Rain Smart Program
The Village Preservation and Improvement Society (VPIS) “RainSmart” program offers grants for the design and installation of rain gardens and conservation landscapes and to reduce the cost of rain barrels. These grants are available to City of Falls Church residents through a partnership with the City of Falls Church.
Grants for Rain Gardens and Conservation Landscapes
Why Rain Gardens? Rain gardens and conservation landscapes help manage stormwater, protect local streams and the Chesapeake Bay, reduce local flooding, and support watering of landscapes during dry periods. A “conservation landscape” is similar to a rain garden but is commonly larger in size and relies on deep-rooted plants to soak up water.
How Much Grant Funding is Available? Grants are available to pay 50% of the cost of designing and installing a rain garden or a conservation landscape but will not exceed $3,000 per project. There is a limit of one grant per applicant over a five-year period. VPIS reserves the right to limit grant awards to the amount of funds available.
How Do I Apply? Complete the application form and email it to VPIS at Rainsmartfallschurch@gmail.com or mail it to VPIS at PO Box 6824, Falls Church, Va. 22040. VPIS will review and approve applications and send you an email approving funding for the project. You must be a resident of the City of Falls Church.
Grants for Rain Barrels
Why Rain Barrels? Rain barrels help protect local streams and the Chesapeake Bay, reduce damaging flooding, and support watering of landscapes during dry periods.
How Do I Apply for a Grant? If you would like a grant to cover $50 of the cost of purchasing and installing each of up to two rain barrels, complete the application, and either email it to Rainsmartfallschurch@gmail.com or mail it to VPIS/RainSmart Program at PO Box 6824 Falls Church, Va. 22040.
VPIS will review your application and send you an email telling you that you are approved for a grant. You must be a resident of the City of Falls Church; limit two barrels per household per five-year period. VPIS reserves the right to limit grants to funds available.
Where Can I Get a Rain Barrel? You can purchase a rain barrel from any commercial source (e.g., local nursey, hardware store, or online). VPIS also sells rain barrels for $80 each. If you would like to buy your rain barrel from VPIS, send an email to Rainsmartfallschurch@gmail.com or come by the VPIS booth at the Falls Church Farmers’ Market.
How Do I Install a Rain Barrel? You can find information on how to install your rain barrel on the Rain Barrel website of the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/soil-water-conservation/rain-barrel). You can also contact a local handyman listed on the NVSWCD website for help in installing a rain barrel.
How Do I Get My Rain Barrel Grant? Once you have installed your rain barrel, take a picture of the barrel and email it to Rainsmartfallschurch@gmail.com. VPIS will mail you a check for $50 per approved rain barrel.
If you have questions about the RainSmart Program, send an email to Rainsmartfallschurch@gmail.com.
RAIN BARREL FORM
Use at residence to help control stormwater and protect the environment of Falls Church (grant of $50 per rain barrel).
Name: __________________________________
Street Address: ___________________________
(You must be a resident of the City of Falls Church to participate in the Rain Barrel Program.)
Phone Number:____________________________
Email Address:_____________________________
(We need your email address to notify you that your free rain barrel is approved. We will also send you helpful information about how to install and manage your rain barrel.)
Number of Rain Barrels: _____________________
(Limit: Two per household per five-year period)
Signature: ________________________________ (Note: Forwarding this form to the Rain Barrel website constitutes signature)