Best Water Grants in Alabama

Agricultural producers, ranchers, and non-industrial private forest landowners in Alabama can access funding and technical assistance to improve water quality and conserve ground and surface water through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Grants from USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Alabama support conservation plans that enhance soil health, reduce erosion, and protect freshwater and other natural resources on working lands.

State agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and public institutions in Alabama can seek funding to implement watershed-based projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution and improve water quality. Grants from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management support implementation of approved watershed plans, TMDL components, and Section 303(d) stream restoration with a required 40% non-federal match.

Nonprofit organizations and government units in Alabama can seek funding for special projects that enhance human and natural resources, including water resource management and related education efforts. Alabama Resource Conservation and Development Council offers Education Fund and General Fund project grants through nine regional councils, with statewide grants available for projects spanning three or more councils.

Rural Alabama state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes can obtain funding to build or improve water and waste systems. With a mission to support rural infrastructure, USDA: Rural Development provides grants for drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater projects, including related legal, engineering, land, and start-up costs.

Local governments and counties in Alabama can seek funding for water and sewer extensions, rehabilitation, and related public infrastructure projects through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs’ Community Development Block Grant Competitive Fund. Focused on water resource management, this program offers US $400,000 - US $500,000 for projects benefiting low- to moderate-income residents or addressing urgent needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on education, environmental conservation, or healthy community programs in Alabama can apply for Cleveland Cliffs Foundation support. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help Alabama groups protect and restore land and water, create green spaces, and promote sustainable, vibrant communities near the company’s operations.

Private and tribal landowners in Alabama can receive support to place agricultural wetlands under conservation easements and fund restoration work. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Alabama provides wetland reserve easements that protect freshwater and habitat, improve water quality, reduce flooding, and enhance long-term conservation values on eligible farmed or converted wetlands.

The project titled 'Aquatic Fauna Response to Ecosystem Restoration in Southwest Florida' aims to assess the effects of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) on aquatic fauna. It will utilize a Monitoring and Assessment Plan (MAP) to evaluate responses of aquatic communities and inform future restoration efforts. This initiative is crucial for documenting CERP benefits and guiding further ecosystem restoration, ultimately benefiting the public by tracking progress in ecological recovery.

Nonprofit organizations working on freshwater conservation, water resource management, or broader environmental initiatives in Alabama can apply for US $25,000 - US $75,000 from the Roy A. Hunt Foundation. Funding supports multi-state or national projects addressing clean water, climate and energy, toxics and waste, and related education, outreach, applied research, and policy-oriented innovations in the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on water stewardship projects, including freshwater conservation and water resource management, can apply for grassroots grants of US $500 - US $5,000. Focused on ecosystem health, public health, and climate-related water risks, Bell's Brewery supports projects across the U.S., which may benefit Alabama water-focused initiatives.

Corporations engaged in freshwater conservation and lake management in Alabama can receive recognition for significant contributions to lake and watershed stewardship. North American Lake Management Society honors companies that advance information exchange, public awareness, professional practice, and research in lake and reservoir management through its Jim Flynn Outstanding Corporation Award, with nominations open to any individual or entity.

Freshwater science researchers and professionals in Alabama can apply for the Society for Freshwater Science Fellows Grant, which awards US $2,000 for outstanding contributions in research, policy, or management. SFS members may nominate leaders in freshwater conservation or water resource management, with a limited number of Fellows selected each year by a committee of existing Fellows.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, local governments, Tribal entities, and religious organizations in Alabama working on basic human needs, health care, humane animal care, public media, or environmental projects with freshwater or water resource impacts can apply for Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation support. Programs serving underserved populations and combining environmental and community benefits may be especially competitive.

U.S. nonprofit organizations working on land, water, and climate-related conservation, including freshwater and water resource management in Alabama, can apply for Doris Duke Foundation’s Environment Program grants, awarding US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 for large-scale projects. Funding supports land and water conservation, natural climate solutions, and equity-focused, inclusive stewardship efforts.

The Alabama Power Foundation offers grants to support initiatives in education, arts, community development, health, and environmental stewardship. These grants aim to address community needs, promote collaboration, and ensure sustainability. Eligible projects can lead to lasting improvements and must serve underserved populations. The foundation seeks to foster a diverse range of programs that enhance quality of life and educational opportunities while adhering to strict eligibility criteria.

Alabama water and coastal conservation organizations addressing estuary and watershed threats can apply for Restore America’s Estuaries’ National Estuary Program Watersheds Grants, awarding US $200,000 - US $500,000. Eligible projects within designated NEP boundary areas may tackle habitat loss, stormwater runoff, harmful algal blooms, invasive species, and other urgent freshwater and estuarine ecosystem challenges.

Individuals conducting innovative water quality and water environment research in Alabama can receive up to US $100,000 to advance applied work and bridge research to practical solutions. With a mission to support applied water research, Water Research Foundation provides researchers working with U.S.-based institutions with funding that may benefit freshwater conservation and water resource management efforts.

Alabama water and watershed organizations can access funding through the Laird Norton Family Foundation for freshwater conservation, water resource management, and broader watershed stewardship work. U.S.-based nonprofits working on watershed health, environmental stewardship, and long-term social and ecological resilience may be eligible under its Watershed Stewardship and related programs.

Organizations and individuals involved in freshwater conservation and lake management in Alabama can be recognized for outstanding contributions through this annual achievement award. Grants from North American Lake Management Society help North America freshwater conservation and water resource management advocates celebrate members advancing lake and watershed protection; nominees must be NALMS members, though any individual or entity may submit nominations.

Undergraduate students at U.S.-based colleges interested in marine, coastal, estuarine, or water resource issues can apply for the Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship, a paid summer research and extension opportunity in New Hampshire, earning up to US $5,000. Alabama students focused on freshwater conservation or water resource management may benefit from this hands-on training and mentorship.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on freshwater conservation and water resource management in Alabama and other U.S. regions can seek funding for private land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and related initiatives. Grants from Biophilia Foundation generally range from US $5,000 - US $25,000 and may also support restorative economies and conservation policy efforts connected to water and watershed health.

The AWWA Arcadis Scholarship offers a $5,000 award to graduate-level students from underrepresented racial and ethnic minority groups pursuing STEM fields. This initiative by the American Water Works Association aims to promote diversity and inclusion in the water service industry, recognizing the critical role of future leaders in ensuring sustainable water supply. Eligible candidates include Black, Latinx, and American Indian or Alaska Native students with the potential for impactful contributions in the sector.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, administered by the American Water Works Association, offers a $5,000 scholarship to graduate-level students pursuing careers in the water industry. Recognizing the vital role of future professionals, AWWA aims to support education in water supply and wastewater management through this scholarship initiative. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest U.S. investor-owned water utility, emphasizing the importance of investing in education for sustainable water solutions.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The Horton PhD Research Grant supports up to three Ph.D. students annually in hydrology and related fields, funded by the Robert E. Horton Fund. It provides a maximum of $10,000 for research and travel, along with $500 for U.S. and Canadian applicants participating in AGU's annual meeting. Eligible students must be active AGU members, enrolled for the award's duration, and meet all application requirements. This grant promotes excellence in hydrological sciences.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.