DEP-BWR-FY23-WQM grant-announcement only

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is seeking grant proposals for its State Fiscal Year 2023 Water Quality Monitoring Grant (WQMG) Program. The purpose of the grant is to support ongoing or new monitoring and data collection efforts to increase the amount of external data used by MassDEP for water quality assessments across the Commonwealth. Eligible entities include federally recognized Tribal Nations within Massachusetts and eligible non-profit organizations, such as watershed groups and lake/pond associations. Eligible projects may include direct water quality monitoring, capacity building activities, and the development of regional/long-term monitoring programs. Proposals must demonstrate the ability to collect quality-assured data and plans for submitting data to MassDEP. The evaluation criteria prioritize proposals that provide clear benefits to environmental justice communities. Proposals are due by 5:00 PM on November 14, 2022, and grant awards ranging from $25,000 to $125,000 are anticipated, with an estimated 5-15 grants to be awarded with a start date of February 6, 2023 and an end date of June 30, 2023.

While match funding is not required, proposals with matching funds or in-kind services will be prioritized. The WQMG program is focused on advancing equity, diversity, and environmental justice, and proposals that effectively leverage partnerships and benefit environmental justice communities will be given priority. The total grant funding available is currently anticipated to be up to $500,000, although MassDEP reserves the right not to award the full amount. There are no set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond, and there are no listed incumbent vendors or current contractors.