Make a Splash Stormwater Project
The Make a Splash Grant Program is an environmental cost-share grant offered by the City of Tacoma and administered by the Pierce Conservation District. It provides 75% of project costs 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)
- 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
- Implement a green stormwater solution such as a rain garden, rain tank, urban habitat, or Depave project as defined by Pierce Conservation District’s GSI Mini Grants program
- 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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Application Period
The application period is open August 1 – November 15Â each year.
Site Visit
Before submitting your application, you must complete a site visit with Pierce Conservation District (PCD) staff for in-the-ground projects or a phone/video consultation for educational or other types of projects. Site visits can be requested after August 1st.
Request site visit/consultationApply
After completing your site visit or consultation, you can complete your application online.
Apply now -
For help developing your project or completing the application, contact makeasplash@tacoma.gov, greenstormwater@piercecd.org or call (253) 278-6493.
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Yes, any person, organization, business, or community group with a project within the city limits of Tacoma may apply. Please note grant funds may need to be claimed on your annual taxes. Consult your tax advisor to learn more.
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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
- 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.
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Notice of awards will be sent in January. Projects generally take less than one calendar year to complete, and funds are reimbursed by the end of year after projects are complete.
This is a cost-share grant. Applicants should be prepared to contribute at least 25% of project costs and any amount over the $4,000 grant award to complete their project.