Best Water Grants in Idaho

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on youth-focused water, clean air, and environmental programs in Idaho can seek up to US $15,000 to support their work. The Dan Paul Foundation funds projects that advance children’s health, education, development, and welfare, including clean water education, freshwater conservation, and related youth enrichment efforts.

With a mission to strengthen communities in need, Cisco Systems Foundation provides Idaho nonprofits and NGOs with Global Impact Cash Grants up to US $100,000 for tech-enabled crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate resilience solutions. Organizations serving mostly economically underserved populations and integrating technology into their programs may be eligible, including those addressing water-related challenges within these areas.

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.

Organizations working on education, health, or family economic stability for children and youth in urban low-income communities, including those in Idaho, can seek project or scaling support of more than US $50,000 from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation. Eligible entities include nonprofits, social enterprises, schools, governments, and related organizations operating in the U.S., India, or South Africa.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

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.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

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 Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.