The Falls Church Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) is making grants to City of Falls Church residents for projects to reduce stormwater runoff. Grants are available for projects to install rain gardens or conservation landscapes and for purchase of rain barrels to store rain water.

The grants are part of the RainSmart Program implemented by VPIS with support from the City of Falls Church. The Program is intended to help City of Falls Church residents implement practices, such as rain barrels and rain gardens, that help rainwater soak into the ground on-site to prevent flooding and protect water quality locally and in the wider Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Under the RainSmart Program, City residents can apply for grant funds for up to two rain barrels with a limit of $50 for each barrel. Workshops are scheduled for March 10 and 30, April 5 and 6, and May 25.

Under the RainSmart Program, City residents can apply for grant funds to cover up to 50 percent of the cost of a project or $1,500, whichever is less. Grants are also available for landscape conservation projects that have stormwater benefits.

Funds for both rain barrel and rain garden grants are limited. Applications for rain barrels will be considered on a continuing basis until available funds for the year are committed. Applications for rain gardens and conservation landscapes require some initial design and are due by May 3. Applications will be considered and funded giving priority to projects with the greatest stormwater benefits to the community. Applications received after the due date will be considered if funds are available.