Grant Program Overview
The Ripple Grant provides funding to community-based projects that align with the mission of WMSWCD to inspire people to actively improve air and water quality, fish and wildlife habitat, and soil health. The program prioritizes projects that address District-identified priority invasive species and/or priority habitats while advancing equitable outcomes by engaging historically underserved communities through culturally inclusive conservation approaches.
Who Can Apply
- Eligible Organizations: Non-profit organizations, community groups (with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor), schools and educational institutions, Tribal governments or Indigenous community groups, and local government agencies.
- Eligibility Notes:
- Private landowners and for-profit businesses are not eligible and should explore other District programs.
- Past grant recipients must have completed all reporting and be in good standing to reapply.
Eligible Projects
We fund community-led conservation and education projects within WMSWCD's service area. See previous recipients of funds in our current annual report.
Priority consideration will be given to projects that:
- Address District-identified priority invasive species (e.g., Emerald Ash Borer impacts on riparianRiparian areas The land alongside a stream, creek, river, or floodplain shade).
- Enhance priority habitats (e.g., lower Columbia estuarine, wetland, Oregon white oak, and native pollinator habitats).
- Demonstrate measurable benefits to historically underserved communities, including Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and other environmentally impacted or low-income communities.
Eligible project categories include, but are not limited to:
1. Community Engagement & Equity
2. Habitat Restoration & Water Quality
3. Sustainable Agriculture & Soil Health
4. Education & Workforce Development
5. Planning, Stewardship & Maintenance
How to Apply
Need help?
Watch our virtual information session we held to outline the grant and answer questions.
You can also reach out to our grant manager for guidance. We want this process to be accessible; don’t hesitate to ask for support or accommodation.
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Grant applications are now closed
Please check back in January 2027 for the 2027-2028 application process. At this time we are leaving up the application guide and form to give you an idea of what the process is like. Both the guide and the form are subject to change. Please do not fill out or send in these forms.
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1. Read the application guide.
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2. Complete the application form.
Alternatives to online submission
If submitting an application through a PDF form, or via email, is an issue for your group, please contact us at 971-265-9872 for an alternative format.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What if the project needs a permit?
It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the project is compliant with all local, state, and federal permitting requirements.
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Can private landowners apply?
No. Landowners are not eligible for this program but may be eligible for other forms of assistance from WMSWCD.
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Are community or school garden projects eligible?
Yes. Community and school gardens that improve soil health, water management, or habitat for historically underserved communities are eligible to apply.
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Can I apply to get funding for an event, or does it have to be an ongoing project?
WMSWCD has other funding available for one-time events or smaller-budget projects. That grant program will launch in 2026, and then will be linked here.
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If I receive a grant, when do I need to spend it by?
Projects may begin on or after July 1st, 2026; the project must be complete and all funds must be spent by June 30, 2027.
Please get in touch if you have questions about eligibility, the application, or other concerns about the Ripple Grant program.
Ariana Scipioni
Urban Conservationist
Contact me about:
Ripple grant, urban heat islands, community gardens, increasing habitat connectivityConnectivity the degree to which patches of landscape are connected, either helping or impeding animal movement and other ecological processes like the flow of water or dispersal of seeds, beaver, Northern Red-legged Frogs, Northwestern Pond Turtle, invasive reptiles and mammals.