Best Water Grants in Idaho

Idaho 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on economic and workforce advancement, affordable housing, or community arts and culture can seek funding to strengthen local communities. With a mission to support equitable economic opportunity, US Bancorp Foundation provides collaborative grants that prioritize organizations led by people of color and serving designated U.S. Bank communities, which may include Idaho-based programs.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can seek more than US $100,000 to support arts and culture programs, capital projects, or limited general/endowment needs. William Randolph Hearst Foundation prioritizes large institutions serving broad audiences, including museums, performing arts organizations, arts schools, and STEAM-focused education programs, which may include Idaho-based organizations.

Private landowners in Idaho seeking to improve upland game bird or waterfowl habitat can receive up to US $10,000 for habitat restoration and enhancement projects. With a mission to support habitat improvement, Idaho Department of Fish & Game provides cost-share assistance for practices like nesting cover plantings, wetland creation or restoration, and livestock management around critical cover.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Agricultural producers, private forest landowners, and tribes in Idaho can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, and related natural resources. Grants from USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Idaho help fund projects in freshwater conservation, water resource management, on-farm energy, organic production, wildlife habitat, disaster recovery, and more on eligible agricultural and forest lands.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, educational institutions, government agencies, and tax-exempt religious entities in southwestern Idaho can seek funding for environmental and water-related projects through Idaho Women's Charitable Foundation’s IWCF Pool-Fund Grant, with awards of US $20,000 - US $35,000. Focus areas include environmental education, conservation, parkland improvements, and outside recreation that may support local water resource efforts.

Eligible Idaho public wastewater and drinking water systems can receive US $45,000 - US $65,000 in planning support to develop facility plans that improve compliance and long-term sustainability. Focused on water resource management, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality invites systems to address public health and environmental risks through cost-effective, environmentally sound infrastructure upgrades.

Public wastewater systems and eligible public drinking water systems in Idaho can receive planning grants to develop facility plans that upgrade and expand systems while meeting state and federal standards. Grants from Idaho Department of Environmental Quality help cover up to 50% of planning costs, with typical DEQ matches ranging from US $45,000 to US $65,000.

Rural 501(c)(3) organizations and public entities in Idaho working on land, water, and wildlife conservation can apply for the Steele-Reese Foundation’s Idaho and Montana Grant Program, with awards of US $5,000 - US $50,000. Eligible projects must serve rural communities, show local support, and deliver clear, measurable benefits.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Idaho nonprofits and community organizations working on disaster services, environmental stewardship, education, economic opportunity, healthy futures, or support for veterans and military families can apply for Serve Idaho’s AmeriCorps Formula Grant. Projects that build resilience in underserved communities, including rural and tribal areas, may be eligible, including efforts connected to environmental and resource challenges.

Publicly funded schools, libraries, after-school programs, and educational nonprofits in Idaho can receive up to US $750 to host events that promote STEM education and career pathways. Idaho National Laboratory’s Family and Community Engagement Grant can support math, science, or general STEM activities that may complement local environmental or water-related education efforts.

Idaho K-12 schools and educator teams can receive funding for innovative, collaborative STEM projects that create measurable impact for Idaho students. Idaho National Laboratory provides Idaho STEM education programs with a US $15,000 STEM Impact Grant supporting projects that integrate STEM concepts into schools, which may include initiatives connected to water, energy, or related topics.

Informal education providers in Idaho offering K-12 STEM learning projects that support workforce development can apply for the Innovation in STEM Grant, awarding US $15,000. With a mission to strengthen STEM education, Idaho National Laboratory provides Idaho organizations such as museums, libraries, and after-school programs with funding that may benefit water-related or environmental STEM initiatives.

Idaho Department of Lands (IDL)

Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) is a diverse agency, and we have a unique and important mission. Our mission is to: Professionally and prudently manage Idaho’s endowment assets to maximize long-term financial returns to the public schools and other trust beneficiaries; and Provide professional assistance to the citizens of Idaho to use, protect, and sustain their natural resources.

Private Forest Protection, Resilience and Restoration Assistance (PRRA) Grant

The PRRA Program is a competitive grant program funded by the USDA Forest Service, State and Private Forestry branch, that promotes collaborative, science-based restoration of priority forest landscapes and furthers priorities identified in State Forest Action Plans. Desired outcomes of the program include reduced wildfire risk; improved fish and wildlife habitats, including for threatened and endangered species; maintained or improved water quality and watershed function; mitigated invasive species, insect infestation, and disease; improved important forest ecosystems; and improved measures of ecological and economic benefits, including air quality, and soil quality and productivity.

In Idaho, PRRA projects must demonstrate how the objectives of the project will help achieve the priorities in the Idaho Forest Action Plan. Additionally, projects must take place within an identified Priority Landscape Area (PLA) or Special Landscape Area (SLA). Also, projects from a “low-income” or underserved area will be prioritized during the application review.

Farmers and ranchers in Idaho seeking to implement agricultural best management practices that improve water quality can apply for grants up to US $250,000. With a mission to protect water resources, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality provides funding for ready-to-implement, multi-partner projects that address impaired water bodies and support freshwater conservation and water resource management goals.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations operating in Idaho’s Treasure Valley can seek more than US $10,000 for health, education, basic needs, arts, environment, civil liberties, and community programs. Grants from The Bews Foundation help Idaho organizations whose work may include water, environmental, or community-focused initiatives that benefit local residents.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government entities, and educational institutions working on water resource management and environmental conservation in Idaho can seek up to US $10,000 for community and environmental projects. Focused on community enhancement and environmental respect, PacifiCorp/Pacific Power/Rocky Mountain Power Foundation supports efforts like parks, trails, gardens, and water usage management in its Idaho service counties.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including 501(c)(3)s and qualifying foreign entities, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s US $5,000 - US $250,000 grants to support focused human and social services, poverty alleviation, disability care, or disaster relief. Idaho water-focused groups may be eligible if their programs address disadvantage within this mission.

State and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Idaho facing drinking water emergencies can seek funding to prepare for or recover from disasters. USDA Rural Development supports projects like new wells, reservoirs, treatment plants, and waterline repairs with grants up to US $1,000,000 to restore safe, reliable water access.

Focused on water and waste infrastructure, USDA Rural Development invites Idaho rural governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes to seek support for clean drinking water, sewage, solid waste, and stormwater systems. Funding can cover acquisition, construction, improvements, and related costs like legal fees, land, permits, equipment, and start-up operations in eligible rural areas.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.