Best Water Grants

The AWWA Scholarships Program, led by the American Water Works Association, aims to support the future of the water industry by investing in students. The Mueller Water Products Continuing Education Scholarship awards $5,000 to an undergraduate student employed by a water utility, emphasizing the importance of practical experience in education. This scholarship not only aids financial needs but also encourages students to pursue careers in water supply, fostering growth in this vital sector.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Woodard & Curran Scholarship, offers a $5,000 merit-based award annually to undergraduate or graduate students focused on water-related fields. This initiative aims to support historically marginalized communities, including women and BIPOC students, promoting equity in the water industry. With clean water being essential for community health, this scholarship reflects AWWA's commitment to nurturing the next generation of water professionals.

The AWWA Jacobs Holly A. Cornell Scholarship, established in 1990, supports graduate students pursuing water supply and treatment studies. Sponsored by Jacobs/CH2M, this $10,000 scholarship is aimed at first-generation college graduates or those who have faced economic disadvantages and significant educational barriers. AWWA, the largest organization of water supply professionals, emphasizes the importance of investing in the future of the water industry through such scholarships.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Mueller HBCU Scholarship, supports undergraduate students from historically black colleges and universities pursuing careers in the water sector. Offered by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), this scholarship recognizes the vital role of future professionals in addressing water industry challenges. AWWA aims to invest in students who will contribute to sustainable water management and innovation within their communities.

The HDR One Water Institute Scholarship, offered by the American Water Works Association, provides $10,000 in funding to support graduate students pursuing degrees that will lead to careers as consultants in the water industry. This initiative highlights the importance of investing in future water professionals and fostering innovative research to address pressing water challenges.

The AWWA Hazen Scholarship supports graduate-level candidates dedicated to improving water quality and resources. Awarded by the American Water Works Association, this scholarship aims to empower future leaders in the water industry. Candidates must demonstrate commitment to addressing critical challenges in drinking water, water reuse, and sustainable practices. This initiative reflects AWWA's mission to invest in the next generation of water supply professionals, ensuring a sustainable future for water resources.

The AWWA Scholarship Program offers the GFT Forces of Change Scholarship, providing $5,000 to undergraduate or graduate engineering students passionate about advancing the water industry. This scholarship underscores AWWA's commitment to nurturing future professionals who will tackle critical infrastructure challenges. By investing in education, AWWA aims to empower the next generation to innovate and lead in water supply solutions. This initiative highlights the importance of skilled engineers in shaping a sustainable future.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Charles 'Chick' Roberts Scholarship, offers $5,000 to a Pennsylvania student pursuing studies in water technologies. This initiative by the American Water Works Association underscores the importance of nurturing future professionals in the water industry. AWWA, the largest organization for water supply experts, is dedicated to supporting students who aim to make significant contributions to this vital field.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Carollo Engineers Bryant L. Bench Scholarship, offers a $10,000 award to graduate students dedicated to advancing their careers in the water consulting engineering field. Established in honor of Bryant L. Bench, this scholarship aims to support future leaders who will enhance drinking water quality through innovative engineering solutions. The American Water Works Association emphasizes the importance of investing in students to secure the future of the water industry.

The AWWA Abel Wolman Fellowship, established in 1984, supports highly qualified students conducting meaningful research in water supply through doctoral programs. Named after Dr. Abel Wolman, this prestigious award recognizes excellence and creativity in the water sector. The fellowship provides up to two years of financial support, with an initial award of $30,000 for the first year, aimed at fostering the next generation of water professionals in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, administered by the American Water Works Association, offers a $5,000 scholarship to graduate-level students pursuing careers in the water industry. Recognizing the vital role of future professionals, AWWA aims to support education in water supply and wastewater management through this scholarship initiative. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest U.S. investor-owned water utility, emphasizing the importance of investing in education for sustainable water solutions.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection offers Resilient Florida Implementation Grants to support local governments and special districts in infrastructure projects addressing risks from vulnerability assessments. This funding aims to enhance the protection and restoration of Florida's water resources, especially against flooding and storm surge. Eligible entities include counties, municipalities, and water management authorities. Proposals submitted will be public records, with no guarantee of funding upon submission.

The Asset Inventory and Assessment Grants, established by Session Law 2015-241, aim to enhance the viability and proactive management of water and wastewater utilities. Grants can reach up to $150,000 over three years, available to local government units and nonprofit water corporations for projects such as asset inventory and critical asset condition assessments. Eligible applicants are encouraged to participate in training sessions, which are free of charge, to better navigate the grant application process.

The Merger/Regionalization Feasibility Grants, established by Session Law 2015-241, aim to support local government units and nonprofit water corporations in evaluating the consolidation of water and wastewater systems. Grants, capped at $50,000 over three years, encourage proactive management and financing of utilities. Eligible projects include studies on potential system interconnections for regional water supply and wastewater treatment. Training is recommended for applicants to maximize grant benefits.

The NV Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) enhances existing conservation efforts, providing technical and financial assistance to improve land management. Participants can develop custom conservation plans, implement practices that promote cleaner water, healthier soil, and better wildlife habitats. With annual payments and enhancement bundles, CSP supports agricultural operations, enabling resilience to weather and market challenges. This program is vital for working lands, benefiting thousands by improving natural resources and business sustainability.

The Agricultural Conservation Easement Program in Mississippi, managed by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, promotes environmental sustainability through Wetland Reserve Easements. This program supports migratory waterfowl and other wildlife, enhances water quality, and combats climate change. Eligible landowners can receive 100% funding for permanent easements and partial funding for restoration. These efforts not only protect biodiversity but also offer opportunities for scientific and recreational activities, ensuring the preservation of valuable wetland ecosystems.

The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) in Mississippi, administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, offers agricultural producers the opportunity to enhance their conservation practices and earn payments based on performance. By developing tailored conservation plans, the program supports landowners in achieving sustainable management goals, improving productivity, and increasing resilience against market and environmental challenges. Participants benefit from additional payments for adopting innovative practices that contribute to healthier ecosystems and land management.

The ND Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, offered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, aims to protect agricultural land and wetlands by providing financial assistance to eligible partners. This program safeguards the nation's food supply, enhances environmental quality, and offers public benefits such as wildlife habitat and historic preservation. Applications are accepted year-round, with specific deadlines for 2025 funding approaching soon. Join now to contribute to sustainable land conservation.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) focuses on enhancing water quality through conservation practices. It offers financial and technical assistance to farmers and landowners, addressing key natural resource concerns like soil health, reduced erosion, and improved habitats. By working closely with producers, EQIP promotes sustainable agricultural practices, aiming to mitigate pollution and enhance resilience against climate change. The National Water Quality Initiative under EQIP specifically targets high-priority areas to effectively reduce runoff and improve water quality.

The Montana Indigenous Water Research Fellowship Program provides financial support for indigenous students pursuing water-related studies. With an annual budget of $10,000, the program funds tuition, research projects, and travel for conferences. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, encouraging mentors to connect prospective students. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities and support within the indigenous community, fostering a deeper understanding of water issues relevant to their environments.

The Faculty Seed Grant, offered by the Montana Water Center, aims to foster innovative water-related research among faculty and students within the Montana University System. With a total funding of $50,000, the program invites proposals that focus on critical issues such as climate change and water management. Priority is given to early-career faculty and collaborative projects with USGS. This initiative seeks to enhance knowledge of Montana's water resources and promote student involvement.

The Montana Water Resources Graduate Student Fellowship Program, managed by the Montana Water Center, offers funding opportunities for graduate students engaged in water resource research. Each year, the program provides 3-6 fellowships of $2500 to support various research-related expenses. Eligible applicants must be current graduate students at a Montana institution. The program particularly encourages indigenous students to apply and explore additional funding through related initiatives.

The Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (WSRLA), managed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, provides vital financial assistance for enhancing community water systems. For Program Year 2026, the agency invites project nominations, offering low-interest loans and potential principal forgiveness funds. This initiative aims to support necessary improvements in both community and non-profit non-community public water systems, ensuring access to safe drinking water for all Ohio residents.

The Proposition 13 – Water Recycling – Planning Grant offers ongoing funding to assist local agencies in planning water recycling projects. This initiative aims to enhance the use of treated municipal wastewater, thereby augmenting fresh water supplies across California. All community types, including disadvantaged and severely disadvantaged communities, are eligible for financial support. Eligible projects encompass various aspects of water recycling, such as treatment, storage, and groundwater recharge.

Texas Department of Agriculture

The Texas Legislature established the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) in 1907. The agency's key objectives are to promote production agriculture, consumer protection, economic development and healthy living. The agriculture commissioner oversees the agency and is elected every four years. The current commissioner, Sid Miller, was first elected in 2014 and began his third term serving Texas agriculture in January 2023.

TDA is a diversified state agency that provides value-added services through our regulatory and marketing and initiatives.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Rural Texas

The primary objective of the Community Development Block Grant program is to develop viable communities by providing decent housing and suitable living environments, and to expand economic opportunities principally for persons of low- to moderate-income.

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Rural Texas includes: Community Development Fund; Downtown Revitalization Program; Colonia Fund - Construction; Colonia Economically Distressed Areas Program; State Urgent Need (SUN) Fund.

Colonia Economically Distressed Areas Program Fund (CEDAP)

Colonia Funds

TxCDBG Colonia funds are available to eligible county applicants for projects in severely distressed unincorporated areas which meet the definition as a colonia:

• any identifiable unincorporated community within 150 miles of the United States-Mexico border, not including any standard metropolitan statistical area with a population exceeding 1,000,000;
• the community is determined to be a colonia on the basis of criteria including lack of potable water supply, lack of adequate sewage systems, and lack of decent, safe, and sanitary housing;
• the community was in existence as a colonia before the enactment of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (November 28, 1990).

Description

This fund provides assistance to colonia areas to connect to a water and sewer system improvement project funded by the Texas Water Development Board Economically Distressed Areas Program (TWDB EDAP) or federal or state funding with a similar purpose.

An application cannot be submitted until the construction of the TWDB EDAP-funded water or sewer system begins. The applicant should work closely with CDBG staff.

Projects supported through this CDBG-funded program must meet primary beneficiary requirements. All applicants must refer to the most recent CEDAP Application Guide for complete program details and information.

Land and Water Conservation Fund

Project sponsors such as cities, towns, counties, school and recreation districts are eligible to apply for federally funded LWCF grants. The LWCF is a matching grant program based upon a fifty percent (50%) reimbursement of the total cost of the project. Only costs for the development and/or acquisition of public outdoor recreation lands and facilities are eligible for assistance.

A successful grant applicant must agree to dedicate the park or area where the project is located for use by the public for perpetuity. In addition, the grantee must also agree to develop, operate and maintain the development to acceptable National Park Service (NPS) standards for public outdoor recreation. 

All applications must meet a State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) identified need and will then be numerically ranked by the Open Project Selection Process (OPSP). Grants for matching funds are subject to approval by the NPS. All costs must be incurred after the project has received approval from the NPS.

All applications will be prioritized by the Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resource Commissioners and then sent to the NPS for their review and approval. It is anticipated the NPS will provide final approval by October 1st of each year. More information is contained in the Wyoming LWCF Handbook.