Best Water Grants in New Hampshire

The NH Watershed Assistance Grants provide crucial funding for projects aimed at addressing non-point source pollution through watershed-based plans. Applicants must engage in a Pre-Application Consultation and submit a comprehensive pre-proposal to ensure alignment with water quality goals established by the EPA. This initiative supports local efforts to restore impaired waters and protect high-quality resources, fostering sustainable environmental practices across New Hampshire.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service supports farmers and forest landowners in implementing conservation practices. It provides technical and financial assistance to address natural resource issues like soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat. Eligible applicants include agricultural producers and landowners. EQIP also offers various initiatives, including the Organic Initiative and High Tunnel Initiative, to promote sustainable practices and enhance agricultural resilience.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has launched the Large PWS Lead Service Line Inventory Grant program to assist water systems with over 1,000 service connections in identifying service lines marked as 'unknown'. This initiative is part of compliance with the EPA Lead Copper Rule Improvements, requiring annual service line inventories. Grants of up to $60,000 are available, with no community match required, to facilitate the identification and replacement planning of lead service lines.

The NH Agricultural Management Assistance Grant provides essential financial support to agricultural producers in New Hampshire, enabling them to mitigate financial risks through diversification and conservation practices. The program assists with up to 75% of the costs for installing conservation practices, with a maximum of $50,000 in payments per participant per fiscal year. Eligible participants must be engaged in agricultural production and comply with specific regulations regarding land use and income.

The NH Clean Water State Revolving Fund offers low-cost financial assistance for projects aimed at enhancing public health and water quality. It supports local communities with funding for wastewater infrastructure and pollution control initiatives. Benefits include below-market loan rates, potential loan forgiveness, and project support throughout planning and construction phases. Annual loan pre-applications are encouraged for various water management projects, ensuring a collaborative approach to environmental stewardship in New Hampshire.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Vermont provides essential funding for the development of clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, and stormwater drainage in eligible rural areas. This program specifically targets households and businesses that struggle to secure commercial credit, aiming to enhance public health and environmental quality. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes, ensuring that vital services are accessible to all. Projects funded must demonstrate financial sustainability.

The NH Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) enhances existing conservation efforts for agricultural producers, offering tailored plans to improve land management. With no minimum acreage requirement, eligible participants can receive annual payments for implementing conservation practices. The program also supports a Grassland Conservation Initiative, protecting grazing lands and promoting wildlife habitat. Participants benefit from increased resilience to market volatility and reduced agricultural inputs. The CSP is a vital tool for sustainable farming, helping producers meet conservation goals while maintaining productivity.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in New Hampshire provides essential funding for clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, and stormwater management in rural areas. Eligible applicants include government entities, nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes who cannot access commercial credit. The program supports various related activities, including legal fees and land acquisition, ensuring that communities can maintain and improve their water infrastructure effectively.

The Cyanotoxin Monitoring Equipment and Training Grants, offered by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, support public water systems in monitoring cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in surface water sources. Since 2017, these grants have funded essential equipment like fluorometers and microscope cameras, and assist in developing Quality Assurance Project Plans. Eligible applicants include municipalities, non-profit organizations, and various associations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, ensuring continuous support for water quality initiatives.

The Water System Sustainability Grant Program provides essential funding for community water systems to enhance their operational efficiency through effective asset management practices. This initiative supports both new programs and improvements to existing asset management efforts, encouraging proactive management strategies that ensure sustainability and financial viability. With a focus on technical and managerial capacity, the program aims to empower communities to make informed decisions about their water infrastructure and resources.

The Water System Sustainability Grant Program provides funding to assist community water systems in developing sustainable operations and improving their technical, managerial, and financial capacities. The Strategic Planning Grant specifically supports the creation of engineering and hydrogeological reports, helping decision-makers implement necessary infrastructure improvements. Eligible projects include alternative analysis studies, pilot studies, and source exploration investigations. This initiative aims to secure necessary funding through informed outreach and detailed planning.

The NH Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) is a federally funded program established in 1965, aimed at providing matching grants to state and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreational areas. With funding sourced entirely from offshore oil and gas leases, the program supports a legacy of quality recreational resources. Since its inception, the LWCF has allocated nearly $50 million to over 700 projects, ensuring public accessibility and sustainability in outdoor recreation.

The NH Wetland Mitigation Grant Program, managed by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, aims to sustain aquatic resources. Through the Aquatic Resource Mitigation Fund, it offers an alternative to traditional mitigation by allowing In-Lieu Fee payments to support restoration and enhancement projects. The program pools funds from nine watersheds and provides competitive grants to ensure the long-term health and function of aquatic ecosystems, aligning with the federal goal of 'no net loss'.

The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund - Large Grants Program offers funding to strengthen communities in Coös County, NH, and bordering areas. With a focus on economic development, community resiliency, and education, the fund supports projects that enhance cultural assets, promote sustainable resource use, and address basic needs. Grants range from $20,000 to $300,000, requiring a pre-application consultation. The foundation aims to empower underserved populations and foster connections within the community.

The Neil and Louise Tillotson Fund - Local Grants Program provides financial support for projects in Coös County, NH, and neighboring communities in New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, and Québec. Grants up to $20,000 are available for eligible organizations focusing on community development and enhancement. This program aims to strengthen these border regions by fostering local initiatives that align with the foundation's mission to improve quality of life.

The Doris Duke Foundation's Environment Program grants aim to foster a resilient environment through effective conservation efforts. By supporting U.S. nonprofit organizations, the foundation seeks to protect biodiversity, address climate change, and advance equity, particularly for marginalized communities. The program emphasizes land conservation, natural climate solutions, and inclusive practices, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both wildlife and people. This initiative is pivotal for enhancing the health of ecosystems and communities across the United States.

The Roy A. Hunt Foundation's Environment Initiative Grants aim to support projects that enhance ecological health and sustainability. With an annual budget of approximately $3.4 million, the foundation prioritizes initiatives that promote responsible environmental practices, clean energy, and waste reduction. Grants between $25,000 and $75,000 are available for projects at various levels, focusing on innovative solutions that foster community partnerships and address root causes of environmental challenges.

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 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 Biophilia Foundation Grants support biodiversity conservation on private lands, focusing on systemic change through community engagement. The foundation encourages organizations to submit letters of inquiry detailing their mission, tax status, funding requests, and intended outcomes. They prioritize private land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and innovative policy initiatives, especially in the arid Southwest and Chesapeake Bay regions. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with larger amounts available for established partnerships.

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 Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship, offered by New Hampshire Sea Grant, provides a unique opportunity for undergraduates to engage in marine resource projects while receiving mentorship and training. This paid fellowship supports students interested in marine-related research and education, with potential earnings of up to $5,000 over a 10-week summer period. By participating, fellows gain valuable insights into coastal and marine management, enhancing their skills and expanding their professional networks.

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

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.

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.