Best Water Grants in Oregon

Nonprofit camp facilities, school districts, tribal entities, and 501(c)(3) organizations in Oregon can apply for approximately US $60,000 to repair and improve existing outdoor residential camp infrastructure. The Oregon Community Foundation’s Gray Family Foundation Camp Maintenance fund may benefit camps that support outdoor school and environmental or water-related education experiences for youth.

Private rural forest landowners in Oregon can receive cost-share assistance to develop professional Forest Stewardship Plans that guide sustainable forest management and protect resources like water, wildlife, and soil. Oregon Department of Forestry supports plans of at least 10 acres, written to state standards and approved by local stewardship foresters, including updates to older multi-resource plans.

Oregon tribes, watershed councils, conservation districts, nonprofits, schools, and public agencies can receive up to US $20,000 for on-the-ground watershed and habitat restoration projects on private lands in Oregon. Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board supports projects that improve water quality and quantity, fish passage, riparian and wetland function, and overall freshwater and water resource health.

State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Oregon can receive funding to build or upgrade water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater systems. USDA Rural Development provides support for construction, improvement, and related project costs to deliver clean, reliable water and waste services to eligible rural communities.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation on economic, environmental, racial, or social justice can apply for US $10,000 - US $50,000 recoverable grants to cover out-of-pocket litigation costs. The Impact Fund supports cases across the U.S., including Oregon, that advance systemic change and benefit communities facing oppression.

Rurally located public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in Oregon can use this funding to address emergencies that threaten safe, reliable drinking water. With a mission to restore clean water access after disasters, USDA Rural Development provides grants up to US $1,000,000 for water source, treatment, and transmission line projects in eligible low-income rural areas.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on freshwater and forest habitat restoration in Oregon can apply for Jubitz Family Foundation’s invitation-only grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $25,000 for ecosystem protection projects. Programs focused on Mount Hood-region rivers, streams, and forests with clear, measurable outcomes may be considered after submitting a Letter of Inquiry.

Nonprofits, tribes, watershed councils, schools, and local governments in Oregon can seek funding to plan or implement water acquisition projects that increase instream flows and improve water quality. Grants from Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board help freshwater and fish conservation efforts through activities like strategic planning, acquiring water rights interests, landowner outreach, and long-term monitoring.

Nonprofits and community groups offering nature education and outdoor experiences in Oregon’s Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties can apply for Metro’s Nature in Neighborhoods grants, with awards up to US $100,000. With a mission to connect people with nature, Metro supports projects that improve water quality, restore habitat, and advance climate resilience and equity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools with environmental programs in Oregon can seek $25,000 - $100,000 for decarbonization, clean energy, and efficient natural resource use projects. Grants from American Honda Motor help eligible states, including Oregon, fund initiatives like energy efficiency upgrades, onsite solar or wind, recycling, composting, and other sustainability efforts that benefit Honda communities.

Oregon agricultural landowners and conservation partners seeking to preserve working lands and enhance natural resources in Oregon can apply for conservation covenant and easement funding that protects ongoing agriculture while improving habitat, water quality, and other resource values. Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board supports projects that maintain productive farms and ranches alongside fish and wildlife benefits.

Public water suppliers in Oregon can receive up to US $3,000,000 to protect, restore, or enhance drinking water sources through land acquisition and conservation projects. Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board supports activities such as purchasing land, securing easements or covenants, or repaying related project loans, with a 5% non-OWEB cash or in-kind match required.

The Oregon State Weed Board Grant Program, administered by the Oregon Department of Agriculture and OWEB, focuses on controlling noxious weeds to protect water quality and restore watershed health. Eligible applicants include tribes, colleges, and conservation districts, with an emphasis on integrated weed management strategies. Projects must prioritize on-the-ground control efforts and demonstrate clear site management objectives. This funding opportunity aims to enhance fish and wildlife habitats and support native salmonid populations.

Oregon organizations working on fisheries and sport fishing access in Oregon can access funding through Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife to support restoration and enhancement projects. Grants up to Up to US $200,000 may fund hatchery improvements, natural fish production, expanded hatchery output, and increased public access to fishing waters, which may benefit freshwater conservation and water resource efforts.

The OWEB Restoration Grants support watershed projects aimed at protecting and restoring watershed functions. Eligible applicants include tribes, watershed councils, and educational institutions. Projects can involve improving fish passage, enhancing habitat, and managing invasive species. However, ineligible projects include those focused solely on water storage or routine maintenance. This program fosters collaboration among various stakeholders in Oregon to enhance ecosystems and promote sustainable practices.

Nonprofits, tribes, watershed councils, schools, and other eligible local entities in Oregon can receive support to develop implementation plans for watershed and habitat restoration. Grants from Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board help Oregon water and habitat organizations fund technical resource assessment and planning, with a 5% match required and no cap on request size.

Oregon community groups, watershed councils, neighborhood associations, nonprofits, and fiscally sponsored collectives can fund habitat restoration and community stewardship projects benefiting Metro-area residents. Oregon water-focused organizations may be eligible for up to US $100,000 to improve water quality, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and advance environmental justice and equity through partnerships and community engagement.

Public water systems in Oregon seeking to address emerging contaminants in drinking water can access low-cost financing and up to US $10,000 in forgivable loan funding for planning, design, and construction projects. Focused on contamination mitigation, Business Oregon and the Oregon Health Authority prioritize small and disadvantaged communities dealing with PFAS and other emerging pollutants.

Watershed councils and soil and water conservation districts in Oregon can receive operating support to engage communities in collaborative, voluntary watershed restoration and conservation. Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board funding helps cover core operating costs so organizations can work with landowners, protect native fish and wildlife habitat, and improve water quality, stream flows, and overall freshwater and watershed health.

Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofits, government entities, and Tribal governments serving rural communities can seek US $2,501 - US $30,000 for programs benefiting rural Oregon, including environmental stewardship projects. The Roundhouse Foundation’s open call may support work on watershed health, sustainable food systems, or outdoor access that intersects with freshwater conservation or water resource management.

Local governments, tribes, and other eligible entities in Oregon can receive feasibility funding for water conservation, reuse, and storage project studies. Oregon Water Resources Department provides Oregon water resource managers with up to US $500,000 per study to support hydrologic, engineering, financial, environmental, and related analyses needed to decide whether to move forward with proposed water projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and tribal entities in the Portland Metro/SW Washington region can receive US $50,000 - US $100,000 for environmental equity and sustainability work from Ninety Nine Girlfriends. Oregon groups addressing access to healthy food, homes, water, green space, pollution burdens, or climate and sustainability education may use funds for general operating or project support.

Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on wildfire preparedness, freshwater-related nature-based solutions, or climate-resilient parks and public spaces can access funding through PGE Foundation. Grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 support community-driven resilience projects, especially in under-resourced and rural areas, that build stewardship, improve green infrastructure, and protect vulnerable populations.

With a mission to improve water resources, Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board provides Oregon tribes, watershed councils, conservation districts, schools, and other eligible public and nonprofit entities with funding for nutrient-reduction projects in the Klamath Basin. Grants support technical assistance and restoration, including wetlands restoration, treatment wetlands, riparian fencing, grazing management, and on-farm irrigation efficiency to enhance freshwater conservation and water quality.

Organizations conducting fertilizer and water-quality research in Oregon can seek funding to study how fertilizers, agricultural amendments, minerals, or lime products affect ground and surface water. Focused on water resource management, the Oregon Department of Agriculture supports projects whose results can be transferred to advisors, consultants, and end users, with awards up to US $70,000.

The Pacific Power Foundation offers Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power service areas. Since 2019, the foundation has contributed over $13 million to promote community resilience, affordable housing, and environmental conservation. Eligible candidates include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions. Grants aim to address local needs while ensuring responsible environmental stewardship, enhancing community vitality, and fostering sustainable development.

High-performing conservation partnerships in Oregon working on ecological restoration and watershed priorities can seek approximately US $2,000,000 to implement strategic, results-oriented projects. Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) supports multi-year initiatives that deliver measurable ecological outcomes, guided by a current strategic action plan and detailed work plan, which may benefit freshwater conservation and water resource management efforts.