Maryland Nonpoint Source Pollution Grant

The Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Grant Program administered by the Maryland Department of the Environment is a state-level funding opportunity supported by federal funds from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The program is designed to address nonpoint source pollution, which is a major contributor to water quality degradation across watersheds. Through this initiative, Maryland seeks to support restoration, planning, and outreach activities that improve water quality and align with federally approved watershed-based plans. The program is offered annually and reflects a collaborative effort between federal and state agencies to improve environmental outcomes across the state. The primary purpose of the funding is to support projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution through implementation of best management practices or through planning and outreach efforts. Eligible activities include the design and construction of best management practices, technical assistance programs, education and outreach initiatives, and the development or enhancement of watershed-based plans. Projects must demonstrate measurable environmental outcomes, particularly in terms of pollutant load reductions such as nitrogen, phosphorus, sediment, bacteria, or pH impairments. The program emphasizes long-term environmental impact and requires that all projects align with an EPA-accepted nine element watershed-based plan, although waivers may be considered in limited cases. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, meaning recipients must initially cover project costs before seeking reimbursement from the grant. Individual awards are negotiable and typically range from thirty thousand dollars to four hundred thousand dollars, with total program funding approximating one million dollars. There is no matching fund requirement for applicants, as the State of Maryland fulfills the required forty percent match. However, applicants are encouraged to leverage additional funding sources to strengthen their proposals and improve competitiveness. Funding restrictions include prohibitions on using grant funds for staff salaries already supported by other funding sources, operations and maintenance activities, or activities mandated by certain regulatory permits. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as local and state government agencies, soil conservation districts, institutions of higher education, private firms, and nonprofit organizations. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient capacity for grant management and financial sustainability due to the reimbursement structure of the program. Proposals must include detailed work plans outlining project descriptions, timelines, deliverables, expected outputs, and budgets. Additional supporting materials such as maps, images, and detailed budget breakdowns may also be submitted. Quarterly reporting and a final comprehensive report are required for all funded projects. The application process requires submission of a complete proposal via email to the designated program inbox. The funding opportunity was released on July 1, 2026, and proposals must be submitted by September 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Early submission is encouraged. Applications are evaluated based on a structured scoring system that considers project background, objectives, feasibility, cost effectiveness, monitoring plans, partnerships, and public outreach. Additional points may be awarded for projects addressing climate impacts, benefiting economically disadvantaged communities, or incorporating additional funding support. Award decisions are contingent upon federal funding availability and are expected after October 1, 2027. Project start dates are tied to the federal award timeline, with the earliest possible start date being October 1, 2027. Project durations are flexible but generally range from less than one year up to four years, with all projects required to be completed by March 31, 2032. The program operates on an annual cycle, and applicants may contact the Maryland Department of the Environment for updates or to be notified of future funding opportunities. For questions or assistance, applicants can contact the program via email or phone as provided in the solicitation materials.

Ensure alignment with watershed based plans; demonstrate measurable pollutant reduction; provide clear timeline and cost effectiveness; include strong partnerships and outreach strategy