Realize Rain Gardens Rochester Cost-Share Grant Applications

Realize Rain Gardens Rochester Cost-Share Grant Applications

In 2009, the City of Rochester launched Realize Rain Gardens Rochester – a cost-share grant program promoting the installation of residential rain gardens in Rochester. A task force of interested citizens and the City’s Public Works staff developed this program. Selected sites are used to demonstrate how raingardens slow, treat, and infiltrate storm water, while adding beauty to neighborhoods and creating habitat for songbirds and butterflies. This program has facilitated the installation of over 30 rain gardens since 2009.  Hundreds of residents have discovered the benefits of these water-cleaning wonders through tours, Rain Garden Parties, and workshops. This program is also a recipient of the Committee on Urban Design & Environment’s Institutional Development award.

The Realize Rain Gardens Rochester program will award cost-share grants to both residential customers and non-profit organizations, including schools, located within the city limits of Rochester. Residential applications must propose projects located within Rochester’s city limits on a residential parcel owned by a Rochester citizen. Community applications must be submitted by a non-profit organization for a proposed location that has an ability to reach large audiences. Schools located in Rochester are also eligible to apply. Applicants have until May 1, 2016 to submit their application for a cost-share grant to assist in the creation of a raingarden. Applications are reviewed and ranked, with up to seven projects receiving a cost-share grant. The grant award will be for 50% of verifiable costs, up to a maximum of $750.00 per project. Eligible expenditures include the costs for the design, plants, mulch, soil amendment, related materials, and labor. To be considered for this year’s grant round, raingardens must be installed in 2016 on parcels within Rochester’s city limits and outside of utility and drainage easements or road rights-of-way.

More details about the Realize Rain Gardens Rochester cost-share grant program, including the application form and pictures of past grant winners, can be found on the City’s stormwater website. People without computer access may contact Megan Moeller, Public Works Department at (507) 328-2440 to request an application package or obtain assistance while preparing grant applications.

Save the Date for Related Programs

  • Introduction to Rain Gardens: Tuesday, February 23, 2016 from 7-8:30pm at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota – Cascade Meadow
  • Realize Rain Gardens Rochester Cost Share Grant Writing Workshop: Monday, February 29, 2016 from 7-9:00pm in City Hall Conference Room 104

Have a comment? Join us on Facebook!