Best Water Grants in California

Government agencies, tribal governments, educational institutions, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California can apply for the PG&E Corporation Foundation’s Better Together Nature Positive Innovation Grant, awarding US $100,000 for land, air, or water stewardship projects. Programs improving freshwater conservation or water resource management, especially in disadvantaged or vulnerable communities, may be strong candidates.

With a mission to manage fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats, California Department of Fish and Wildlife provides California freshwater and water resource projects with funding to address urgent climate-driven water and habitat degradation. Eligible projects may purchase water, protect instream flows, build conservation projects, or implement emergency restoration and State Wildlife Action Plan strategies.

Small California-based grassroots organizations working on environmental justice, climate resilience, and water-related issues can seek up to US $7,500 for community-based advocacy, organizing, education, and related strategies. The California Environmental Grassroots Fund from Rose Foundation prioritizes groups under $150,000 in annual budget, especially those serving BIPOC, frontline, immigrant, and low-income communities.

California environmental and community organizations working on watershed or source water protection can access funding through Illinois American Water for projects that improve, restore, or protect local surface and groundwater. Eligible projects within American Water service areas include cleanups, habitat restoration, reforestation, hazardous waste collection, and public education, with awards up to US $5,000.

With a mission to support water-focused initiatives, American Water Works Company provides California nonprofits and eligible schools with funding for sanitation, clean drinking water, freshwater conservation, and water resource management projects. 501(c)(3) public charities and K–12 public schools, colleges, or universities in American Water service territories may be eligible.

Nonprofit and conservation organizations supporting water and habitat conservation in California can seek US $250,000 - US $750,000 through the Conservation Partners Grant Program to expand technical assistance on private lands. National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funding helps accelerate regenerative agriculture, improve soil and water health, and enhance freshwater and wildlife habitats via Farm Bill conservation programs.

Public agencies, tribes, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in California can seek funding for coastal, watershed, and San Francisco Bay projects that enhance water resources, habitat, and climate resilience. State of California Coastal Conservancy supports planning, acquisition, construction, and monitoring for projects improving public access, natural lands, working lands, and community resilience, with awards from US $200,000 - US $5,000,000.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and K–12 public schools, colleges, and universities in California can seek support for projects that protect watersheds, improve surface or groundwater, promote water conservation, or expand equitable water-based recreation. With a mission to strengthen community water resources, American Water Charitable Foundation provides funding for projects within its California service areas, to be completed within 12 months.

The Proposition 4 Grant Program, managed by the California Tahoe Conservancy, aims to enhance watershed health, forest restoration, and climate resilience in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Funded by a $4.1 billion bond approved in 2024, it allocates $54.5 million for various environmental initiatives. Through ongoing grant opportunities, the program seeks to mitigate climate impacts, support biodiversity, and improve public access to natural resources, ensuring sustainable management of California's precious ecosystems.

Public water systems in California can receive funding for drinking water infrastructure planning projects, including feasibility studies, engineering designs, environmental documents, and capital improvement plans. Focused on water resource management, the California State Water Resources Control Board also covers eligible legal costs, environmental reviews, TMF assessments, water rate studies, and test wells.

Public agencies, nonprofit organizations, eligible tribes, public utilities, and mutual water companies in California can seek funding to enhance stream flows for fish and wildlife and improve water resource management. California Wildlife Conservation Board’s Stream Flow Enhancement Program supports projects such as water transactions, conservation measures, habitat restoration, groundwater storage, and related scientific studies.

The WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects initiative by the Bureau of Reclamation aims to enhance water supply reliability through cooperative funding and support for desalination facilities. This program aligns with federal priorities to improve energy and resource management, encouraging proposals that diversify local water sources. By focusing on innovative solutions to water scarcity, the initiative promotes sustainable water management practices, especially for growing communities facing water shortages.

The WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects program invites eligible entities to secure funding for initiatives that enhance water resource management across various sectors, including conservation, infrastructure improvement, and watershed restoration. Priority is given to projects that collaboratively address community needs and yield significant environmental benefits. This funding opportunity aligns with federal priorities aimed at optimizing resource use and improving grant oversight, as outlined in recent executive orders.

Organizations planning water resource management and pollution reduction projects in California can apply for the Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Grant Program, with awards from US $50,000 - US $1,000,000. Grants from California State Water Resources Control Board support activities like stream restoration, agricultural best practices, and infrastructure improvements that protect or improve surface and groundwater quality.

The Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects, funded by the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, invites proposals for innovative water reuse solutions. This program enhances water supply reliability and supports sustainable practices for urban and agricultural communities. By leveraging Federal and non-Federal resources, the initiative aims to address water scarcity and improve hydropower reliability, aligning with national priorities for energy and resource management.

The California Drought Funding Grants, provided by the California State Water Resources Control Board, aim to support projects addressing urgent drinking water needs and long-term resilience due to drought. Eligible applicants include public agencies, tribal governments, community water systems, and non-profits serving disadvantaged communities. Funding covers both short-term solutions like emergency repairs and long-term improvements such as new wells and treatment systems, ensuring a sustainable water supply for affected regions.

The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Proposition 4 Grant Program aims to enhance climate resilience through nature-based solutions in conservation lands. It supports projects focused on habitat restoration, wildfire risk reduction, and improving public access to outdoor recreation. Priority is given to initiatives benefiting disadvantaged communities and those that align with California's 30x30 conservation goals. Funding is provided through the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024.

The WaterSMART Applied Science Grants aim to enhance water management and supply reliability through innovative research and data utilization. By inviting qualified entities to apply for funding, the program focuses on improving hydrologic data access, forecasting capabilities, and modeling tools. This initiative aligns with federal priorities to optimize resources, ensuring water managers can effectively address future demands and adapt to climate challenges, thus fostering resilience in water operations across the nation.

The BH UWC Consolidated Grant Program aims to enhance environmental equity by funding high-impact projects that address climate resilience and improve access to recreational spaces for disadvantaged communities. It aligns with the Cutting Green Tape initiative, focusing on strategic investments in conservation and community access. The program prioritizes projects that directly benefit vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable distribution of resources and measurable community benefits, thereby fostering sustainable development throughout California.

California water systems and related entities seeking to provide safe, affordable drinking water can access funding for operations, maintenance, consolidation, and interim replacement water in California. The Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience Program (SAFER) from the California State Water Resources Control Board supports sustainable solutions for small systems with drinking water violations and advances long-term water resource management and environmental justice.

Counties, public agencies, and NGOs in California implementing regional drinking water programs for disadvantaged communities can receive reimbursement-based support for drought and contamination solutions. With a mission to improve safe and affordable drinking water access, California State Water Resources Control Board provides funding for assessments, outreach, well testing, interim supplies, and long-term fixes like well repair and limited consolidations.

The Water Recycling Funding Program (WRFP) by the California State Water Board supports projects that enhance water supply through the recycling of treated municipal wastewater. The program emphasizes the construction of facilities for treatment, storage, and distribution, with grants covering up to 35% of estimated construction costs. A local cost share of at least 50% is required, which may be reduced for disadvantaged communities. Applications are accepted year-round, with priority scores determined annually.

Public dam owners and operators in California seeking funding for water infrastructure safety and resilience projects can apply for the Dam Safety and Climate Resilience Local Assistance Program, which supports repairs, rehabilitation, and enhancements at existing state‑jurisdictional dams. Projects may restore storage, reduce flood risk, improve water supply reliability, and protect water quality and habitat.

The ACWA Scholarship, established by the Association of California Water Agencies in 1961, aims to support innovative students pursuing education in water resources-related fields. This scholarship offers two awards of $3,500 each for qualified undergraduate students, helping to cover tuition and fees for the upcoming academic year. Eligible applicants must be California residents, enrolled in an accredited university, and committed to full-time studies, ensuring the future of California’s water quality management.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in California provides essential funding for rural areas to enhance clean drinking water systems, sewage disposal, waste management, and storm drainage. Eligible applicants, including local governments and nonprofits, can use the funds for construction, improvements, and related activities like legal fees and land acquisition. This program aims to ensure access to reliable water services and promote public health in underserved communities.

California Native American tribes in California can apply for California Natural Resources Agency’s Tribal Nature-Based Solutions Program, awarding US $200,000 - US $10,000,000 for multi-benefit nature-based solutions projects. Funding may support conservation, water resource management, and environmental stewardship efforts, and can include escrow-ready ancestral land return projects and other tribal priorities.

The Pentair Foundation, a corporate philanthropy initiative, focuses on creating sustainable communities through water solutions and STEM education. With over $80 million in contributions since 1998, the foundation emphasizes ecological resilience, water quality improvement, and youth engagement in science and technology. They prioritize grantmaking in specific U.S. states and international regions, fostering vibrant communities and encouraging employee volunteerism. Initiatives are invitation-only, ensuring a targeted approach to impactful philanthropy.