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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Conservation Alliance

The Conservation Alliance is the leading business coalition for conservation. Uniting companies across industries, perspectives, and geographies, we harness the collective power of our members to protect lands and waters for future generations. Our dual top-down and bottom-up approach pairs corporate advocacy with funding for grassroots action on the ground. Investing in The Conservation Alliance is not only an investment in protecting the resources outdoor businesses depend on—it’s a way to strengthen the outdoor economy and ensure long-term business resilience.

Mission: We harness the collective power of business and outdoor communities to fund and advocate for the protection of North America’s natural places.

Confluence Program

Why Confluence?

The Confluence Program, launched in 2021, seeks to expand The Conservation Alliance’s network of grassroots and community partners. We know that our network does not represent a coalition of everyone working to protect natural places. Great things happen when a diverse coalition of voices and perspectives comes together to champion solutions that balance the best interests of land and water, wildlife, and people. The Confluence Program is a first step in our efforts to help create new systems and structures that bring all of the groups, organizations, and businesses committed to this work closer together to protect our shared natural places.

Only in special cases do we fund more than one group working on a campaign – this is typically reserved for TCA Priority Campaigns.

We prioritize the following types of projects:

• Advance TCA’s Conservation Strategy
• Measurably mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect biodiversity
• Are led by or increase engagement opportunities for Indigenous, Asian, Hispanic, Latin American, Black, Brown, or additional communities who identify as People of Color
• Projects that uplift/center traditional ecological knowledge, history, and culture in relation to land and water conservation
• Expand outdoor recreation opportunities and/or access to nature in an effort to help create connections to and a sense of belonging in the landscape
• Aim to improve long-term and sustainable economic impacts for local communities
• Increase connectivity to other protected lands
• Incorporate efforts to mobilize / engage local communities
• Projects that focus on groups working in collaboration with others to protect land or water
• Conservation projects that address the social, cultural, and environmental needs of a community and/or region.
• Projects where the resources (e.g., staff, revenue) and strategy align well with the intended goals and outcomes.

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.

The Westinghouse Charitable Giving Program aims to strengthen community ties by providing financial support in key areas such as education focused on STEM, environmental sustainability, and community safety. This program welcomes applications from eligible organizations that meet specific grant criteria, including being tax-exempt and located within 50 miles of a Westinghouse site. The initiative underscores Westinghouse's commitment to advancing education, promoting environmental stewardship, and enhancing community well-being.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Carollo Engineers Bryant L. Bench Scholarship, offers a $10,000 award to graduate students dedicated to advancing their careers in the water consulting engineering field. Established in honor of Bryant L. Bench, this scholarship aims to support future leaders who will enhance drinking water quality through innovative engineering solutions. The American Water Works Association emphasizes the importance of investing in students to secure the future of the water industry.

The AWWA Scholarship Program offers the GFT Forces of Change Scholarship, providing $5,000 to undergraduate or graduate engineering students passionate about advancing the water industry. This scholarship underscores AWWA's commitment to nurturing future professionals who will tackle critical infrastructure challenges. By investing in education, AWWA aims to empower the next generation to innovate and lead in water supply solutions. This initiative highlights the importance of skilled engineers in shaping a sustainable future.

The AWWA Hazen Scholarship supports graduate-level candidates dedicated to improving water quality and resources. Awarded by the American Water Works Association, this scholarship aims to empower future leaders in the water industry. Candidates must demonstrate commitment to addressing critical challenges in drinking water, water reuse, and sustainable practices. This initiative reflects AWWA's mission to invest in the next generation of water supply professionals, ensuring a sustainable future for water resources.

The NACD Technical Assistance Grants program, in partnership with NRCS, has been enhancing conservation district support since 2018. By funding staff hires, it aims to improve service for agricultural producers and address conservation workload challenges. The initiative focuses on outreach, education, and civic engagement to empower local communities, promote sustainability, and support historically underserved producers in implementing conservation practices, thereby fostering both individual and community resilience.