Make a Splash Stormwater Project
The Make a Splash Grant Program is an environmental grant offered by the City of Tacoma. It provides up to $4,000 in reimbursement for projects that help prevent stormwater pollution and protect or restore local waterways like lakes, streams, and Puget Sound.
Get Funding for Waterway Protection Projects
The City of Tacoma’s Environmental Services Department awards up to $50,000 annually in environmental grants to help educate the community and protect surface water resources. You can apply for a reimbursable award of up to $4,000 for projects conducted within Tacoma city limits.
Grant Requirements:
- Projects must focus on stormwater benefits and pollution prevention
- Educational projects are encouraged
- Water conservation or clean drinking water projects are not eligible
- Open to anyone planning a project within Tacoma city limits
Preference Given to Projects That:
- Provide direct physical or educational benefits to local waterways, including rivers, streams, lakes, Commencement Bay, and Puget Sound
- Target residents of Tacoma
- Are from first-time applicants
- Take place within Tacoma city limits
- Include the required permissions, permits, or letters of support (if applicable)
- Offer a minimum of 10% match in cash, volunteer time, materials, or professional services
- Partner with multiple agencies
- Demonstrate project readiness with a detailed budget and implementation outline
Project Ideas:
- Develop and implement water quality education programs to promote conservation and behavioral change
- Participate in stream or wetland restoration and protection
- Create materials for community stewardship projects focused on protecting Tacoma’s water resources
- Address erosion control in areas affecting surface waters
- Install and evaluate water quality Best Management Practices (BMPs) following the City’s surface water manual
- Restore or protect streams and wetlands through vegetation planting, cleanups, or educational field trips
- Produce environmental education or restoration campaigns for radio, TV, or public service announcements
- Engage in flood prevention efforts
Projects can be completed in classrooms, within the community, or at local businesses. They can take place along Tacoma’s waterways, such as Puget Creek or Swan Creek, marine shorelines like Ruston Way or Titlow Beach, or wetlands such as Delong Pond and Snake Lake. Note that some projects may require permits.
Collaboration with the Puget Sound regional stormwater pollution prevention campaign, “Puget Sound Starts Here,” is encouraged.
FAQs
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To apply for the Make a Splash grant, you can either:
- Access the application online or request a mailed copy by emailing makeasplash@tacoma.gov or calling (253) 591-5588.
Once you’ve completed the application:
- Mail it to:
Attn: Make a Splash Grants
City of Tacoma
326 East D Street
Tacoma, WA 98421-1801 - Email it to makeasplash@tacoma.gov.
Applications are accepted May 1 through November 15 each year.
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Panel Content: Grants are typically awarded by August of the award year. Reimbursable expenditures can be made from the time you receive the signed contract until August 1 of the following year.
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To get assistance:
- Review our application materials
- Visit the Puget Sound Starts Here website for inspiration
- Contact us at makeasplash@tacoma.gov or (253) 591-5588 to discuss your project ideas
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Yes, individuals can apply for and receive grant funds. However, grant money must be claimed on your annual taxes. The City recommends partnering with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or another fiscal agent to accept the funds on your behalf.
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You may submit multiple applications for different projects or events, but no individual or organization can be awarded more than two grants per cycle.
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Grant funds can be used for:
- Costs outlined in the approved project budget, including transportation and materials
- Up to 10% of the grant can be used for food expenses
- Up to 20% can be applied to personnel or labor costs for project development and coordination
Grant funds cannot be used for:
- Activities required by permits or other mandates
- Projects outside Tacoma city limits
- Construction labor
- Electronics (e.g. digital cameras, video cameras or other electronic equipment)
- Items considered gifts to individuals or organizations
The Make a Splash grant program is funded by user fees from Tacoma’s stormwater utility.