners Association/Community Project Authorization Form
Resources
- CWH Maintenance Page
- Sustainable Landscape Maintenance Manual
- EPA Green Infrastructure Installation, Operation, and Maintenance
- MDE Maryland Stormwater Design Manual Chapters
- Why should you apply?
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If you are a nonprofit or HOA looking to improve stormwater quality and/or quantity on you should apply for this grant opportunity. Howard County may fund up to $50,000 for your project ideas. Eligible projects include tree plantings, Best Management Practices installations, conservation landscaping, and more. For nonprofits, applying for this grant is an opportunity to get stormwater treatment in the ground for your nonprofit to reach the Maximum Extent Practicable
- Who is eligible for the Community Stormwater Partnership grant?
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- Nonprofits who are in the Nonprofit Watershed Protection Partnership
- HOA's
- COA's
- Do I need a site assessment from WSA?
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While not required, it is strongly encouraged. The Watershed Stewards Academy is a nonprofit organization made up of trained volunteers who can assess your site and recommend stormwater Best Management Practices for your community. Please visit the Howard County Watershed Stewards Academy's webpage, or call the office number 410-313-1916, for a site assessment to understand site conditions and identify opportunities for stormwater treatment.
- Do I need an engineering design?
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Typically, engineering designs are not required for small and simple stormwater Best Management Practices installations, including conservation landscapes, tree plantings, rain barrel installation, and small rain gardens. Structural stormwater Best Management Practices often require engineering designs, including bio-retentions, permeable pavement, and complex rain gardens. When considering rain gardens, it is important to conduct a soil perc test prior to construction. A perc test can help to determine if an engineering design is required to construct a rain garden.
- Is this grant competitive?
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Yes
- What are eligible project types?
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- Design and construction of stormwater Best Management Practices found in Chapter 5 of Maryland’s Stormwater Design Manual.
- Community outreach and education campaigns about water quality and watershed health.
- Maintenance assistance for VOLUNTARY stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs).
- Are you a nonprofit not in the Partnership but are interested in applying for the grant?
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You may still apply, but you will be asked to join the partnership.
- Are you unsure if you are in the Partnership?
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If you received an email directly from Avery announcing the grant, you are in the Partnership. If it was forwarded to you or you saw it online, then you are likely not yet a Partner. Still unsure? Just check "unsure" on the grant application and we will check as we review your application. You may also reach out to Avery to check.
- Who should you contact for more information?
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Contact Avery's email afarrell@howardcountymd.gov
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