Funding policies
If funded, your grant agreement will include details of requirements which may include updates to some of the information here; the grant agreement language will supersede any differences.
For applicants
Acquisitions |
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Acquisitions, including conservation easements, cannot be funded by WaterWorks, except in certain cases through the council-allocated track. |
Duration of contracted projects |
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The WaterWorks Grant Program will fund a project for up to two years after the contract is signed. In some cases a project may be authorized for a three-year time frame. |
Fiscal sponsors |
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See Eligibility |
Match |
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A cash or in-kind match is required, for at least 10 percent of the total amount requested. Match can be in the form of cash match or in-kind (donated goods or services or volunteer labor). |
Billing rates and overhead costs |
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There are two ways to include overhead costs in your budget: through billing rates or as a separate overhead line item. There is no cap on overhead, grants are evaluated on project costs relative to the outcomes.
With either method, you are expected to have backup documentation to justify those rates and available upon request. |
Partnerships |
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Partnerships are encouraged. They can help strengthen projects, especially partnerships between different sectors (government, NGO, business, schools, tribes). Individuals who attend work parties or groups that donate funding or materials are not considered partners. However, an organization that plans or recruits volunteers for a work party or a business that donates materials and helps with outreach, could be considered partnerships—where both parties take an active role in the project. Partner roles and activities should be clearly identified in the grant agreement. |
For recipients
Project reporting |
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Funded projects will be required to submit quarterly progress and expense reports, as well as final narrative and financial closeout reports. Backup documentation showing expenses and demonstrating activities are required as part of reporting. |
Reimbursement of funds |
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Funds will be reimbursed for eligible expenses for approved activities following submission and approval of quarterly progress and expense reports. |
Translation of application materials |
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Translated application materials may be provided by request; applicants should contact the WaterWorks staff for specific language requests. |
Match FAQ
Cash or in-kind match is required for at least 10 percent of the total amount requested. This can be waived for community-based organizations that work primarily with low-income or under-represented groups by completing the related question on the application.
Volunteer labor used for in-kind match should be valued at $30/hour for general volunteer labor (e.g, participating in work parties, planning, outreach). The customary rate is up to $100/hour for professional services (for professionals donating services relevant to the project and proportional to its needs).