Best Water Grants in Iowa

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible K–12 public schools, colleges, and universities in Iowa can seek funding for water, freshwater conservation, and water resource management projects. With a mission to strengthen communities, American Water Works Company provides support to initiatives that operate within or directly benefit its Iowa service territories.

Iowa environmental and community organizations working on freshwater and watershed protection can access funding through Illinois American Water for projects that improve, restore, or protect local surface and groundwater. Grants up to US $5,000 support innovative, collaborative efforts such as cleanups, habitat restoration, reforestation, and source water protection within American Water service areas.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, and Tribes in Iowa can receive financial and technical assistance to improve water quality and manage water resources through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Iowa supports projects that address excessive nutrients, protect surface and subsurface water, enhance soil health, and improve wildlife habitat on eligible lands.

Nonprofit or conservation-focused organizations helping private landowners implement regenerative agriculture and conservation practices in Iowa can seek US $250,000 - US $750,000 through the Conservation Partners Grant Program. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation supports technical assistance that advances freshwater conservation, water resource management, soil health, and wildlife habitat on private working lands in targeted states including Iowa.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and K–12 public schools, colleges, and universities in Iowa can seek support for community-based projects improving watersheds, conserving water, or expanding equitable water recreation access. With a mission to enhance water and environmental health, American Water Charitable Foundation provides grants for projects completed within 12 months in its Iowa service areas.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship advocates for Iowa’s farmers and protects consumers, animals, our food supply and our shared soil and water resources. Our programs strengthen rural communities, support a thriving agriculture economy, and build a stronger future for all Iowans. 

Urban Conservation Projects Request for Pre-Applications

IDALS is accepting pre-applications for projects that demonstrate strong ties to the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. These projects will focus on adoption and implementation of urban conservation practices that provide nutrient load reductions to water resources in combination with outreach and education components demonstrating how projects will work to support the nonpoint source action items outlined in Section 1 of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy can be viewed at http://www.nutrientstrategy.iastate.edu.

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to deliver stormwater management strategies and practices. Strong partnerships must be demonstrated with any stakeholders that will be contributing significant resources to the project.

These projects can range from site scale to watershed scale stormwater management practices (a single bioretention cell vs a stormwater wetland). Projects may utilize one or multiple stormwater management practices to manage the water quality improvement goals. The practices must treat for water quality volume, but they may comprehensively manage multiple storm events including the entire unified sizing criteria storms, when possible or practical. This approach can provide large scale water quality and quantity benefits to the applicant.

Priority will be given to applications that can demonstrate the ability to rapidly implement the project and practices funded under this RFPA.

Iowa agricultural and forest producers with eligible working lands can apply for the Conservation Stewardship Program to enhance soil, water, and habitat conservation across their entire operation. This USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service program offers multi-year contract payments for practices like improved water resource management, erosion control, cover crops, and grazing or forest management that strengthen both natural resources and farm productivity.

Iowa cities and counties seeking funds for water-related planning, infrastructure, or historic resource projects can apply for Community Development Block Grant Planning Grants, with awards up to US $15,000. With a mission to strengthen economic and community vitality, Iowa Economic Development Authority supports Capital Improvement Plans, Asset Management Plans, and Historic District Surveys statewide, excluding HUD entitlement areas.

Iowa cities and counties (excluding HUD entitlement areas) can apply for Iowa Economic Development Authority grants up to Up to US $500,000 to fund drinking water, wastewater, sewer, and storm water infrastructure. Grants from Iowa Economic Development Authority help Iowa water resource management and public infrastructure projects serving predominantly low- to moderate-income residents.

State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Iowa can obtain funding to develop or improve water and waste disposal infrastructure. With a mission to strengthen rural communities, USDA Rural Development provides support for drinking water systems, sewage and solid waste facilities, storm water management, and related project costs in eligible areas.

Iowa county conservation boards seeking funding for wildlife habitat land acquisition or development in Iowa can access funding through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources; awards are more than US $4,000 and cover up to 75% of project costs. Eligible projects include grass and tree plantings, water-control structures, fencing, and other habitat improvements that may benefit freshwater conservation and water-focused initiatives.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations working on freshwater conservation, watershed restoration, or sustainable agriculture in Iowa and other Mosaic operating areas can seek support for water and community initiatives. With a mission to help the world grow the food it needs, Mosaic Company Foundation provides community investment grants for food, water, and local quality-of-life projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations across the U.S., including Iowa, can seek $500 to $5,000 for grassroots water stewardship projects that protect freshwater ecosystems and improve water resource management. Focused on ecosystem health, frontline communities, and climate-related water risks, Bell's Brewery supports practical, project-based efforts rather than general operations or large infrastructure.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on freshwater conservation and water resource management, including in Iowa, can benefit from Biophilia Foundation grants supporting biodiversity and ecosystem restoration on private lands. This U.S.-focused funder offers US $5,000 - US $25,000 for projects such as low-tech stream restoration, watershed work, and related restorative economies and policy efforts.

Undergraduate students at U.S.-based colleges interested in marine, coastal, estuarine, or water-related systems can access funding through the Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship, earning up to US $5,000 for a 10-week summer placement. Fellows work with New Hampshire Sea Grant on research, extension, education, communications, and water resource management projects, including topics relevant to Iowa water issues.

Iowa water and watershed organizations working on freshwater conservation or water resource management may be eligible for watershed stewardship support, with grants focused on long-term social and ecological resilience. Laird Norton Family Foundation funds U.S.-based nonprofits, prioritizing key watersheds in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and select Western states, so Iowa projects should review current geographic priorities carefully.

Nonprofit organizations working on freshwater conservation and water resource management in Iowa and across the U.S. can seek project support from the Roy A Hunt Foundation. The Environment Initiative Grants provide US $25,000 - US $75,000 for multi-state or national efforts like applied research, education, outreach, and policy-related innovations that improve water quality and environmental health.

U.S. nonprofit organizations working on land, water, and climate conservation, including Iowa freshwater and water resource projects, can apply for Doris Duke Foundation’s Environment Program grants, with awards ranging from US $100,000 - US $1,000,000. Funding supports land and water conservation, natural climate solutions, and inclusive, equity-focused stewardship benefiting wildlife and communities.

Iowa lake and water resource professionals, volunteers, and organizations contributing to lake management and freshwater conservation may be eligible for recognition through the Secchi Disk Award, an annual honor for North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) members. Grants from NALMS help Iowa freshwater conservation and water resource management efforts gain visibility and professional acknowledgment.

Corporations and corporate teams working on lake and watershed management in Iowa can receive recognition for advancing technical, administrative, and public engagement goals through the Jim Flynn Outstanding Corporation Award. The North American Lake Management Society honors contributions such as information exchange, public awareness, program support, guidance to agencies, professional development, and research in freshwater conservation and water resource management.

Individuals conducting innovative water quality and water environment research, working with a U.S.-based firm, university, or organization, can receive support to advance applied solutions. With a mission to foster applied water research, Water Research Foundation provides researchers in Iowa and nationwide with up to US $100,000 to continue work, take risks, and explore new directions.

The SFS Fellows Grant, awarded by the Society for Freshwater Science, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to freshwater science research, policy, or management. Each year, up to four fellows are selected based on their sustained excellence and leadership within the field. This initiative also encourages diversity by promoting nominations from underrepresented groups and mid-career professionals. The grant fosters collaboration and participation in SFS activities, enhancing the impact of freshwater science.

The Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation supports charitable organizations focused on basic provisions for underserved populations, humane care of animals, health care services, public media, and environmental initiatives. The foundation prioritizes organizations in Boothbay Harbor, Southport, and Brunswick, and encourages requests for general operating support, program support, and capital projects, while maintaining a focus on the impact of their services.

The Rural Decentralized Water System Grant Program aims to assist low to moderate-income individuals in financing household water wells and decentralized wastewater systems. This program provides grants to eligible nonprofit organizations to create a revolving fund for loans and sub-grants. Funds can be utilized for constructing, refurbishing, or replacing water well and wastewater systems, ensuring safe and efficient water management for rural communities.

The Desalination and Water Purification Research Program, led by the Bureau of Reclamation, aims to enhance water supply through innovative research in water treatment technologies. This initiative seeks proposals for laboratory and pilot-scale projects that demonstrate significant benefits and commercialization pathways. By addressing cost and energy barriers, the program aligns with federal priorities to improve resource management and support the development of sustainable water solutions for the American public.

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.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Veolia Water Technologies & Solutions Vernon D. Lucy III Scholarship, offers a $5000 award to undergraduate students pursuing careers in the water sector. Established by the American Water Works Association, this scholarship honors the mentorship of Vernon D. Lucy III and aims to support the next generation of water industry professionals. Eligible candidates must demonstrate interest in water-related fields, underscoring AWWA's commitment to fostering future leaders.