Anacostia Ambassador Program

Grant of $90,000 to a Washington, DC nonprofit or faith-based organizations to select and supervise an administrator for a local water conservation and environmental improvement program. Eligible applicants are knowledgeable about the local waterway and its surrounding neighborhoods, and able to engage nonprofits, government agencies, educational institutions and businesses to benefit the Anacostia River.

Each Applicant must demonstrate its ability to carry out the grant's project. DOEE intends to fund a project that will benefit the environment, and, in particular, the environment of the District. The proposal should explain how the Applicant will accomplish this. The grantee will supervise an “Ambassador” who will organize nonprofits, agencies and businesses to benefit the Anacostia. The grant will help continue existing efforts and develop new ideas and approaches to accelerate water quality improvements in the Anacostia Watershed, as well as coordinate the efforts of Anacostia stakeholders, businesses, local governments, and federal agencies.

A successful applicant will demonstrate: leadership in implementing government and civic programs that address environmental and community goals; experience in the Anacostia Watershed; a proven track record of bringing together a variety of stakeholders and government partners; experience in engaging underserved and environmental justice communities; personnel working on the project who will be qualified to organize and administer it; and a detailed plan to manage the Anacostia Ambassador Program.

Project Outcomes
1. Increased coordination and communication among Anacostia stakeholders, including federal agencies and businesses;
2. Increased outreach in activities to engage underserved and environmental justice communities; and
3. Increased number of Anacostia-River-related water quality projects implemented in the District.

Typical allowable costs are:
1. Rental of office space, some vehicles, and some equipment;
2. Employee salaries and benefits;
3. Contractor labor, including professional services;
4. Accounting and bookkeeping services;
5. Communications, including telephone and data services;
6. Printing, reproduction, including signage;
7. Materials and supplies;
8. Computers and printers;
9. Small tools;
10. Some field equipment, typically below $5,000 in value;
11. Postage and shipping;
12. Necessary travel, meals and lodging; and
13. Insurance.