Best Water Grants in California

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) Program in California has been vital for financing projects aimed at enhancing water quality since 1989. The State Water Resources Control Board outlines its plans for SFY 2025-26 in this Intended Use Plan, highlighting significant updates and objectives for funding. This program not only supports environmental health but also fosters sustainable development across the state.

Public agencies, schools, nonprofits, community groups, and even for-profit organizations in California can seek sponsorship for community events or initiatives that engage residents in regional water policy or benefit local watersheds. Focused on water resource management and environmental stewardship, Santa Clara Valley Water District invites projects that support safe, clean water and healthy ecosystems.

California local governments and non-entitlement jurisdictions can use this program to fund water and wastewater systems, rural utilities, and related public infrastructure that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. The California Department of Housing and Community Development provides Community Development Block Grants supporting housing, community facilities, economic development, and planning tied to these water and infrastructure projects.

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.

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.

California organizations planning or implementing wetland restoration, conservation, or climate resilience projects in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta can access funding through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy, with awards up to US $36,000,000. Eligible work includes managed or tidal wetlands, crop conversion to rice, carbon market technical assistance, planning, and land acquisition or easements that benefit water and ecosystem health.

Research institutions and other organizations conducting scientific studies on forestlands and water resources in California can seek funding to evaluate the effectiveness of forest practice rules and related natural resource protections. California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection provides California water and natural resource researchers with support for projects on watershed science, sediment, riparian zones, wildlife, wildfire hazard, and climate resilience.

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.

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.

The Forest Health Grant from CAL FIRE aims to enhance the resilience of California's forests against extreme disturbances such as wildfires and drought. This program supports landscape-scale projects focused on restoring forest health, protecting water resources, and promoting carbon storage. By funding activities that improve forest management and reforestation, CAL FIRE addresses climate change impacts while ensuring the sustainability of vital ecosystems. Eligible projects must demonstrate clear climate benefits through various management practices.

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 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.