Best Water Grants in Wisconsin

Department of Administration

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department of Administration is the flagship agency of the State of Wisconsin. We help the Office of the Governor with the biennial state budget, provide centralized purchasing and financial management for state agencies, and work with the 11 federally recognized Native Nations in Wisconsin on gaming, coastal programs, and other key areas. Our mission is to provide effective and efficient services at the best value to government agencies and the public.

CDBG - Emergency Assistance Program (EAP)

​Program Overview

The Community Development Block Grant -Emergency Assistance Program CDBG-EAP (PDF) is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources (DEHCR) under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. CDBG-EAP funds are used to assist local units of government in addressing emergency housing, public facility, infrastructure, and business assistance needs that occur as a result of natural or manmade disasters.  

The CDBG - Emergency Assistance Program includes funding for: Public Facility/Infrastructure Assistance; Housing Rehabilitation Assistance; and Business Assistance.

Business Assistance

CDBG-EAP business assistance is available to eligible businesses that have been affected by a natural or manmade disaster. Funds may be awarded as a loan or a grant. To qualify, a business must demonstrate that:

• Damages are linked directly to a disaster event.
• They employ LMI individuals.
• CDBG-EAP assistance will result in creating new or maintaining existing LMI jobs.
• 51% of the jobs created and/or maintained must be held by LMI individuals.

Eligible projects include:

• Building, water system, and sewer/septic repairs
• Equipment repair/replacement
• Provision of working capital
• Other expenses not covered by insurance claims

Eligible tribal governments, community-based nonprofits, local governments, and educational institutions in Wisconsin can apply for the Minneapolis Foundation’s Tier 1 grants, awarding up to US $150,000 for environmental and public health assessment and engagement projects. Efforts addressing water quality, stormwater, green infrastructure, or related environmental justice issues in disadvantaged communities may be competitive.

Nonprofit and community organizations in Wisconsin working on water access, quality, safety, or related education can apply for Pentair Foundation support for initiatives that improve and enjoy water resources. Programs focused on clean drinking water, water resource management, swim safety, or STEM education connected to water may be competitive.

Private woodland owners in Wisconsin can apply for cost-share assistance from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to protect and enhance their forest land, including water-related resources. This program reimburses up to 50% of costs for practices like tree planting, invasive plant control, forest stewardship planning, and soil and water protection projects.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms pursuing impact litigation on environmental, social, racial, or economic justice in Wisconsin can receive US $10,000 - US $50,000 in recoverable grants for case expenses. The Impact Fund supports environmental justice cases, which may include water-related harms like pollution, contaminated drinking water, or inadequate wastewater treatment.

Eligible rural state or local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in Wisconsin can apply for USDA: Rural Development’s Water & Waste Disposal Grant Program to fund water and waste infrastructure projects. Grants support acquisition, construction, or improvement of drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and storm water systems, plus related legal, engineering, land, and start-up costs.

Wisconsin 501(c)(3) organizations planning water, sanitation, or humanitarian projects can access funding through Antioch Foundation, with awards up to US $40,000. Grants prioritize pilot programs, start-up costs, and building projects in areas such as clean drinking water, disaster relief, health, education, and supportive housing, with no strict geographic restriction across the U.S.

The Fund for Lake Michigan Grant supports initiatives aimed at enhancing the health of Lake Michigan through projects that yield both immediate and long-term benefits. Eligible applicants include non-profits, government agencies, and educational institutions focusing on water quality improvement. Grants range from $700,000 to $900,000 quarterly, with priorities on projects that directly impact water quality and promote sustainable practices. This grant fosters economic growth while ensuring the preservation of vital water resources.

Environmental and policy-focused organizations working on freshwater and drinking water issues in Wisconsin and other Great Lakes states can seek support for climate solutions, Great Lakes protection, and equitable drinking water policy. The Joyce Foundation primarily funds invited proposals that advance clean energy, water infrastructure, and environmental justice across the Great Lakes region.

With a mission to strengthen local communities, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation provides Wisconsin 501(c)(3) nonprofits with project-focused funding in areas including environment and water resource management. Eligible organizations must operate within the foundation’s listed Wisconsin and Menominee County, Michigan service counties and propose specific programs rather than general operating support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Wisconsin communities served by Wisconsin Public Service can seek funding for water-related environment and freshwater conservation projects, as well as broader community programs. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation provides project-focused support across environmental, education, health, arts, and community development priorities.

Public agencies, municipalities, tribes, nonprofits, private landowners, and other registered entities in Wisconsin can seek funding to restore, establish, enhance, or preserve wetlands within eligible service areas. With a mission to protect natural resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources supports freshwater conservation and water resource management projects that serve as long-term mitigation sites under conservation easements.

Friends Groups that are 501(c)(3) or (4) nonprofits supporting Wisconsin state parks, southern state forests, state trails, or recreation areas can receive up to US $30,000 for operations and maintenance projects. Grants from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources may benefit groups whose work includes water-related recreation, access, or interpretive programming.

Friends groups and nonprofit conservation organizations in Wisconsin can receive up to US $20,000 to improve nature-based outdoor recreation facilities and restore habitat on state properties. With a mission to preserve natural resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides 501(c)(3)/(4) groups with matching grants for capital improvements, durable equipment, and qualifying restoration projects that enhance public enjoyment of land and water resources.

Qualified lake and river groups, surface water management organizations, conservation nonprofits, and school districts in Wisconsin can seek funding for surface water education, planning, and management projects, including invasive species control. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources offers up to US $50,000 for outreach, assessments, surveys, planning, and on-the-ground water resource improvements.

Nonprofits and community organizations in Wisconsin communities served by Alliant Energy can access funding for basic needs, workforce readiness, environmental stewardship, and community safety projects. Grants from Alliant Energy help Wisconsin groups improve parks and trails, support environmental conservation and education, and enhance community safety and engagement through specific local programs and initiatives.

Charitable 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, governments, and similar groups in the Rhinelander area can receive project grants to enhance community quality of life, from arts and culture to recreation and services. Rhinelander Community Foundation provides Wisconsin community organizations with up to US $5,000, which may support initiatives that indirectly benefit local water and natural resources.

Nonprofits, governments, tribal entities, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups in northwest Wisconsin can seek up to US $300,000 to launch or expand transformational projects addressing opportunity, resilience, and belonging. With a mission to strengthen communities, Boreal Waters Community Foundation supports community-led collaborations, systems change, and long-term, equity-centered initiatives that may benefit water-related and other regional efforts.

Nonprofit and fiscally sponsored organizations working on biodiversity and freshwater conservation in Wisconsin’s Bayfield, Douglas, and Ashland Counties can seek multi-year funding to preserve and restore habitats, support vulnerable species, and address climate impacts. Focused on long-term, equity-centered ecosystem health, Boreal Waters Community Foundation offers up to US $150,000 for collaborative, community-led projects.

The Community Opportunity Fund: Belonging Grant, offered by Boreal Waters Community Foundation, aims to foster inclusive spaces where all voices are valued. This grant supports community-driven projects that enhance collaboration and respect among diverse groups, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. It provides funding for program support, operating expenses, and capacity building to ensure lasting impact. By prioritizing equity and community ownership, this initiative seeks transformative change across northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin.

Nonprofits, government entities, Tribal governments, churches, and fiscally sponsored groups in Wisconsin’s northwestern counties can seek up to US $300,000 for transformational resilience projects that address root causes and build long-term community capacity. Focus areas include resilience, opportunity, and belonging, which may encompass community-driven work on housing, food security, workforce readiness, or climate adaptation.

Grants from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service help Wisconsin conservation partners and agricultural producers implement soil, water, and habitat conservation projects at regional or watershed scales. Eligible lead partners include tribes, nonprofits, governments, and others collaborating with producers on agricultural or private forest lands, which may benefit freshwater conservation and water resource management priorities.

Affiliated 501(c)(3) historical societies in Wisconsin can receive up to US $700 for collections care and management projects, including archival supplies, storage, digitization equipment, and training. Wisconsin Historical Society mini-grants require a 1:1 match and may benefit organizations whose local history collections support water-related or environmental programming.

Nonprofits, community groups, and fiscally sponsored collaborations in northeastern Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin can seek $25,000 - $50,000 from Boreal Waters Community Foundation for resilience-focused projects. Focused on strengthening long-term community stability, this funding can support programs, general operations, capacity building, and community-led solutions that may benefit groups addressing water, housing, food security, or climate-related challenges in Wisconsin.

Focused on belonging and equity, this program invites Wisconsin and northeastern Minnesota nonprofits, tribal governments, schools, and fiscally sponsored groups to seek flexible support for community-driven, inclusive culture-building work. Eligible organizations can receive US $25,000 - US $50,000 for programs, general operations, capacity building, community-led solutions, and systems-change efforts that strengthen connection and promote equity.

Nonprofits, tribal governments, public entities, and fiscally sponsored groups advancing economic stability and opportunity in Wisconsin’s northwestern counties can seek $25,000 - $50,000 for programs, operations, or capacity building. Boreal Waters Community Foundation funds efforts like affordable housing, living-wage job creation, education access, and essential support services that strengthen long-term community well-being.

Wisconsin environmental nonprofits, government agencies, tribal communities, and accredited schools working on conservation, education, or water-related natural resource projects can access funding through the C.D. Besadny Conservation Fund; awards range from US $500 - US $5,000. Projects must benefit Wisconsin’s lands, waters, wildlife, or people and may emphasize community engagement, species protection, or climate resilience.