Best Water Grants in Florida

Florida 501(c)(3) public charities and government entities can receive up to US $20,000 for projects in climate resiliency, clean water, land conservation, and environmental justice. The Duke Energy Foundation provides funding for environmental projects, disaster preparedness, and access to green space, which may benefit organizations working on water conservation and water resource management in eligible Florida counties.

Landowners conserving forested land in Florida that includes important water and habitat resources can access funding to prevent conversion to non-forest uses. Florida Forest Service’s Forest Legacy Program supports outright land acquisition or conservation easements, providing economic incentives to keep forests intact and sustainably managed while protecting critical land, water, and recreation values.

Florida nonprofits and other eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for health, education, or community programs that may intersect with water, sanitation, or public health. Focused on community health and welfare, the Labcorp Charitable Foundation supports efforts like healthcare access, food pantries, STEM education, and healthy lifestyle initiatives.

Florida nonprofits and community organizations working on water access, water quality, swim safety, or STEM education can seek support from the Pentair Foundation. This corporate funder backs initiatives that reduce water stress, improve drinking water, promote water-related well-being, and build STEM career pathways for youth and young adults in its priority U.S. geographies, including Florida.

Legal services nonprofits, solo practitioners, and small law firms handling environmental, economic, racial, or social justice impact litigation in Florida and nationwide can apply for the Impact Fund’s recoverable grants, typically US $10,000 - US $50,000, to cover out-of-pocket litigation expenses. Water-related environmental justice cases, such as pollution or access to clean water, may be especially relevant.

Rural public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in Florida can seek funding to prepare for or recover from emergencies that threaten safe drinking water. USDA Rural Development supports projects such as waterline extensions, repairs, and new water sources or treatment facilities, with grants up to US $1,000,000 for eligible low-income rural areas.

State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Florida can obtain funding for water and waste infrastructure through USDA Rural Development. This program supports acquisition, construction, or improvement of drinking water, sewage, solid waste, and stormwater systems, plus related costs like engineering, land, permits, and start-up operations.

Florida 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on community development, education, human services, health, cultural programs, or veteran and military support can seek funding for local residents’ needs. Penn National Gaming provides Florida organizations with grants in areas where it has business interests, including Seminole County, to strengthen community infrastructure, services, and quality of life; water-related efforts may be eligible when aligned.

Florida schools and civic or community organizations can receive funding to run environmental education projects focused on water issues in Florida. The Florida Association for Water Quality Control offers up to US $1,000 for cost-effective, science-based projects that engage students or citizens and enhance water resources or related habitats, including prizes at Florida science fairs.

Local governments, public colleges, universities, regional planning councils, national estuary programs, and nonprofits partnering with an eligible local government can seek US $10,000 - US $30,000 to plan or implement coastal resilience, stewardship, access, and working waterfront projects in Florida. Grants from Florida Department of Environmental Protection help Florida water and coastal resource initiatives that protect, restore, and manage coastal environments.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible schools running environmental programs in Florida and other Honda communities can receive $25,000 - $100,000 for decarbonization, clean energy, or efficient resource use projects. American Honda Motor and the Honda USA Foundation fund initiatives like energy upgrades, solar or wind installations, recycling, composting, and related education and awareness efforts.

Florida coastal local governments, Florida-based nonprofits, and education or research institutions can apply for Sea Turtle Conservancy’s competitive grants to support sea turtle conservation, research, and education projects. Funding supports activities like nest protection, lighting retrofits, rehabilitation of injured turtles, and public education that directly benefit Florida’s marine turtles and advance state recovery and protection goals.

Local community groups, nonprofit organizations, schools, and universities in Florida’s Tampa Bay area can apply for Tampa Bay Water’s mini-grants, awarding US $2,000 - US $10,000 for water conservation and drinking water source protection projects. Funding supports activities like public outreach, cleanups, watershed protection, and educational programs that safeguard regional freshwater resources.

Agricultural producers and forest landowners in Florida seeking support for water quality and water resource management improvements can apply for technical and financial assistance through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Grants from USDA: Natural Resources Conservation Service of Florida help implement conservation practices that enhance freshwater resources, soil health, wildlife habitat, and resilience to drought and extreme weather on working lands.

Florida municipalities and community-focused organizations can seek US $2,500 - US $50,000 to improve urban forest management and expand community tree canopy across Florida. Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services supports projects that enhance green infrastructure, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve environmental, social, and public safety outcomes through better urban and community forestry.

Schools and community-based organizations in Indian River County, Florida can receive grants to start or grow youth health, fitness, nutrition, and enrichment programs. The Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation supports K–12 initiatives that incorporate Mardy’s Six Healthy Habits, progressive tennis skills, life skills, physical fitness, and nutrition in safe after-school or similar settings.

Community-based organizations, schools, and tennis outreach programs in Florida’s Indian River County can apply for the Mardy Fish Children’s Foundation Kids on Courts grant to start or expand youth tennis with health, fitness, and nutrition components. Programs must serve K–12 youth and incorporate progressive tennis skills, life skills, and Mardy’s Six Healthy Habits.

Florida organizations and producers working on specialty crop research, marketing, or education projects can access funding through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to enhance fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and horticulture products. Eligible projects must benefit Florida’s broader specialty crop industry, such as improving food safety, pest and disease control, soil and water research, or distribution efficiency.

Landowners and their representatives in Florida seeking to restore pine ecosystems and forest hydrology can apply for the RESTORE Landowner Incentive Program, with awards up to Up to US $115,975. Grants from Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services help Florida water resource and freshwater conservation projects by funding forest management on current or former forest lands.

Nonprofit organizations and public entities serving Brevard County, Florida can seek funding for community programs, capacity building, and services. Focused on broad community needs, Community Foundation for Brevard invites Florida organizations to propose projects in areas like environment, health, education, and basic needs; awards range from US $1,000 - US $10,000.

Florida government agencies, colleges, universities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can seek US $1,000 - US $75,000 to conserve and manage publicly accessible hunting lands, improve access and amenities, and support shooting sports programs. Organizations working on freshwater conservation or water resource management tied to these lands may be eligible through the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.

Nonstate entities such as universities and nonprofit organizations, along with local governments in Florida, can seek funding for alternative water supply projects like reclaimed water, aquifer recharge, and water conservation. Grants from Florida Department of Environmental Protection help Florida freshwater conservation and water resource management efforts by prioritizing regional projects in areas of greatest need with the greatest overall benefit.

Florida local governments, special districts, state agencies, public universities, colleges, and national estuary programs can receive funding to implement stormwater treatment and other projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution in impaired waters. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection supports best management practices, green stormwater infrastructure, public education on pollution prevention, and septic-to-sewer connections across Florida.

Florida local governments and nonprofit organizations can seek funding for innovative projects that prevent, mitigate, or clean up harmful algal blooms and improve water quality in freshwater bodies. Florida water organizations can access funding through Florida Department of Environmental Protection for nutrient reduction, algae removal, prediction, and prevention technologies in priority areas with water quality restoration plans.

Local governments, universities, and nonprofit organizations in Florida can seek funding to improve wastewater, stormwater, and agricultural nutrient pollution in impaired water bodies. Florida Department of Environmental Protection supports water resource management projects such as septic-to-sewer connections, facility upgrades, and stormwater treatment that reduce nutrient loads in priority basins and restoration plan areas.