Best Water Grants in Indiana

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and K–12 public schools, colleges, and universities in Indiana can seek support for community-based projects that protect or conserve water resources. With a mission to fund watershed protection, the American Water Charitable Foundation provides grants for projects improving watersheds, promoting water conservation, or expanding equitable access to water-based recreation within American Water service areas.

Indiana 501(c)(3) public charities and K–12 public schools, colleges, or universities serving an American Water service territory can seek funding for water, people, and community-focused projects. With a mission to support clean water and communities, American Water Works Company provides grants that may benefit freshwater conservation and water resource management efforts.

Indiana freshwater and water policy organizations can access funding through the Joyce Foundation to advance Great Lakes and drinking water priorities. Eligible national or environmental justice groups working in Indiana on water resource management, clean drinking water, and related environmental policy may be supported, with an emphasis on communities facing water disparities and structural inequities.

Indiana environmental and community organizations working on freshwater conservation and water resource management can access funding through Illinois American Water for projects that protect or improve local watersheds and drinking water sources. Eligible, collaborative projects within American Water service areas may receive up to US $5,000 for activities like cleanup, restoration, protection, or public education.

Nonprofit and conservation organizations working on freshwater and water resource management in Indiana can seek funding to expand regenerative agriculture and conservation practices on private lands. The Conservation Partners Program from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation awards US $250,000 - US $750,000 for technical assistance that improves soil, water, and wildlife benefits through Farm Bill conservation programs.

Indiana nonprofits, universities, and government agencies can receive funding to reduce nonpoint source water pollution and improve watershed water quality in Indiana. Indiana Department of Environmental Management provides Indiana water resource management groups with up to US $50,000 for watershed assessments, TMDL and management plan development, BMP implementation, technical assistance, and education and outreach, with a 40% non-federal match required.

Indiana local governments needing stormwater infrastructure upgrades can apply for construction grants supporting water retention, line improvements, and drainage rehabilitation in rural communities. The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs administers these CDBG-funded Stormwater Improvements Program awards, which require a 10% local match and can help reduce flooding, protect rivers and lakes, and lower treatment and energy costs.

Indiana local governments needing wastewater or drinking water system improvements can access funding through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs; awards range from US $600,000 - US $750,000. This CDBG Wastewater and Drinking Water program supports rural Indiana water resource management projects like collection lines, treatment plants, water towers, and distribution systems, with a required 20% local match.

Local governments in rural Indiana seeking up to US $600,000 for downtown infrastructure, water management, and pedestrian improvements can apply to the Main Street Revitalization Program. Grants from Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs support ADA upgrades, sidewalk and alley projects, stormwater-related work, and energy-efficient traffic controls in designated Indiana Main Street communities.

Eligible rural state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in Indiana can apply for USDA: Rural Development’s Water & Waste Disposal funding to build or improve drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater systems. Support may also cover legal and engineering fees, land and water rights, permits, equipment, and start-up operations.

The Wetland Mitigation Banking Program for FY 2026 offers $3 million in grants to support the development of mitigation banks for agricultural producers with wetlands. Proposals are prioritized based on the number of wetlands and conservation compliance requests in states such as Georgia, Illinois, and Minnesota. This competitive program is designed to enhance conservation efforts while providing financial opportunities for eligible entities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on freshwater conservation and related environmental programs in Indiana can apply for invitation-only support to protect waterways and ecosystems. Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust funds environmental initiatives such as conserving natural habitats, restoring land and water, and promoting environmental awareness, including efforts focused on critical rivers and broader water issues in Indiana.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on education, environmental protection, or healthy communities in Indiana can seek project support that benefits local communities and ecosystems. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help freshwater conservation and related environmental initiatives in areas where the company operates, including Indiana, that restore land and water and promote sustainable, vibrant communities.

U.S. nonprofit organizations working on land, water, and climate conservation, including freshwater and water resource management in Indiana, can apply for Doris Duke Foundation’s Environment Program funding; awards US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 for large-scale conservation, natural climate solutions, and equity-focused stewardship. Projects must be submitted via letter of inquiry.

Indiana undergraduate students interested in marine, coastal, estuarine, or water resource issues can access funding through New Hampshire Sea Grant’s Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship, which offers up to US $5,000 for a 10-week summer placement. Fellows support research, extension, education, and communications projects tied to fisheries, aquaculture, coastal ecosystems, and water resource management.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits running water stewardship, freshwater conservation, or watershed health projects can apply for Bell's Brewery grassroots grants of US $500 - US $5,000. Focused on ecosystem health, water resource management, and climate-related water risks, this funding may benefit Indiana organizations working on water quality and conservation initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations with multi-state or national environmental projects that improve freshwater and water resource management in the U.S., including work benefiting Indiana, can apply for US $25,000 - US $75,000 grants. The Roy A Hunt Foundation funds project management, outreach, applied research, and innovations addressing clean water, pollution, and broader climate and toxics issues.

Indiana water and watershed-focused nonprofits can access funding through the Laird Norton Family Foundation for freshwater conservation, watershed stewardship, and broader water resource management efforts. Grants support work such as watershed resilience, environmental stewardship, and climate-related water initiatives across select U.S. regions; interested organizations may email staff after reviewing the foundation’s priorities.

Environmental and community organizations in Indiana working on freshwater conservation, water resource management, and Great Lakes climate resilience can access funding through the Fred A and Barbara M Erb Family Foundation. Grants of more than US $10,000 support watershed health, environmental justice, policy advocacy, and leadership development in Great Lakes communities, including eligible Indiana counties.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on freshwater conservation and water resource management in Indiana and across the U.S. can seek support for projects on private lands, ecosystem restoration, and related policy. Grants from Biophilia Foundation typically range from US $5,000 - US $25,000 and may also back restorative economies and conservation policy efforts.

The Great Lakes Protection Fund Grant aims to support projects that deliver significant ecological improvements to the Great Lakes region. The Fund seeks transformative initiatives that involve collaboration among diverse stakeholders and rely on scientific rigor. Eligible applicants include non-profits, universities, and businesses, and the projects must demonstrate a positive environmental impact on the Great Lakes ecosystem. Importantly, the Fund does not support advocacy or compliance-related activities.

The Paul L. Busch Award, provided by the Water Research Foundation, honors individuals for innovative research in water quality. This prestigious award supports promising researchers with a $100,000 grant to advance their work. The selection process is inclusive, with no restrictions based on race, gender, or nationality, and encourages applications from diverse candidates. Recipients are expected to collaborate with U.S.-based organizations, fostering practical applications of their research in the water environment.

The Westinghouse Charitable Giving Program aims to strengthen community ties by providing financial support in key areas such as education focused on STEM, environmental sustainability, and community safety. This program welcomes applications from eligible organizations that meet specific grant criteria, including being tax-exempt and located within 50 miles of a Westinghouse site. The initiative underscores Westinghouse's commitment to advancing education, promoting environmental stewardship, and enhancing community well-being.

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 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 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.

The Jim Flynn Outstanding Corporation Award, presented annually by NALMS, honors the corporation that has made significant contributions to advancing lake management goals. This award emphasizes the importance of facilitating information exchange, promoting public awareness of lake ecosystems, and supporting management programs at all levels. Eligible nominations can come from any individual or entity, focusing on achievements in lake and reservoir management. Notably, current NALMS board members and awards committee members are excluded from eligibility.