This project provides grants, partnerships, and rebates for agencies, organizations, and individuals for water conservation, pollution prevention, creek cleanups and education, wildlife habitat restoration and wildlife corridors and crossings, and access to trails and open space. Eligible projects include water conservation; recycled water programs and infrastructure; pollution prevention programs; watershed stewardship; creek cleanups; education; and developing plans and/or implementing projects that create or enhance wetland, riparian and tidal marsh habitat; protect special status species; improve fish passage and habitat; remove non-native, invasive plant species; plant native species; partnerships to remove flood-inducing blockages, and provide access to creekside trails or trails that provide a significant link to the creekside trail network.
The renewal of the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program (Safe, Clean Water Program) in November 2020 consolidated and expanded funding opportunities under a newly created Priority F: Support Public Health and Public Safety for Our Community. While the funding for community grants and partnerships was renewed from the previous 2012 Safe, Clean Water Program (2012 Program), the renewed Program incorporates new elements that broaden criteria and applicant eligibility.
The renewed Safe, Clean Water Program began in FY22 (July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2022) and the Grants and Partnership Program is still in transition. Grants administration staff worked with a consultant to redesign the grants and partnerships program with the new elements in the renewed Safe, Clean Water Program, the recommendations from the 2021 Grants Management Performance Audit, and the 2021 and 2022 Grantee Survey feedback. On May 27, 2024, the Board approved the redesign recommendations, which included significant improvements to the administration of the Grants and Partnerships Program and grant project criteria. Staff is working on the approved recommendations and expect to implement the redesigned Grants and Partnerships Program in FY25.
KPI #1: Provide a grant and partnership cycle each year for projects related to safe, clean drinking water, flood protection and environmental stewardship.
On February 27, 2024, the Board approved to postpone the FY24 standard grant cycle while it is being redesigned. The Board also approved the FY24 standard grant funds to be reallocated over the next three standard grant cycles for a total of $1.87 million will be available each year from FY25 to FY27. The next standard grant cycle is expected to launch in FY25.
Valley Water engaged with five potential partners and continues to pursue partnership opportunities.
Visit valleywater.org/standardgrants to learn more about the standard grant funding opportunity.
For a cumulative list of standard grants awarded from FY22 to present, please visit: tinyurl.com/SCWgrants
Visit valleywater.org/grants for more information about grant opportunities available.
For a cumulative list of standard grants and partnerships awarded prior to FY22, please visit: tinyurl.com/SCWgrants2012.
KPI #2: Provide annual funding for bottle filling stations to increase drinking water accessibility, with priority for installations in economically disadvantaged communities and locations that serve school-age children and students.
The water bottle filling station (Refill Station) grant funding opportunity includes increased funding and expanded applicant eligibility, with priority in economically disadvantaged communities and locations that serve school-age children and students. $100,000 is available year-round on a rolling basis for up to $5,000 per station.
In FY24, $45,000 in Safe, Clean Water grant funding was awarded for nine (9) new Refill Station projects. Two (2) additional applications were also received and are being processed.
Visit valleywater.org/refillstation for bottle filling station criteria, applicant eligibility, and application information.
KPI #3: Provide annual mini-grant funding opportunity for projects related to safe, clean drinking water, flood protection and environmental stewardship.
The mini-grants program continues with dedicated annual funding now has broader eligibility and a streamlined application process. $100,000 is available year-round on a rolling basis. Starting in FY 2025, the mini-grant limit will be increased from $5,000 to $10,000 per project.
In FY24, $50,000 in Safe, Clean Water mini-grant funds were awarded for ten (10) new mini-grant projects to a total of eight (8) separate grantees. Eight (8) additional applications were also received and are being processed.
Visit valleywater.org/minigrants for mini-grant project criteria, applicant eligibility and application information.
For a list of mini-grants awarded in FY23, please visit tinyurl.com/SCWgrants.
For a cumulative list of mini-grants awarded prior to FY22, please visit: tinyurl.com/SCWgrants2012.
KPI #4: Provide up to $3 million per 15-year period for a Creekside Neighbor Rebate Program for watershed activities, including bank repair, sediment removal, and downed tree management.
On April 9, 2024, the Valley Water Board of Directors modified KPI #4. The new rebate-based program is currently under development. Staff has begun initial outreach to subject matter experts to define process requirements for issuing rebates and inform the development of a framework for the new program.
August 2024
For more information:
Grants and Partnerships
-
Amy Fonseca, (408) 630-3005
-
Sign up to receive notifications for all of Valley Water's upcoming grant cycles at valleywater.org/grants
Bottle Filling Stations
- Amy Fonseca, (408) 630-3005
Creekside Neighbor Program
-
Yvonne Arroyo, (408) 630-2319
FY22-36 Key Performance Indicator for the Safe, Clean Water Program
-
Provide a grant and partnership cycle each year for projects related to safe, clean drinking water, flood protection and environmental stewardship.
-
Provide annual funding for bottle filling stations to increase drinking water accessibility, with priority for installations in economically disadvantaged communities and locations that serve school-age children and students.
-
Provide annual mini-grant funding opportunity for projects related to safe, clean drinking water, flood protection and environmental stewardship.
-
Provide up to $3 million per 15-year period for a Creekside Neighbor Rebate Program for watershed activities, including bank repair, sediment removal, and downed tree management.
Benefits
-
Leverages community resources for efficient use of funds to implement projects that conserve water, prevent trash and contaminants from entering our waterways and groundwater, enhance creek and bay ecosystems, and expand trail and open space access
-
Increases collaborations and partnerships with cities, the County, nonprofit organizations, schools and other stakeholders
-
Promotes public involvement, awareness and education of safe, clean drinking water, flood protection and environmental stewardship through community-led projects
-
Broadens opportunities for smaller jurisdictions
Geographic Area Benefit
Countywide
About the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program
In November 2020, voters in Santa Clara County overwhelmingly approved Measure S, a renewal of Valley Water’s Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program.
The program was first passed by voters in 2000 as the Clean, Safe Creeks and Natural Flood Protection Plan, then again in 2012 as the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program. The renewal of the Safe, Clean Water Program will continue to provide approximately $47 million annually for local projects that deliver safe, clean water, natural flood protection, and environmental stewardship to all the communities we serve in Santa Clara County.
While evaluating ways to improve the 2012 program, Valley Water gathered feedback from more than 21,000 community members. That helped Valley Water create the six priorities for the renewed Safe, Clean Water Program, which are:
Priority A: Ensure a Safe, Reliable Water Supply
Priority B: Reduce Toxins, Hazards and Contaminants in our Waterways
Priority C: Protect our Water Supply and Dams from Earthquakes and Other Natural Disasters
Priority D: Restore Wildlife Habitat and Provide Open Space
Priority E: Provide Flood Protection to Homes, Businesses, Schools, Streets and Highways
Priority F: Support Public Health and Public Safety for Our Community
Each year, Valley Water prepares a report providing a progress update for each of these program priorities, along with fiscal year accomplishments.
To ensure transparency and accountability to the voters, the ballot measure also created an Independent Monitoring Committee, appointed by the Santa Clara Valley Water District Board of Directors. The Independent Monitoring Committee annually reviews the program’s progress to ensure the outcomes are achieved in a cost-efficient manner and reports its findings to the Board. Additionally, the IMC also reviews each proposed 5-year implementation plan prior to its submittal for Board approval.
In addition, the program requires three independent audits.