Best Water Grants in California

The WaterSMART Applied Science Grants aim to enhance water management and supply reliability through innovative research and data utilization. By inviting qualified entities to apply for funding, the program focuses on improving hydrologic data access, forecasting capabilities, and modeling tools. This initiative aligns with federal priorities to optimize resources, ensuring water managers can effectively address future demands and adapt to climate challenges, thus fostering resilience in water operations across the nation.

The ACWA Scholarship, established by the Association of California Water Agencies in 1961, aims to support innovative students pursuing education in water resources-related fields. This scholarship offers two awards of $3,500 each for qualified undergraduate students, helping to cover tuition and fees for the upcoming academic year. Eligible applicants must be California residents, enrolled in an accredited university, and committed to full-time studies, ensuring the future of California’s water quality management.

The BH UWC Consolidated Grant Program aims to enhance environmental equity by funding high-impact projects that address climate resilience and improve access to recreational spaces for disadvantaged communities. It aligns with the Cutting Green Tape initiative, focusing on strategic investments in conservation and community access. The program prioritizes projects that directly benefit vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable distribution of resources and measurable community benefits, thereby fostering sustainable development throughout California.

The Proposition 4 Grant Program, managed by the California Tahoe Conservancy, aims to enhance watershed health, forest restoration, and climate resilience in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Funded by a $4.1 billion bond approved in 2024, it allocates $54.5 million for various environmental initiatives. Through ongoing grant opportunities, the program seeks to mitigate climate impacts, support biodiversity, and improve public access to natural resources, ensuring sustainable management of California's precious ecosystems.

The Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program in California has been vital for financing projects aimed at enhancing water quality since 1989. The State Water Resources Control Board outlines its plans for SFY 2025-26 in this Intended Use Plan, highlighting significant updates and objectives for funding. This program not only supports environmental health but also fosters sustainable development across the state.

The Proposition 13 – Water Recycling – Planning Grant offers ongoing funding to assist local agencies in planning water recycling projects. This initiative aims to enhance the use of treated municipal wastewater, thereby augmenting fresh water supplies across California. All community types, including disadvantaged and severely disadvantaged communities, are eligible for financial support. Eligible projects encompass various aspects of water recycling, such as treatment, storage, and groundwater recharge.

The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Proposition 4 Grant Program aims to enhance climate resilience through nature-based solutions in conservation lands. It supports projects focused on habitat restoration, wildfire risk reduction, and improving public access to outdoor recreation. Priority is given to initiatives benefiting disadvantaged communities and those that align with California's 30x30 conservation goals. Funding is provided through the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024.

Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy Proposition 68 Grant Program

The Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy is pleased to assist non-profit organizations, local public agencies, and tribes by providing grant funding for projects that preserve open space and habitat, increase public access to it, and help create healthy and climate resilient communities.

Funding for Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy grant programs is periodically authorized by the California State Legislature. During the pre-application consultation, Conservancy staff will discuss current opportunities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) invites proposals for the Cannabis Restoration Grants aimed at cleaning up and enhancing watersheds and wildlife habitats affected by cannabis cultivation. This initiative supports projects that include remediation of public and private lands, road decommissioning, and biodiversity enhancement. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted, emphasizing ecological restoration and conservation efforts across the state.

The Proposition 68 Fish and Wildlife Improvement Grant Opportunities provide funding to enhance community resilience against climate change through projects aimed at improving fisheries and wildlife habitats, agricultural viability, and recreational opportunities. Administered by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, these grants specifically support the restoration of rivers and streams, particularly within the Klamath-Trinity Watershed, ensuring sustainable environmental practices and economic benefits for local communities.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is offering restoration grants to address climate change impacts on fish and wildlife habitats. The program, supported by $35 million from the Budget Act of 2022, aims to enhance biodiversity, promote climate resiliency, and improve public access to natural resources. Eligible projects include water conservation initiatives, habitat restoration, and strategies aligned with the State Wildlife Action Plan. These grants are crucial for preserving California's ecological heritage.

The Restoration Grant Programs focus on enhancing wetlands and mountain meadows in California, with up to $54 million allocated for Nature-Based Solutions. This funding aims to restore ecosystems while providing co-benefits associated with climate resilience and biodiversity. Managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, projects must align with the state’s wildlife action plan and promote coexistence with wildlife, including supporting beaver restoration efforts.

The Proposition 68: Fish and Wildlife Improvement Grant Program provides funding to enhance fish and wildlife habitats across California. This initiative aims to restore rivers and streams, acquire water resources, and improve wetland conditions. Eligible projects include water transfers, habitat improvements, and land acquisitions that support aquatic and riparian ecosystems. With a total budget of up to $30 million, this program plays a critical role in maintaining biodiversity and resilience against climate change.

The Drought Emergency: Protecting Salmon program by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife aims to support restoration and protection projects that enhance salmon resilience against drought and climate change. This funding opportunity offers up to $10 million for projects in the Scott and Shasta River watersheds, emphasizing collaboration with local tribes and landowners. Eligible projects will focus on improving riparian and aquatic habitats, reconnecting historical floodplains, and enhancing ecological functions.

The Proposition 68 Fish and Wildlife Improvement Grant Opportunities aim to restore Southern California Steelhead habitat. This funding supports projects that enhance climate resilience, protect wildlife corridors, and improve agricultural viability. Priority is given to initiatives that remove barriers to steelhead migration and undertake habitat restoration. These efforts align with the Department of Fish and Wildlife’s restoration plans and focus on enhancing community adaptation to climate change impacts while promoting ecological health in the region.

The Proposition 68 Fish and Wildlife Improvement Grant aims to enhance the resilience of communities against climate change impacts while improving fish and wildlife habitats. Funded by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, these grants support projects that protect coastal and rural economies, promote agricultural viability, and develop recreational opportunities. Key objectives include improving water retention and landscape resilience, ensuring the sustainability of vital ecosystems across California.

The Hind Foundation Standard Grant supports impactful community projects in California since 2006. Funding areas include ecosystem conservation, historical landmark restoration, music and visual arts, wildlife protection, and land conservation. Eligible nonprofit organizations must be California-based, have a 501(c)(3) designation, and demonstrate community support. Projects must provide lasting benefits, align with funding areas, and secure adequate matching funds. Grants are not available for previously funded projects or for educational and administrative costs.

The FY2026 Implementation of the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) seeks to address the rapid spread of these invasive species in the Western United States. This funding opportunity aims to support proposals that align with the priorities established in QZAP 2.0, focusing on critical areas for prevention and control. Applications will only be accepted through grantsolutions.gov, and the initiative is limited to U.S. states within the Western Regional Panel.

California Department of Fish and Wildlife

CDFW’s MISSION is to manage California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources, and the habitats upon which they depend, for their ecological values and for their use and enjoyment by the public.

Natural Community Conservation Planning Local Assistance Grant Program

Description

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife seeks proposals for highest priority projects associated with the implementation of an NCCP. The intention of this Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) is to solicit proposals of the highest quality that are consistent with the goals of the NCCP Program. Proposals must address the highest priority tasks associated with the implementation of an NCCP such as:

• Management Activities: Immediate management actions on newly acquired NCCP reserve lands.
• Restoration/Enhancement: Restoration or enhancement of habitats or species populations on NCCP reserve lands.
• Monitoring: Design and implementation of biological monitoring programs identified in an NCCP, including the establishment of sampling methods, monitoring plots, data collection, management, and analysis.
• Reserve Management Plans: Development and implementation of individual reserve management plans.
• Mapping: New or updated mapping in support of NCCP management or monitoring activities, such as vegetation community mapping.
• Targeted Studies for Adaptive Management: Studies to evaluate management actions for covered habitats or species, and whether such actions are meeting stated goals or require adjustments through adaptive management.
• Other: Other non-land acquisition priority tasks, identified by the applicant and implementing partners, which are needed to ensure effective implementation of the NCCP.

The Forest Conservation Program, initiated in 2006, aims to enhance California's native forests through conservation, restoration, and management. Funded by Proposition 84 and 68, it supports diverse projects such as meadow restoration and post-fire recovery. The program seeks to improve ecological integrity and economic stability while addressing water resource conservation and wildfire mitigation. This initiative aligns with the Board's strategic goals, ensuring long-term sustainability and protection of vital forest ecosystems.

The CA Environmental Enhancement Fund Grant Program, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, aims to support environmental enhancement projects that benefit fish and wildlife. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and government entities. Projects must be located near state waters and demonstrate measurable outcomes. The program focuses on habitat acquisition, restoration, and improvement to enhance ecosystem function. For more details, please refer to the FAQs provided by the department.

The Natural Community Conservation Planning (NCCP) Local Assistance Grants provide essential funding to local public and non-profit entities in California for the implementation of Natural Community Conservation Plans. This program, governed by Fish and Game Code, enables the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to support high-priority tasks for wildlife habitat preservation and restoration. Grants are awarded annually, emphasizing collaboration with key wildlife agencies to address urgent conservation needs.

The California Watershed Protection Fund Grant supports projects aimed at enhancing water quality and protecting watersheds throughout California. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, eligible applicants include 501(c)3 organizations and governmental entities. Priority is given to initiatives that engage impacted communities and uphold principles of equity and environmental justice. The fund emphasizes hands-on activities that yield tangible benefits for surface water quality, fostering community-based stewardship in response to fluctuating watershed needs.

The Delta Water Quality and Ecosystem Restoration Grant Program, funded by Proposition 1, aims to enhance water quality and habitats in the Delta. This initiative aligns with the California Water Action Plan, supporting projects that address critical environmental priorities. Eligible proposals will focus on improving water quality, restoring habitats, or conducting scientific studies that aid in restoration efforts. The program seeks to foster a resilient ecosystem while ensuring sustainable water management in California.

The Waterwise Garden Grant, offered by KidsGardening and Hunter Industries, supports public and charter schools in San Diego County focusing on water conservation through gardening. In 2026, 25 schools will receive funding between $1,000 and $2,250, along with a $500 irrigation supply kit. Applicants must engage at least 15 youth and demonstrate a commitment to improving garden programs, with priority given to under-resourced communities.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

The NALMS Achievement Awards: Secchi Disk Award recognizes outstanding contributions to lake management by its members. NALMS aims to unite citizens, scientists, and professionals to ensure the protection and management of lakes and reservoirs. This prestigious award is open to NALMS members, with nominations encouraged from any individual or entity. However, current board and committee members are ineligible. The award celebrates those who significantly advance NALMS's goals and objectives in fostering lake ecosystem awareness and management.