Best Water Grants in New York

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.

Nassau County has launched the Septic Environmental Program to Improve Cleanliness (SEPTIC) Grant, aimed at replacing outdated septic systems with innovative nitrogen-reducing technologies. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for eligible homeowners and small businesses, addressing nitrogen pollution—an urgent concern for Long Island's water quality. This initiative supports public health and environmental sustainability, significantly reducing nitrogen discharge while ensuring effective wastewater treatment.

The Horton PhD Research Grant supports up to three Ph.D. students annually in hydrology and related fields, funded by the Robert E. Horton Fund. It provides a maximum of $10,000 for research and travel, along with $500 for U.S. and Canadian applicants participating in AGU's annual meeting. Eligible students must be active AGU members, enrolled for the award's duration, and meet all application requirements. This grant promotes excellence in hydrological sciences.

The Special Wildlife Funds - Duck Stamp Grants program in Canada focuses on the development of waterfowl propagation areas specifically for the Mississippi Flyway. It supports projects in Manitoba and Saskatchewan aimed at enhancing breeding populations of migratory waterfowl. This initiative is funded through the sale of State Migratory Waterfowl Stamps and is targeted at not-for-profit organizations dedicated to the conservation and promotion of wild waterfowl, ensuring sustainable habitats and effective management practices.

The NFWF's Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Grant Program aims to enhance community capacity for sustaining local natural resources through financial assistance for diverse partnerships. With approximately $2.5 million available, projects focus on improving water quality, restoring habitats, and engaging underserved communities. By promoting ecological improvements and community outreach, this program seeks to increase access to nature's benefits while addressing environmental hazards. A blend of urban and rural initiatives is expected for effective implementation.

The Anchor QEA Scholarship supports graduate students pursuing degrees in engineering, environmental sciences, or related fields, with awards between $1,000 and $10,000. This program emphasizes helping those in financial need, particularly focusing on BIPOC students to address inequities in STEM. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a commitment to community service and possess an inclusive mindset. This initiative reflects Anchor QEA's dedication to fostering a diverse and equitable educational environment.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's Innovative Conservation Program (ICP) has funded innovative water savings projects since 2001, with $250,000 available biannually. The program aims to evaluate and demonstrate the reliability of new water-saving technologies. Nearly 400 proposals have sought $36 million in funding. The ICP, supported by multiple agencies, encourages projects that can benefit Southern California's water efficiency, inviting proposals from outside its service area to enhance regional water management.

The Central Appalachia Habitat Stewardship Program aims to restore and sustain healthy forests, rivers, and streams to support diverse native bird and aquatic species. Funded by major organizations including the Richard King Mellon Foundation, this initiative focuses on improving forest management and stream health to enhance wildlife populations. Strategies include engaging landowners through education and financial assistance, targeting species like the golden-winged warbler and brook trout to ensure ecological balance and habitat connectivity.

The Easement Restoration and Stewardship program, funded by the USDA NRCS, focuses on restoring and managing Wetland and Floodplain Easements. It includes developing restoration plans, conducting assessments, and implementing stewardship activities to enhance ecological health. Awardees will collaborate with NRCS personnel to ensure effective restoration design and maintenance strategies, fostering sustainable landscapes. This initiative addresses critical habitat conditions and promotes long-term environmental benefits for protected lands.

The Water Resources Research Act Program National Competitive Grants FY2026, administered by the U.S. Geological Survey, aims to support innovative research initiatives at Water Resources Research Institutes across the U.S. and its territories. These grants facilitate essential studies on water management, addressing critical water resource challenges while promoting collaboration among states. This program seeks to enhance the understanding of water issues, ultimately contributing to sustainable management practices and informed decision-making in water resource policy.

The Delaware River Watershed Protection Fund provides Transaction Grants to support early-stage forest land protection projects. These grants cover essential costs such as appraisals and environmental assessments, facilitating timely funding within two weeks of approval. With a cap of $25,000, these grants ensure that critical projects aimed at preserving the watershed's ecological integrity can progress, ultimately benefiting the drinking water supply and biodiversity for millions in the region.

The Long Island Sound Stewardship Fund Grant provides competitive funding to restore and protect the health of Long Island Sound. Aiming to empower underrepresented communities, this grant supports projects that promote sustainability, resilience, and equity within the watershed of Connecticut and New York. With $400,000 available in 2025, proposals should address the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP) and advance environmental justice initiatives.

The Trout and Salmon Foundation Grant offers matching funds up to $5,000 to support projects aimed at restoring and enhancing trout and salmon habitats in North America. Established in 1969, the foundation prioritizes partnerships with local watershed organizations focused on habitat improvement. Grants are provided for projects that physically restore streams and fisheries, with on-site labor recognized in certain cases. The foundation seeks to diversify funding across various watersheds and regions, ensuring a broad impact in conservation efforts.

The Great Lakes Foundation Grant supports projects aimed at preserving wilderness areas and promoting marine safety in the Great Lakes region. As a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the foundation has awarded over $318,212 since its inception in 1993. Grants have funded various initiatives, including breakwater construction and academic research, to enhance appreciation and safety of the marine environment for both members and the general public.

The Solid Waste Management Grant Program, administered by the USDA's Rural Utilities Service, invites applications for FY 2027 funding. This initiative aims to enhance solid waste management in rural communities through technical assistance and training. Eligible organizations can receive grants to develop sustainable waste management practices, addressing critical issues like water pollution and emerging contaminants, while promoting hazardous waste collection. This program supports operational improvements and capital financing applications to ensure long-term environmental health.

The Chesapeake Bay Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) Grant Program, funded by the EPA and Chesapeake Bay Trust, supports innovative green infrastructure projects enhancing community livability. With funding opportunities ranging from conceptual plans to full project implementation, this program aims to reduce stormwater runoff, improve urban green spaces, and boost local water health within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Eligible locations include parts of Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, as well as New York.

The Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo has been granting funds for over a century, focusing on impactful initiatives across eight counties in Western New York. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster racial equity, economic mobility, environmental stewardship, and cultural vibrancy. Special funding will support programs for the visually, speech, or hearing impaired, with an emphasis on aligning with the foundation's community goals. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and serve the designated areas.

The Kalamazoo Valley Chapter's George L. Disborough TU Research Grant Fund, established in 1990, aims to support graduate-level research on trout habitat and conservation projects aligned with Trout Unlimited's mission. This fund seeks innovative studies on coldwater salmonids and their environments, with a preference for projects conducted in Michigan. It is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents enrolled in accredited institutions, promoting efforts that enhance the quality of aquatic resources.

The South Lake Champlain Fund, established by the Vermont Community Foundation, supports initiatives that enhance the environmental health and cultural heritage of the southern Lake Champlain area. This includes educational projects for youth, innovative research, and community engagement efforts. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $7,500, with applications welcomed from tax-exempt organizations in Vermont. The fund encourages projects involving local experts and public dissemination of findings to foster community involvement.

The Mazamas is committed to exploring and preserving mountain environments in the Pacific Northwest through research grants. These grants support nonprofit research that aligns with the Mazamas’ mission, encouraging proposals from graduate and undergraduate students. Successful applicants often conduct field studies that enhance understanding of the region's natural features. Notably, the Mazamas also welcome innovative research ideas that may fall outside traditional grant guidelines, promoting a diverse range of scientific inquiry.

The Bonnycastle Fellowship for Wetland and Waterfowl Research supports graduate students in advancing conservation efforts. Offered by Ducks Unlimited, this fellowship provides up to $17,000 annually for research and personal support. The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research originality, ecological contributions, and feasibility. It is open to all North American graduate students, with a preference for doctoral candidates. The award is renewable for PhD students up to two years, and once for Master's students, contingent on satisfactory progress.

The William E. & Maude S. Pritchard Charitable Trust Grant supports community development, health care, education, environmental conservation, and social services in Suffolk and Nassau Counties, New York. Established in memory of William E. Pritchard in 1982, it primarily funds project and capacity building initiatives. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities, and proposals from research institutions are welcome. Funding is not available for individuals or private foundations.

The Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for early career professionals to engage in marine and Great Lakes science and policy within the U.S. government. This one-year, paid fellowship encourages graduate students from accredited programs to explore impactful coastal resource issues. Interested applicants should connect with their local Sea Grant program or the National Sea Grant Office for guidance, especially if they are from Massachusetts, to ensure a competitive application.

The Friends of Reservoirs: Mossback Grant offers three grants of $1,000 in Mossback products to eligible members of Friends of Reservoirs organizations. Sponsored by Mossback Fish Habitat, these grants aim to enhance structural habitat in public waters. The total retail value is approximately $1,500. Applicants must cover freight costs, and a $25 application fee applies to each submission. This initiative supports habitat restoration efforts across member organizations.

The Friends of Reservoirs: Large Grant supports fish habitat enhancement projects in manmade reservoirs, promoting conservation and partnerships. With approximately $250,000 in Federal funding and $500,000 from Bass Pro Shops, grants up to $75,000 are available. Projects must match funding and can be multi-year, with specific caps on subsequent funding. This initiative aims to address habitat impairments and enrich community quality of life through improved fishing opportunities.

The Kelsey Trust, established in 1988, supports organizations that benefit the people and protect the environment of the Lake Champlain Basin. With a preference for local initiatives, the Trust collaborates with the Vermont Community Foundation for grantmaking. The Spring Grants focus on education and environmental projects, with a Letter of Interest deadline of June 1st and grant decisions announced by June 30th. Organizations eligible must be tax-exempt or public agencies in Vermont or New York.