Best Water Grants in Washington

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Puget Sound Stewardship and Mitigation Fund Grant aims to enhance water quality in Puget Sound through community-based projects. Funded by the Rose Foundation, the grant supports 501(c)3 organizations and governmental entities focusing on pollution mitigation, conservation, and education. Grants typically span one year with a maximum of $40,000. The foundation prefers locally-led initiatives and encourages applications from environmental justice organizations to foster equity in project implementation.

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 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.

U.S. nonprofit organizations working on land, water, and climate-related conservation can seek funding for projects in Washington and nationwide that protect and restore natural systems. Grants from Doris Duke Foundation help advance freshwater conservation, water resource management, natural climate solutions, and inclusive, equity-focused environmental stewardship; awards range from US $100,000 - US $1,000,000.

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 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 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.