Best Water Grants in Washington

Agricultural producers, forest landowners, Tribes, and water management entities in Washington can receive technical and financial help to improve water resources and overall environmental quality. Focused on conservation practices, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service invites eligible land stewards to address freshwater conservation, water resource management, soil health, air quality, and wildlife habitat through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Nonprofit or conservation organizations providing technical assistance for regenerative agriculture and conservation practices on private lands in Washington can access funding through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with awards of US $250,000 - US $750,000. Projects must support freshwater conservation, water resource management, soil health, or related habitat benefits through Farm Bill conservation programs.

Washington 501(c)(3) public charities working on freshwater or marine conservation, water resource management, or related land use issues can access short-term project funding through the Community Response Fund. Grants from Northwest Fund for the Environment help community-based groups address urgent aquatic ecosystem or growth management needs, build grassroots advocacy, and empower communities of color on local environmental solutions, with awards from US $1,000 - US $5,000.

Water resource agencies and other eligible water managers in Washington can receive up to US $400,000 to improve hydrologic data, modeling, and water supply forecasting tools. The Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Applied Science Grants support projects that enhance water management, increase water supply reliability, and strengthen forecasting for droughts and floods across eligible U.S. regions.

Water utilities, public entities, and other organizations planning water reclamation and reuse projects in Washington can seek funding for planning, design, or construction activities. The Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Title XVI program supports projects that expand urban and irrigation water supplies, enhance water management flexibility during shortages, and improve long-term water supply reliability, with awards from US $1,000 - US $40,000,000.

Public entities and other eligible organizations in Washington and other western states can seek US $50,000 - US $3,000,000 to improve water resource management, including conservation, infrastructure, and watershed restoration. With a mission to enhance water resources, the US Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation prioritizes collaborative projects that provide significant, multi-use watershed benefits.

Counties, cities, towns, tribal governments, special purpose and conservation districts, and eligible nonprofits in Washington can apply for the Department of Ecology’s Water Quality Combined Funding Program; awards up to US $500,000 for wastewater, stormwater, nonpoint source, and on-site sewage projects. This single application process bundles multiple water quality grants and loans.

Water utilities, public entities, Tribes, and similar organizations in Washington can seek funding for planning, design, or construction of desalination facilities treating seawater or brackish water. The Bureau of Reclamation supports water resource management by backing projects that expand local water supplies, diversify water portfolios, and improve reliability, with awards from US $1,000 - US $120,000,000.

Grants support Washington water systems, local governments, conservation districts, nonprofits, schools, and tribes to plan and implement source water protection projects that safeguard drinking water quality and quantity. Grants from Washington State Department of Health offer up to US $100,000 for studies, implementation, and security measures that reduce contamination risks and build long-term resilience for public water supplies.

State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Washington can seek funding to develop or improve water and waste systems, including drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater infrastructure. Focused on water resource management, USDA Rural Development also supports related project costs like engineering, land rights, and start-up operations in eligible rural areas.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research utilizing data from the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission. This project aims to enhance hydrologic decision-making by providing low-latency water resource monitoring data across over 1 million locations in the U.S. It promotes collaboration between USGS and CESU researchers to improve data accuracy and automate water surface elevation publication, benefiting scientists and resource managers.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest landowners, and Tribes in Washington can receive financial and technical assistance to improve water resources and overall land stewardship through the Conservation Stewardship Program. Grants from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Washington help working lands enhance water management, soil health, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience via customized, five-year conservation contracts.

Public agencies, tribes, and other eligible Washington entities working on freshwater conservation and invasive species control can apply for the Aquatic Invasive Plants Management Grants Program, with awards up to US $50,000. With a mission to protect state waters, the State of Washington Department of Ecology provides funding for technical assistance, public education, and on-the-ground control projects.

Organizations in Washington with existing AmeriCorps operational grants that include freshwater conservation or related service activities can seek continuation funding for years two or three. Serve Washington supports ongoing national service, volunteerism, and civic engagement projects; water-focused AmeriCorps programs already funded in this cycle may be eligible to continue their work.

Nonprofit and community organizations implementing AmeriCorps programs in Washington can seek operational funding to run service projects that address disaster services, environmental stewardship, freshwater conservation, education, economic opportunity, health, and veterans’ needs. Serve Washington’s New & Recompete AmeriCorps Operational Grant supports new programs or those renewing after a completed three-year grant cycle.

Eligible Washington cities, counties, tribes, state agencies, and nonprofit nature conservancies can apply for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program to conserve land and restore habitat, including freshwater and riparian areas. Administered by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, this program supports acquisition, development, and restoration projects that may benefit water and freshwater conservation efforts.

Public agencies and tribes in Washington can seek funding to manage toxic freshwater algae blooms through education, monitoring, control, and nutrient reduction projects, with awards up to US $50,000. State of Washington Department of Ecology supports freshwater conservation and water resource management efforts, prioritizing lakes with harmful algae in the past three years.

Local governments, tribes, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Washington can seek funding to reduce flood risks and restore riverine floodplains through the Department of Ecology’s Floodplains by Design program. Focused on integrated freshwater conservation and flood management, projects may include design, construction, land acquisition, riparian restoration, and related outreach, with awards up to US $10,000,000.

Public agencies in Washington can seek funding to acquire, restore, or develop aquatic lands and improve public waterfront access, with awards up to US $1,000,000. With a mission to enhance state aquatic resources, Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office supports projects like estuary restoration, shoreline habitat, and waterfront parks on navigable waters.

Environmental 501(c)(3) organizations in Washington working on habitat preservation that supports biodiversity and quiet remote recreation can seek US $5,000 - US $15,000 for general operating support or special projects. With a mission to protect rivers, forests, native fish, and land, The Burning Foundation prioritizes local and statewide conservation groups over national organizations.

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 Nisqually Watershed Small Grants program, sponsored by Pierce County, aims to improve environmental literacy and enhance water quality in local watersheds. By supporting nonprofit organizations, schools, and individuals, the program encourages projects such as riparian plantings and community clean-ups. Successful initiatives must align with watershed councils' Action Agendas, promoting sustainability and ecological education within the Nisqually River Watershed and beyond.

Bell's Brewery Small Grassroots Grants support projects focusing on water stewardship across the Great Lakes watershed. With grant amounts ranging from $500 to $5,000, eligible organizations can apply for funding to improve ecosystem health, enhance public health through better water resource management, and promote resilience against climate-related water risks. This initiative highlights Bell's commitment to environmental stewardship and community support in all 50 states and DC.

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 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 Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed Small Grants Program encourages local nonprofits, schools, and individuals to enhance environmental literacy and improve water quality. By supporting projects like riparian plantings, invasive species removal, and educational initiatives, it aims to foster community involvement in watershed stewardship. Grant funding is available for various collaborative activities, ensuring that projects benefit the Chambers-Clover Creek Watershed and its surrounding environment.

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.