Grants

The Spring 2023 Grant Cycle is now open!

Applications are due on Friday, June 2. Please see the resources section below for links to the Guidebook, Application, Workshop recordings, and other important resources.

Join us for the Spring Cycle Workshop Session on Apr 5, 2023 12:00 PM Pacific Time.

Register Now

Quarterly Reports: See current grantees and project updates!

The Green Infrastructure Grant Program funds the design and construction of green stormwater infrastructure on large public and private properties, with the goal of reducing stormwater runoff while delivering public benefits that enhance the quality of life for all SFPUC rate payers. Project types can include permeable pavement, bioretention, rainwater harvesting, rain gardens, and vegetated roofs. Projects must capture stormwater runoff from at least 0.5 acres of impervious surface and can receive up to $2M per project.

Resources

• Spring 2023 Solicitation
• Application
• Fall 2022 Workshop #1 Recording
• Fall 2022 Workshop #2 Recording
• Guidebook
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Green Infrastructure Grant Agreement
• Declaration of Deed Restriction
• Design Checklists
• Example Concept Designs
• Fact Sheet
• Grant Program Map
• GI Vendor List
• Permit Guidebook

Contact Us

gigrants@sfwater.org

Coming Soon!

The SFPUC is launching a limited pilot program to provide grant funding for the installation of green stormwater infrastructure projects on small residential properties. The goals of the pilot program are to improve the performance of SFPUC’s sewer system by reducing the amount of stormwater runoff entering the system and to reduce the stormwater portion of customers’ sewer service charge. Project types can include rain gardens, permeable pavement, and rainwater harvesting.

These grants are for San Francisco property owners who experience flooding from the sewer system or adjacent public right-of-way during heavy rains. Learn how you can flood-proof your home with support from the Floodwater Management Grant!

The SFPUC Floodwater Management 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 that result in flooding from the adjacent City right-of-way or sewer backflow events.

The program was recently enhanced to include:

• Improved funding, including 100% reimbursement of eligible costs on approved projects under contract at time of construction, up to $100,000.
• Increased technical assistance, including a required initial site visit with engineers to determine eligibility and provide site opportunity assessment.
• Streamlined application process with more staff to assist applicants throughout the grant process.
• More resources for applicants, including a list of contractors and engineers and site opportunity assessments developed by our technical team to inform the project.
• Hardship financing providing upfront payment for qualified applicants.
• Grant reimbursements available through multiple installments.

How to Get Started

If you experience flooding entering your property through plumbing fixtures or the public right-of-way during rain events and wish to apply for a Floodwater Grant to install flood protection modifications to your property, follow the steps below:

1. Submit a Detailed Grant Interest Form
   Start by filling out this one-page grant interest form with details of the flooding event that occurred, including dates, where water came from, and how much flooding occurred. Submit this form and photos of the flooding to floodwatergrants@sfwater.org and a staff person will contact you to set up an appointment at your property.
2. Site Visit Process
   During the site visit, 1-2 engineers from the technical team will visit the property to discuss the flooding event(s) that took place and gather detailed information about the site. Following the site visit, the technical team will develop a Site Opportunities Assessment and send this to you via email. This will include grant eligibility determination, potential flood-proofing measures that can be funded through the grant, and details on how to apply.
3. Contact Department of Building Inspection for Your Project if Required
   For projects that involve plumbing modifications, you will need to work with the Department of Building and Inspection (DBI). Grant applicants making plumbing modifications should contact DBI’s Chief Plumbing Inspector Steve Panelli directly at +1 (628) 652-3630 or steven.panelli@sfgov.org to request a plumbing survey and variance, if required. Do not request the survey over the counter or through the general phone line as this may cause delays.
4. Submit an Application
   If determined eligible, the property owner can access the Grant Program Requirements & Terms for detailed information, instructions, and application forms. Applications should be submitted via email to floodwatergrants@sfwater.org or by mail to:

    

   525 Golden Gate Ave, 11th Floor
   San Francisco, CA 94102
   Attn: Floodwater Grants Team

5. Sign Grant Contract
   Once submitted, the grant team will review the application and work with the property owner on any changes needed. Once the application is approved, the grant agreement will be drafted and sent to the property owner for review and signing before sending back to SFPUC for agency signatures. All signings will happen electronically via DocuSign (the contracting process can take up to one month). Please note that any construction done prior to grant contract start date will not be eligible for reimbursement.
6. Build Project
   Once under contract, the grantee can move forward with building the approved scope of work with the approved contractor. During construction, the grantee can submit for the first reimbursement under the grant while providing required documentation outlined in the contract. If any changes need to be made to the scope of work, the grantee must have technical review and written approval from the grant team.
7. Final Site Visit and Reimbursements
   Once the project is complete, the grantee will reach out to the grant team to schedule a final site visit of the built project and submit the final reimbursement request. The final reimbursement will not be made until the final site visit has taken place showing the project was built in accordance with the approved scope of work.

Are you a renter in SF?
We encourage you, as a renter, to work with your landlord to take advantage of the grant to help minimize floodwater risk where you live/work. Renters can submit an interest form and represent at the site visit. The grant application and contract will need to be signed by the property owner.

Unsure what contractors to work with?
Check out the resource list of contractors and engineers with relevant experience. If you are a contractor and would like to be added to this list, please email your information to floodwatergrants@sfwater.org.

Looking for more detailed information?
See our Grant Requirements and Terms for all program information and grant applications both for plumbing and non-plumbing projects. Please be sure to read the Requirements and Terms prior to filling out an application to ensure you have done all the necessary preparation. The application includes steps and a checklist of all required documentation to include. Please also refer to the supplemental information and example concepts.

中文協助，請電415-554-3289或3-1-1

Si necesita asistencia en español llame 415-554-3289 / 311.

Kung kailangan ninyo ng tulong sa Tagalog mangyaring tumawag sa 415-554–3289 / 311.

Have questions?
Please contact our grant team at: floodwatergrants@sfwater.org or leave a voicemail at (415) 695-7326 and we will return your call at the earliest availability.

Updated 3/10/22

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

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 rotors 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 21-22 LLG Program Rules
• FY 21-22 LLG Application
• Examples of LLGP completed projects

SF Plant Finder

SF Plant Finder is a resource for gardeners, designers, ecologists and others interested in greening neighborhoods, enhancing our urban ecology and surviving the drought. The Plant Finder recommends appropriate plants for sidewalks, private backyards and roofs that are adapted to San Francisco's unique environment, climate and habitats.

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 

The Urban Watershed Stewardship Grant 2023 Cycle is closed, and awards will be announced in March. Please check back for updates and information about our 2024 Cycle opening in the Fall!

These grants are for community-based public improvement projects that help manage stormwater using green infrastructure.

SFPUC partners with the Community Challenge Grant Program to offer grants for community-based projects that help manage stormwater using green infrastructure.

The grants support the planning, design, and construction of green stormwater management facilities. Projects can harvest and use rainwater, remove impervious surfaces and replace them with native plantings and permeable materials, or implement rain gardens to help manage stormwater onsite. In addition to managing stormwater, projects beautify neighborhoods, provide nature-based recreational spaces, and educate residents about the city’s water and wastewater systems.

Who is eligible?

Groups applying for the grant must be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization or identify a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to serve as their fiscal sponsor to be awarded a grant. The grant contractor must be an approved and compliant City supplier. For more information on becoming a supplier, please visit https://sfcitypartner.sfgov.org.

Watershed Stewardship Grant Project will:

• Implement green stormwater infrastructure such as rainwater harvesting cisterns, bioretention planters, permeable pavement, etc. AND/OR
• Remove impervious surfaces and replace with pervious surfaces such as drought-tolerant native plantings

• Be publicly visible and/or accessible and involve the community in the planning and implementation of the project

Grant Cycle

• Grant Guidelines
• Budget Form

If you have any questions about the Urban Watershed Stewardship Grant program, reach out to the grant administrator, Kelly Teter: kteter@sfwater.org

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.