Grants

Learn how you could be reimbursed for making property improvements that help protect against flooding.

Did you know that you can be reimbursed for making property improvements that help protect against flooding? The SFPUC Floodwater Management Grant Assistance Program (“Grant Program”) was launched in 2013 to help property owners in San Francisco minimize the risk of flooding on their properties due to heavy rainstorms.

The program was recently enhanced to include:

• Improved funding and financing, including up to $100K reimbursement for flood-proofing projects
• Streamlined application process with more staff to assist applicants
• More resources for applicants, including a list of Contractors and Engineers with relevant experience
• Grant payments available through multiple installments
• Expanded eligible project types, including Plumbing, Dry Flood Risk Reduction, and Wet Flood Risk Reduction modifications

How to Get Started

If you experience flooding during rain events and are interested in exploring potential flood risk reduction modifications to your property, follow this guide to see what’s possible with our Grant Program.

1. Are you interested?
   Start by filling out this one-page interest form and a staff person will contact you to set up an appointment at your property.
2. Looking for project ideas?
   See example concepts that are covered by the Grant Program.
3. Unsure who to work with?
   Check out the resource list of contractors and engineers with relevant experience.
4. Looking for more detailed information?
   See our grant guidelines and terms. This package also contains the full application you will eventually need to fill out, with guidance from City staff. Please also refer to the supplemental information.

Contact Department of Building Inspection for Your Project!
For various types of projects that involve plumbing, you will need to work with the Department of Building and Inspection (DBI) for a plumbing survey. Grant applicants should contact DBI’s Plumbing Inspection Division by phone directly at (415) 558-6058 or Steven.panelli@sfgov.org. Do not request the survey over-the-counter or through the general phone line as this may cause delays.

Are you a renter in SF?
While this program is geared towards property owners, as a renter, we encourage you to work with your landlord to take advantage of the grant to help minimize floodwater risk where you live/work.

Procedimientos de solicitud y formularios en español.

For questions or assistance, please contact our Grant Administrator at: FloodwaterGrants@sfwater.org or (415) 695-7326.

Updated 10/29/20

We are currently accepting applications for the SFPUC's Large Landscape Grant Program (LLGP). If you have questions about the LLGP process, contact us at landscape@sfwater.org.

If you don't have a specific water-saving project identified at this time, but think there are water-saving improvements that you could implement in the next five years, check out the SFPUC's Large Landscape Technical Assistance Program.

The LLGP provides retail water service customers funding for projects that result in significant and permanent reduction in potable water use for landscape irrigation.

Potentially eligible projects must include water-saving improvements to existing, irrigated landscapes between 10,000 to 375,000 square feet in size that retrofit the irrigation system and landscape to improve a site's outdoor water efficiency and reduce overall water consumption, or convert the irrigation system to accept SFPUC recycled water supply, pursuant to Article 22 guidelines. Examples of water efficiency improvements potentially covered through this program include replacement of irrigation valves, overhead sprinklers and rotorsl installation of weather-based irrigation controllers; removal of high-water use plants; and installation of native or drought-tolerant plants. Grant funding is limited to no more than $4.00 per square foot of the eligible project area and requires a 50 percent match. The SFPUC will evaluate and select projects for grant award based on how well they meet the eligibility criteria set forth in the Program Rules and on availability of funds.

The SFPUC may require repayment of grant funds for projects not completed within two years or as otherwise extended by mutual agreement, and for projects that do not achieve the projected water savings within two years of project installation or plant establishment.

LLGP Program Steps

1. Applicant reviews the LLGP Program Rules
2. Applicant submits an application including, but not limited to, a project work plan, schedule, budget, water saving calculations based on the most recent 3-year baseline consumption, and a site map of the proposed area currently being watered by the irrigation system.
3. SFPUC reviews application to determine if additional information is required to confirm eligibility and to schedule a mandatory inspection for sites with multiple meters
4. SFPUC issues a Grant Reservation Letter to approved applicants that reserves funding for 9 months and issues a rejection letter to applicants that don't meet eligibility requirements
5. For Landscape Water Efficient Projects only: Applicant submits a landscape retrofit plan package with all required components, including project water savings calculations, irrigation, and planting plans. Additional landscape documentation package information can be here.
6. SFPUC reviews the landscape retrofit plan and if approved, coordinates with Applicant to develop and execute a Grant Agreement that also indicates the schedule for grant fund disbursement; upon execution of the Grant Agreement, the Applicant becomes a "Grantee"
7. Grantee completes project within two years of receiving the first payment of SFPUC grant funds
8. Grantee maintains the completed project in a water-efficient manner that meets the stated water-saving goals and remains in place through the full duration of the Grant Agreement term

Important Reminders

• Sites with multiple meters serving the irrigated landscape area require SFPUC pre-inspection to confirm the proposed project area(s) align with Program Rules.
• Projects that receive over $1,000 from this grant program and involve hiring contractors for construction, alteration, demolition, installation or repair at sites other than single family homes are considered public works projects and are subject to prevailing wage requirements under California and City and County of San Francisco law.
• Additionally, such projects that receive $25,000 or more from this grant program are required to submit certified payroll reports and fringe benefit statements into the City's electronic payroll reporting system (LCPtracker)
• For more information about prevailing wage requirements and how to comply, read the San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE) fact sheet and other materials on OLSE's website.

Read the Program Rules for a complete description of all eligibility criteria and participation requirements.

• FY 20-21 LLG Program Rules
• FY 20-21 LLG Application
• Examples of LLGP completed projects

We offer grant support to help urban agriculture projects and community and demonstration gardens better track and manage their irrigation water use.

As we work to build sustainable food systems, urban agriculture and community gardens provide education, economic and health benefits for San Franciscans. Our agency has developed the following programs that support the efficient use of water throughout local urban agriculture, demonstration, and community gardens.

Community Garden Irrigation Meter Grant Program

The SFPUC offers a grant program designed to help urban agriculture projects and community and demonstration gardens better track and manage their irrigation water use. The Community Garden Irrigation Meter Grant Program offers a one-time waiver, up to $12,000, in SFPUC fees for the installation of a new dedicated irrigation water service and meter for eligible projects that will be maintained for a minimum 10-year span.

Backflow Prevention Device Rebate

An additional $1,300 rebate is available to help community gardens install the required backflow prevention device. Please review the grant guidelines and application below for complete eligibility criteria and terms. Grant funding is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• Community Garden Grant Application
• Backflow Prevention Device Rebate Application

Water Budgets

Urban agriculture and community garden projects are also required to stay within a calculated water budget. The water budget sets an annual amount of water to be used at the garden to maintain proper plant health. See examples on how to calculate your garden’s water budget.

Irrigation Training Opportunities

We strongly encourage the irrigation managers or community members that maintain an urban agriculture or community garden to receive training on water efficient irrigation techniques and water-wise landscaping practices. A list of training opportunities can be found below:  

• Garden for the Environment
• Urban Farmer Store
• Irrigation Association
• City College of San Francisco

Additional Resources

• SFPUC My Account - provides access daily water consumption and water use reports
• San Francisco’s Water Efficient Irrigation Ordinance
• Urban Agriculture Alliance
• Guidebook to Starting a Garden or Urban Farm in San Francisco 

These grants, for large public and private property owners, can cover the costs of design and construction of an approved stormwater management feature, such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, cisterns, and vegetated roofs.

The grant will cover the costs of design and construction of an approved stormwater management feature, such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, cisterns, and vegetated roofs. The maximum grant award is $765,000 per acre of impervious surface managed, up to $2 million in funding.

To receive funding under the Grant Program an applicant must demonstrate that the project: 

1. Is located on a parcel that is connected to an SFPUC-owned and operated sewer system service area. 
2. Manages stormwater runoff from a minimum impervious area of 0.5 acres. 
3. Captures the 90th percentile storm (0.75-inch depth) with the proposed green infrastructure features. 
4. Provides at least two (2) of the identified co-benefits from the program list, which can be found in the Guidebook. 
5. Has a grant team that collectively demonstrates a history of successful project implementation and has previous experience designing, constructing, and/or maintaining green infrastructure

Please see the Grant Program Guidebook for a complete list of eligibility requirements and eligible costs.

Quarterly Reports: See our current grantees and project updates!

Applications can be submitted any time and will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. Complete applications must be sent via email to gigrants@sfwater.org.

Resources

• Guidebook
• Application
• Stormwater Management Agreement
• Declaration of Deed Restriction
• Design Checklists
• Example Concept Designs
• Fact Sheet: English, Spanish, Chinese
• Grant Program Map
• GI Vendor List
• Workshop Presentation March 2019
• Permit Guidebook
• FAQs

Contact Us

gigrants@sfwater.org | (415) 934-5709

These grants are for community-based projects that help manage stormwater using ecologically based strategies known as green infrastructure.

Our Wastewater Enterprise's Utility Planning Division has partnered with the City’s Community Challenge Grant Program (CCG) to offer grants for community-based projects which help manage stormwater using ecologically based strategies known as green infrastructure. The grants are based on the idea that small actions by community members can add up to large benefits for San Francisco's watersheds and sewer infrastructure.

Grants Support Green Infrastructure

The grants support the planning, design, and construction of green stormwater management facilities. Projects harvest and use rainwater, remove impervious surfaces, or implement other green infrastructure like bioswales and rain gardens. In addition to managing stormwater, projects beautify neighborhoods, provide recreational opportunities, and educate residents about the city’s water and wastewater systems.

Who is eligible?

• Nonprofit organizations
• Community groups
• Merchant associations
• Community benefit district organizations

What can funds be used for?

• Rainwater harvesting systems
• Impervious surface removal
• Green stormwater infrastructure (ie: rain gardens, permeable pavement, etc.)
• Use of native and drought tolerate plant palette in project design

Application and Guidelines

October 1, 2020 - UPDATE

The SFPUC and CCG is excited to announce the 2020 Grant Cycle will be opening on October 14, 2020. Program Guidelines for the Watershed Stewardship Grant are now available. Applications will be available starting October 14, 2020. Applications and guidelines can be found on the City's Community Challenge Grant website. Applications are due November 20, 2020 at 12:00 noon and must be submitted electronically in a single PDF document to Kelly Teter and Lanita Henriquez. An email confirmation will be sent upon request. Awards will be announced in March 2021.

Watershed Stewardship Grant Winners

See an enlarged map of our grant winners.

Additional Resources
Environmental Justice (EJ) Area Map

The Onsite Water Reuse Grant Program helps support customer efforts to implement sustainable water practices in San Francisco and offset SFPUC water use. The collection, treatment and use of alternate water sources for onsite applications helps diversify our water supply, making us more resilient for the future.

Project Types

Our Onsite Water Reuse Grant Program provides grant funding to encourage retail water users to reduce SFPUC water supply usage by collecting, treating, and using alternate water sources including rainwater, stormwater, graywater, foundation drainage, air conditioning condensate, and blackwater for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing, irrigation, and cooling tower makeup. Grant funding is available for three types of projects:

1. Projects that are installing Onsite Water Systems on a voluntary basis (Voluntary Projects);
2. Projects that are installing Onsite Water Systems on a mandatory basis in compliance with the Nonpotable Water Ordinance that go above and beyond Baseline NPO Compliance (Above and Beyond Projects); and
3. Projects that are installing onsite treatment and reuse of brewery process water.

The SFPUC is seeking proposals for projects that meet one of the following criteria:¹

1. Projects that replace at least 450,000 gallons of SFPUC water per year are eligible for grant funding up to $200,000; or
2. Projects that replace at least 1,000,000 gallons of SFPUC water per year are eligible for grant funding up to $500,000; or
3. Projects that replace at least 3,000,000 gallons of SFPUC water per year are eligible for grant funding up to $1,000,000.

¹For Above and Beyond Projects, the estimated SFPUC Water Offset must be achieved above and beyond Baseline NPO Compliance to be eligible for grant funding.

Grant Information and Application

Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

We anticipate funding multiple projects during this solicitation round. Provision of grant funding is based on the eligibility of the proposed project and availability of funds. Each application will be reviewed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Grant funding is available on a first come, first served basis. With the exception of Above and Beyond Projects, grant funding will not be provided to projects that are undertaken to comply with a City and County of San Francisco ordinance, including but not limited to the Non-potable Water Ordinance, codified in the San Francisco Health Code at Article 12C.