Best Water Grants in Alabama

Agricultural producers, ranchers, and non-industrial private forest landowners in Alabama can access funding and technical assistance to improve water quality and conserve ground and surface water through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Grants from USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Alabama support conservation plans that enhance soil health, reduce erosion, and protect freshwater and other natural resources on working lands.

State agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and public institutions in Alabama can seek funding to implement watershed-based projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution and improve water quality. Grants from the Alabama Department of Environmental Management support implementation of approved watershed plans, TMDL components, and Section 303(d) stream restoration with a required 40% non-federal match.

Local governments and counties in Alabama can seek funding for water and sewer extensions, rehabilitation, and related public infrastructure projects through the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs’ Community Development Block Grant Competitive Fund. Focused on water resource management, this program offers US $400,000 - US $500,000 for projects benefiting low- to moderate-income residents or addressing urgent needs.

Nonprofit organizations and government units in Alabama can seek funding for special projects that enhance human and natural resources, including water resource management and related education efforts. Alabama Resource Conservation and Development Council offers Education Fund and General Fund project grants through nine regional councils, with statewide grants available for projects spanning three or more councils.

Rural Alabama state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes can obtain funding to build or improve water and waste systems. With a mission to support rural infrastructure, USDA: Rural Development provides grants for drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater projects, including related legal, engineering, land, and start-up costs.

Private and tribal landowners in Alabama can receive support to place agricultural wetlands under conservation easements and fund restoration work. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Alabama provides wetland reserve easements that protect freshwater and habitat, improve water quality, reduce flooding, and enhance long-term conservation values on eligible farmed or converted wetlands.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on education, environmental conservation, or healthy community programs in Alabama can apply for Cleveland Cliffs Foundation support. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help Alabama groups protect and restore land and water, create green spaces, and promote sustainable, vibrant communities near the company’s operations.

Alabama water and coastal conservation organizations addressing estuary and watershed threats can apply for Restore America’s Estuaries’ National Estuary Program Watersheds Grants, awarding US $200,000 - US $500,000. Eligible projects within designated NEP boundary areas may tackle habitat loss, stormwater runoff, harmful algal blooms, invasive species, and other urgent freshwater and estuarine ecosystem challenges.

Individuals conducting innovative water quality and water environment research in Alabama can receive up to US $100,000 to advance applied work and bridge research to practical solutions. With a mission to support applied water research, Water Research Foundation provides researchers working with U.S.-based institutions with funding that may benefit freshwater conservation and water resource management efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on water stewardship projects, including freshwater conservation and water resource management, can apply for grassroots grants of US $500 - US $5,000. Focused on ecosystem health, public health, and climate-related water risks, Bell's Brewery supports projects across the U.S., which may benefit Alabama water-focused initiatives.

The Alabama Power Foundation offers grants to support initiatives in education, arts, community development, health, and environmental stewardship. These grants aim to address community needs, promote collaboration, and ensure sustainability. Eligible projects can lead to lasting improvements and must serve underserved populations. The foundation seeks to foster a diverse range of programs that enhance quality of life and educational opportunities while adhering to strict eligibility criteria.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3)s, local governments, Tribal entities, and religious organizations in Alabama working on basic human needs, health care, humane animal care, public media, or environmental projects with freshwater or water resource impacts can apply for Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation support. Programs serving underserved populations and combining environmental and community benefits may be especially competitive.

Freshwater science researchers and professionals in Alabama can apply for the Society for Freshwater Science Fellows Grant, which awards US $2,000 for outstanding contributions in research, policy, or management. SFS members may nominate leaders in freshwater conservation or water resource management, with a limited number of Fellows selected each year by a committee of existing Fellows.

U.S. nonprofit organizations working on land, water, and climate-related conservation, including freshwater and water resource management in Alabama, can apply for Doris Duke Foundation’s Environment Program grants, awarding US $100,000 - US $1,000,000 for large-scale projects. Funding supports land and water conservation, natural climate solutions, and equity-focused, inclusive stewardship efforts.

Nonprofit organizations and public institutions working on freshwater conservation and water resource management in Alabama and other U.S. regions can seek funding for private land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and related initiatives. Grants from Biophilia Foundation generally range from US $5,000 - US $25,000 and may also support restorative economies and conservation policy efforts connected to water and watershed health.

Corporations engaged in freshwater conservation and lake management in Alabama can receive recognition for significant contributions to lake and watershed stewardship. North American Lake Management Society honors companies that advance information exchange, public awareness, professional practice, and research in lake and reservoir management through its Jim Flynn Outstanding Corporation Award, with nominations open to any individual or entity.

Organizations and individuals involved in freshwater conservation and lake management in Alabama can be recognized for outstanding contributions through this annual achievement award. Grants from North American Lake Management Society help North America freshwater conservation and water resource management advocates celebrate members advancing lake and watershed protection; nominees must be NALMS members, though any individual or entity may submit nominations.

Nonprofit organizations working on freshwater conservation, water resource management, or broader environmental initiatives in Alabama can apply for US $25,000 - US $75,000 from the Roy A. Hunt Foundation. Funding supports multi-state or national projects addressing clean water, climate and energy, toxics and waste, and related education, outreach, applied research, and policy-oriented innovations in the U.S.

Undergraduate students at U.S.-based colleges interested in marine, coastal, estuarine, or water resource issues can apply for the Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship, a paid summer research and extension opportunity in New Hampshire, earning up to US $5,000. Alabama students focused on freshwater conservation or water resource management may benefit from this hands-on training and mentorship.

Alabama water and watershed organizations can access funding through the Laird Norton Family Foundation for freshwater conservation, water resource management, and broader watershed stewardship work. U.S.-based nonprofits working on watershed health, environmental stewardship, and long-term social and ecological resilience may be eligible under its Watershed Stewardship and related programs.

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.

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 Raftelis Leadership Scholarship, offered by the American Water Works Association, supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a consulting career in water utilities. With a value of $5,000, this scholarship aims to foster relationships with diverse, promising students who demonstrate leadership and strong academic performance. Applicants from various academic backgrounds, including business and finance, are encouraged to apply, emphasizing initiative and a desire to contribute positively to the community.

The AWWA Scholarships Program, led by the American Water Works Association, aims to support the future of the water industry by investing in students. The Mueller Water Products Continuing Education Scholarship awards $5,000 to an undergraduate student employed by a water utility, emphasizing the importance of practical experience in education. This scholarship not only aids financial needs but also encourages students to pursue careers in water supply, fostering growth in this vital sector.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Woodard & Curran Scholarship, offers a $5,000 merit-based award annually to undergraduate or graduate students focused on water-related fields. This initiative aims to support historically marginalized communities, including women and BIPOC students, promoting equity in the water industry. With clean water being essential for community health, this scholarship reflects AWWA's commitment to nurturing the next generation of water professionals.

The AWWA Jacobs Holly A. Cornell Scholarship, established in 1990, supports graduate students pursuing water supply and treatment studies. Sponsored by Jacobs/CH2M, this $10,000 scholarship is aimed at first-generation college graduates or those who have faced economic disadvantages and significant educational barriers. AWWA, the largest organization of water supply professionals, emphasizes the importance of investing in the future of the water industry through such scholarships.