Conservation Treasures Grant

We believe in the importance of water conservation and using sustainable gardening practices. We also know the power of outdoor spaces to enhance lives, create community, and teach about the value of nature.

What is the Conservation Treasures program?

This program seeks to promote environmentally responsible landscape features that inspire our community to appreciate and conserve water. Conservation Treasures assists in the creation and development of outdoor spaces that encourage public interest in water conservation, sustainable landscaping practices and local native, drought tolerant plants.

What projects can receive support?

Grants are available for school and community gardens and outdoor features that demonstrate water conservation strategies. Projects are not limited to, but must include at least one of the following:

Ornamental landscaping or a pollinator garden featuring drought-tolerant Texas native plants
Pocket prairie or wildflower patch featuring local native grasses and wildflowers
Woodland grove or tree trail featuring local native shade trees
Rain catchment garden featuring native plants that hold rainwater runoff
Rain barrel or cistern for rainwater harvesting
Water-themed educational mural

Who is eligible?

Features and applicant organization must be within the Tarrant Regional Water District service area (primarily Tarrant County). Applicants must be non-profit and the supported feature(s) must be free and open to the public. Eligible organizations include but are not necessarily limited to:

Tarrant County municipalities (public buildings, libraries, community centers, parks, etc.)
Public and private schools
Non-profit community and school-based organizations
Child-care facilities
Youth activity centers
Colleges and universities

What type of assistance is offered?

The Save Tarrant Water Conservation Treasures program provides funding ranging from $500 to $5,000, educational signage, hands-on training, and technical assistance to help cities, schools, youth centers, and non-profit community organizations create lasting outdoor learning resources that inspire our community to appreciate and conserve water. We customize our support to match our partners’ needs. We can collaborate in designing and building new outdoor resources, providing training and step-by-step technical guidance or we can simply provide funding and signage for partners with existing gardens and expertise.

Guidelines

The project must clearly promote water conservation and sustainable resource use.

The grant may be used for new or existing outdoor spaces.

The public must be able to easily and safely access the project site.

All outdoor features and spaces must comply with existing city code.

Applicants must be involved in the project and participate in the design and building or installation of the outdoor learning resource.

Applicants must commit to the ongoing operation and maintenance of their resource and submit a 5-year maintenance plan identifying responsible parties and funding sources.

Applicants must commit to using the outdoor resource to actively engage students and/or the community in learning to appreciate and conserve water and submit a 2-year learning plan.

TRWD must be allowed to install educational signage with the TRWD logo at the project site, publicize and promote the project, and host events at the project site with consent of the grantee.

The organization must recognize TRWD as the project funder and mention SaveTarrantWater.com in promotions, publications, and outreach associated with the project.

TRWD allowed access to visit and inspect the project site periodically to ensure that grant guidelines are being met.

Awarded funds must be used solely for approved expenditures. At TRWD’s discretion, these may include hardscape materials and supplies needed for use and maintenance of the project features. Grantees may not use funds for sales tax, salaries, general overhead, food, or events.

Upon completion, applicants must submit a 1-year update with photos of the project and associated learning activities or events.

Ready to Apply

If your project meets the guidelines above, submit an online application to request funding.

Successful applicants include as much detail as possible in their applications and garden plans. This information helps us determine the organization’s purpose and vision for the garden.