DEP-BWR-FY22-WQM grant-announcement only

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is seeking grant proposals from eligible entities, including federally recognized Tribal Nations and non-profit organizations, for the purpose of supporting ongoing or new monitoring and data collection efforts related to water quality across the Commonwealth. The grant program, known as the Water Quality Monitoring Grant (WQMG) Program, aims to increase the amount of external data MassDEP uses for water quality assessments. Eligible activities include direct monitoring of surface waters, capacity-building actions to increase monitoring, and the development of regional and long-term monitoring programs and networks. MassDEP has identified priority data needs such as cyanobacteria/harmful algal blooms, continuous water quality monitoring, and measures of chloride and trophic status. The available grant funding is up to $150,000, with individual awards ranging from $20,000 to $75,000. MassDEP anticipates awarding two to six grants, with a project start date of March 30, 2022 and an end date of June 30, 2022. The grant funding is on a reimbursement basis, and eligible entities must provide supporting documentation for expenses incurred during the contract period.

Academic institutions and municipalities are not eligible for this grant program. MassDEP reserves the right to award smaller grants to proposals of exceptional merit or to grant awards smaller than requested based on the availability of funds. Matching funds are not required but will be prioritized. Successful applicants will be required to submit a Project Data Submission summary by November 15, 2022, which can include explanations for delayed or censored data, to support evaluations of the grantee's "good standing" for future WQMG program submissions.