News Release For Immediate Releases September 25, 2013 Contact: 414-382-1766 or herriges@swwtwater.

org Sweet Water Announces Request for Proposals for 2013 Water Quality Mini-Grant Program Sweet Water - the Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, Inc. - is requesting proposals for its 2013 Water Quality Mini-Grant Program, with a grant request deadline of November 15, 2013. Sweet Water expects to provide grants of $1,000 - $5,000 to established non-profits, youth organizations, community and civic groups for projects or activities which advance the objectives of Sweet Water to achieve healthy and sustainable water resources in the five watersheds of greater Milwaukee. It is expected that $50,000 will be awarded to eligible projects located in the Kinnickinnic, Menomonee, Milwaukee, and Root River and Oak Creek watersheds. Given the limited funds available, private businesses and units of government are not eligible for 2013 mini-grant funding, however, non-profit groups can apply as partners with local governments or businesses. The aim of the Sweet Water Mini-Grant Program is to support local, grassroots efforts that employ green infrastructure practices and water quality-related activities that will improve water quality, enhance conservation, restore habitat or educate people about water quality issues and associated stewardship actions. Mini-grants may be used for a single project or for an on-going program, but preference will be given to projects with the potential to make a direct impact on water quality and to offer a long-lasting impact to the community. Every project should include an education component which can be accomplished through signage, public events, project publicity, or volunteer involvement. Requests intended for general budget operations will not be considered. Mini-grant award winners will be announced by January 31, 2014 and featured at Sweet Waters Clean Rivers, Clean Lake Conference May 1, 2014. Examples of projects that may be submitted to this RFP include, but are not limited to, the following (successful applicants may combine several of these elements in a single project): Rain barrel, rain garden, and native landscaping installations Riparian buffer or shoreline restoration efforts Planting of trees and other vegetation to reduce stormwater runoff Replacement of asphalt, concrete and conventional lawns with trees, plantings and gardens Educating the public about storm water pollution prevention options Engaging in activities which protect the rivers and lakes from pollution and habitat destruction Create a citizen education program about residential water quality and conservation measures
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Sweet Waters Water Quality Mini-grant Program 2013 Timeline Promote Sweet Waters mini-grant opportunity to community groups: August-October, 2013 Mini-grant project submission deadline: November 15, 2013 Grant review, ranking and selection: November and December, 2013 Grant winners notified: January 31, 2014 Feature winners at Sweet Waters Clean Rivers, Clean Lake Conference: May 1, 2014 2013 mini-grant final reports due: December 31, 2014 For the complete request for proposal announcement and application, visit www.swwtwater.org. Emailed applications are preferred. Please send to herriges@swwtwater.org with Mini-Grant Application in the subject line. If it is not possible to email your application and materials, send completed applications to: Sweet Water 600 E. Greenfield Ave. Milwaukee, WI 53204 Please call Sweet Water with any questions at (414) 382-1766 or via email at herriges@swwtwater.org. ### Sweet Water, the Southeastern Wisconsin Watersheds Trust, Inc., is a nonprofit organization created in 2008 as a partnership of local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, academia, and individuals working collectively to improve the water resources in the 1,100 square miles of the Greater Milwaukee watersheds. For more information on Sweet Water, visit www.swwtwater.org or contact Jeff Martinka, Executive Director, at 414-382-1766 or by email at martinka@swwtwater.org . ###