Best Water Grants in Nebraska

Organizations providing technical assistance to private landowners for regenerative agriculture and conservation practices in Nebraska can access funding to enhance soil, water, and wildlife outcomes. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Conservation Partners Program offers US $250,000 - US $750,000 for management planning, implementing best practices, Farm Bill program participation, and sharing conservation lessons learned.

Nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and local government units in Nebraska can receive up to US $300,000 to implement watershed-based projects that reduce nonpoint source water pollution. Grants from Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy support best management practices, water resource restoration, technical assistance, and education within defined watersheds or groundwater recharge areas over three-year project periods.

Subunits of government, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations in Nebraska can apply for Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy small project assistance grants, with awards up to US $15,000 for nonpoint source water pollution projects. Funding supports short-term pilot demonstrations or events that advance watershed-based or statewide water quality and resource management efforts.

Landowners in Nebraska’s Lower Platte North NRD can apply for cost-share funding up to US $12,500 for soil and water conservation practices. This program from Lower Platte North Natural Resources District supports terraces, grass plantings, grazing systems, water control structures, and related water resource management projects that may benefit agricultural and freshwater conservation efforts.

Agricultural producers and non-industrial private forest landowners in Nebraska can receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that improve water quality, soil health, air quality, and wildlife habitat. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service supports projects that address natural resource concerns, enhance drought resilience, and promote sustainable agriculture through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Water management agencies, Tribes, and local entities in Nebraska and other eligible regions can seek funding to improve hydrologic data, modeling, and water supply forecasting. Grants from the US Department of the Interior: Bureau of Reclamation help enhance water resource management tools, increase water supply and hydropower reliability, and support drought and flood resilience efforts. Awards up to Up to US $400,000.

Grants for public entities planning, designing, or constructing water reclamation and reuse projects in Nebraska and other eligible areas help expand reliable water supplies and improve water resource management. Grants from the Bureau of Reclamation support WaterSMART Title XVI projects that supplement urban and irrigation water through reuse, providing new clean water sources and flexibility during shortages.

Public entities and other eligible organizations implementing water conservation, efficiency, infrastructure, or watershed restoration projects in Nebraska can access funding through the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects program. Grants from the Bureau of Reclamation support multi-benefit water resource management projects that serve diverse community interests and provide significant watershed improvements. Awards range from US $50,000 - US $3,000,000.

Nebraska public entities and partners planning desalination facilities for seawater or brackish water may be eligible for funding to expand local water supplies and improve water resource management. Bureau of Reclamation supports planning, design, and construction of WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects, with awards ranging from US $1,000 - US $120,000,000.

Nonprofit and charitable organizations working on freshwater conservation, watershed restoration, or related community programs in Nebraska and other Mosaic operating areas can seek support for food, water, and local community initiatives. With a mission to help the world grow the food it needs, Mosaic Company Foundation provides funding to improve quality of life and promote sustainable resource stewardship.

The Wetland Mitigation Banking Program for FY 2026 offers $3 million in grants to support the development of mitigation banks for agricultural producers with wetlands. Proposals are prioritized based on the number of wetlands and conservation compliance requests in states such as Georgia, Illinois, and Minnesota. This competitive program is designed to enhance conservation efforts while providing financial opportunities for eligible entities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations across the U.S., including Nebraska, can seek $500 to $5,000 for water stewardship projects that protect freshwater ecosystems and improve water resource management. Focused on ecosystem health, frontline communities, and climate-related water risks, Bell's Brewery supports grassroots projects advancing freshwater conservation and environmental resilience.

Individuals and organizations engaged in lake and freshwater conservation work in Nebraska and across North America may be eligible for the Secchi Disk Award, which honors significant contributions to lake management and protection. Grants from North American Lake Management Society help freshwater conservation and water resource management advocates gain recognition for advancing NALMS’ goals.

Nebraska water and watershed organizations can access funding through Laird Norton Family Foundation for freshwater conservation, watershed stewardship, and water resource management work within its U.S. priorities. Eligible nonprofits working on long-term watershed health and resilience, including in key Western and Midwestern watersheds, may be considered after reviewing the foundation’s priorities and contacting staff by email.

Roy A Hunt Foundation provides Nebraska water and environmental organizations with US $25,000 - US $75,000 for multi-state or national projects improving freshwater, coastal, and nearby ocean water quality. Eligible projects may include water resource management, pollution reduction, applied research, and education or outreach that influence private-sector decisions and broader environmental systems in the U.S.

U.S. nonprofit organizations working on land, water, and climate-related conservation in Nebraska can apply for Doris Duke Foundation’s Environment Program grants, with awards ranging from US $100,000 - US $1,000,000. Funding supports freshwater conservation, water resource management, habitat restoration, natural climate solutions, and equity-focused environmental stewardship benefiting wildlife and communities.

Corporations engaged in freshwater conservation and water resource management in Nebraska can receive national recognition and support for their lake and watershed work through the Jim Flynn Outstanding Corporation Award. The North American Lake Management Society honors a corporation each year that advances NALMS goals, including public awareness, research, and effective lake and watershed management.

Freshwater science researchers and professionals in Nebraska working on conservation, ecology, fisheries, or water resource management can apply for the Society for Freshwater Science’s SFS Fellows Grant, with awards of US $2,000 for recognized leaders. Eligible nominees must show sustained excellence in freshwater science research, policy, or management and be nominated by an SFS member.

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.

Undergraduate students interested in marine, coastal, estuarine, or water resource issues can access funding through New Hampshire Sea Grant’s Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship, which offers up to US $5,000 for a 10-week summer placement. Fellows work on research, extension, education, or communications projects that support informed decisions about aquatic and coastal resources, including freshwater and water resource management topics.

Nonprofit organizations and other eligible entities working on freshwater conservation and water resource management in Nebraska can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help support ecosystem restoration, private land conservation, and restorative economies that protect water resources and related habitats across the U.S., with emphasis on key regions.

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.

Nebraska water and natural resource partners can access funding to implement large-scale conservation projects through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program Alternative Funding Arrangements. Eligible partnerships may receive US $250,000 - US $10,000,000 to address freshwater conservation, water resource management, and related agricultural and habitat concerns on farms, ranches, and private forest lands.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

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 SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.