Best Water Grants in District of Columbia

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on freshwater conservation, water resource management, or related ecosystem health projects may be eligible for Bell's Brewery Grassroots Small Grants of US $500 - US $5,000. With a mission to support water stewardship, Bell's Brewery provides funding for projects that protect watersheds, benefit frontline communities, and build climate-related water resilience, including work in the District of Columbia.

Environmental and community organizations working on freshwater conservation and water resource management in the District of Columbia can access funding via the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. The Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed Grants offer US $150,000 - US $1,000,000 for planning and implementing projects that protect and restore water quality, species, and habitats in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Nonprofit and public-sector conservation partners working on freshwater conservation and water resource management in the District of Columbia can access funding through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Chesapeake Bay Innovative Nutrient and Sediment Reduction Grants. Awards up to Up to US $2,000,000 support projects that reduce nutrient and sediment pollution to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

Nonprofit and community entities working on stormwater management and green infrastructure in the District of Columbia can seek funding to install voluntary landscaping that reduces runoff and pollution. The District of Columbia Department of Energy & Environment’s RiverSmart Homes Landscaping Installation Program offers up to US $2,170,000 to mitigate nonpoint source pollution and improve local waterways.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on freshwater conservation or water resource management in the District of Columbia can seek funding to support community needs and resilience projects. Washington Gas supports initiatives within its service territory that advance environmental stewardship, energy efficiency, and stronger, safer local communities across the broader DMV region.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible schools working on environmental sustainability, including freshwater conservation and water resource management, in the District of Columbia can seek project support through Westinghouse. Focus areas include STEM education, environmental sustainability, and community safety and vitality for communities located within 50 miles of a Westinghouse site.

Community-based, tax-exempt or fiscally sponsored organizations in the Mid-Atlantic, including those in the District of Columbia, can apply for Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Mid-Atlantic Environmental Justice Fund Track II to plant trees and improve urban canopy. Funding supports nature-based solutions that enhance air and water quality, public health, and resilience in disadvantaged communities.

Nonprofit organizations and local governments working on natural resource protection and community well-being in the District of Columbia can seek capacity-building support through the Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Capacity Building Initiative. Focused on organizational effectiveness, this program funds planning, governance, fundraising, technology, staff training, and collaboration projects, with awards up to US $150,000 for work across the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Nonprofit environmental organizations focused on water, sustainability, or related environmental issues in the District of Columbia can seek up to US $10,000 for programs, projects, or general operating support. Joseph Robert Foundation prioritizes smaller groups and backs work in water resource management, pollution, climate, parks, and community-based environmental education.

Environmental and community education organizations in the District of Columbia can seek funding to design and run a comprehensive watershed stewardship education project for local residents. Focused on water resource management and pollution reduction, the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment offers up to US $70,000 for a two-year, hands-on program.

Public entities planning sewage infrastructure and wastewater treatment projects in the District of Columbia can seek construction funding to improve local water quality. The District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment supports design and construction of treatment works, sewer rehabilitation, overflow abatement, sludge facilities, and energy-reduction measures, with awards of more than US $250,000 for eligible projects.

District of Columbia water and environmental agencies or partners planning stormwater pollution control projects can access funding through the District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). Grants over US $250,000 support design and construction of grey infrastructure that treats or prevents contaminated stormwater discharges from municipal and industrial facilities into local waterbodies.

Nonprofit organizations and eligible public entities addressing water resource management, environmental conservation, or related community needs in the District of Columbia can seek funding via International Paper Company Foundation. Focus areas include education, hunger relief, health and wellness, disaster relief, and significant environmental needs such as forest, water, and air quality initiatives; awards range from US $2,500 - US $10,000.

Organizations planning stormwater green infrastructure projects in the District of Columbia can access funding through the Department of Energy and Environment for large-scale construction efforts, with awards of more than US $250,000. Grants support practices like green streets, permeable pavement, green roofs, bioretention, wetland and stream restoration, and related maintenance equipment to improve local water quality.

Anacostia River Watershed Trash Trap Maintenance RFA

DOEE seeks eligible entities to propose ways to monitor and maintain trash traps, provide environmental workforce development, and educate District residents about pollution that impairs the District’s waterbodies. A successful applicant will propose ways to design and implement a trash trap maintenance program for eight (8) trash traps in the Anacostia Watershed for one (1) year: to collect the trash; to collect data on the amount and types of trash being captured; to recruit, train, and employ District residents to assist; and to coordinate opportunities for volunteers to assist with maintenance and learn about the need for trash reduction in District waters and watersheds The amount available for the 12-month project is $160,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities serving District of Columbia residents can seek funding for programs including freshwater conservation, environmental protection, and related community services. Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation offers US $10,000 - US $250,000 to support work improving regional quality of life, with emphasis on vulnerable and underserved populations and systemic change.

The Mid-Atlantic Panel on Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program invites proposals for funding to tackle aquatic invasive species (AIS) challenges. Key priorities include research on AIS management, innovative control methods, and educational outreach. Eligible applicants range from individuals in government agencies to non-profit organizations. The program seeks to support initiatives that align with the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force standards and aims to enhance regional AIS management strategies.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, government subdivisions, and accredited schools working on freshwater conservation and biodiversity can seek support for conservation, restoration, and water resource projects in the District of Columbia and other ConocoPhillips operating areas. Focus includes high-biodiversity habitats, water availability, innovative conservation tools, scientific research, and public awareness initiatives.

Nonprofit, faith-based, and educational institutions in the District of Columbia can receive approximately US $521,000 to install and recycle rain barrels, issue rebates, and educate residents on stormwater management. With a mission to protect local waterways, the District of Columbia Department of Energy & Environment provides funding to reduce stormwater runoff and support freshwater conservation and water resource management.

The Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for graduate students interested in ocean and coastal policy. Funded by the National Sea Grant College Program, this one-year fellowship matches students with government hosts in Washington, D.C. The program is designed to enhance understanding of marine policy and resource management. Applications are due by February 19, 2025, with selection processes concluding by April 2, 2025. This program fosters professional growth and impactful engagement in marine policy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on freshwater and marine conservation in the District of Columbia can seek program or general operating support through the Cornelia T. Bailey Foundation’s general grants. The foundation also considers projects in environmental ingenuity, medical research on pancreatic and colon cancer, arts access for youth, and veterans initiatives in DC, Florida, New York, and Connecticut.

District of Columbia municipalities, nonprofits, and community partners seeking green infrastructure and freshwater conservation projects can apply for Chesapeake Bay Trust’s Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns grants. Funding up to US $175,000 supports planning, design, and construction of green streets, community greening, urban tree canopy, and related white papers that reduce stormwater runoff and improve local waters.

District of Columbia freshwater conservation groups can access funding through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to support collaborative habitat restoration and connectivity projects for at-risk and federally listed species. Grants up to US $200,000 back partnerships working across the Chesapeake watershed to improve water quality, expand access to nature, and build long-term conservation capacity.

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program, managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, invites proposals for grants ranging from $75,000 to $500,000. These funds aim to support on-the-ground conservation projects that enhance vital fish and wildlife habitats within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Up to $8.5 million in funding is available, contingent on resources.

The Chesapeake Watershed Investments for Landscape Defense (WILD) Program, led by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), invites proposals for Planning and Technical Assistance Grants up to $75,000. This initiative focuses on enhancing conservation and stewardship efforts in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, supporting local partners in effective project implementation. With an estimated $8.5 million available, applicants are encouraged to engage with NFWF staff for proposal guidance and feedback to strengthen their submissions.

The Laird Norton Family Foundation, based in Seattle, prioritizes grants that reflect family values in arts education, climate change, human services, and watershed stewardship. Their approach emphasizes equitable educational opportunities, carbon sequestration, support for youth at risk of homelessness, and long-term ecological health. They focus on organizations that address social justice and community needs, particularly in King County, WA, and the West Coast. Note: No unsolicited applications are accepted.

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.