Best Water Grants

The Lower Platte North Natural Resources District Grant supports high school students engaged in community-based natural resources projects. With funding up to $1,500, this grant encourages students to plan and implement projects that benefit local ecosystems. Eligible applicants must reside within the district and demonstrate active involvement in initiatives such as FFA supervised agricultural experiences, 4-H projects, or other community engagement efforts. This grant fosters environmental stewardship among youth, promoting sustainable practices in their communities.

The Environmental and Water Resource Institute (EWRI) Scholarships, offered by the American Society of Civil Engineers, aim to support civil and environmental engineering students. Annually, a total of $8,000 in scholarships is awarded to four top applicants, based on academic performance and commitment to water resources. This initiative not only provides financial assistance but also encourages student involvement in ASCE activities, fostering a strong community of future engineers dedicated to public health and safety.

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.

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

The mission of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is to create equitable economic opportunities across the State of Illinois. By attracting and supporting major job creators, investing in communities, strengthening Illinois’ world-class workforce, fostering innovation, and ushering in the new clean energy economy, DCEO works to fortify Illinois’ reputation as a global economic powerhouse while ensuring Illinois is the best state to live, work and do business.

Community Development Block Grant Public Infrastructure Program

Notice of Funding Opportunity Intent

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the “Department” or “DCEO”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to solicit applications for the Public Infrastructure Grant opportunity funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Program Description

The purpose of grants relative to the Public Infrastructure (PI) Notice of Funding Opportunity is to fund water and sanitary systems and storm sewer construction projects that alleviate public health, safety, and public welfare and help communities with substantial low to moderate-income populations. Project areas must be primarily residential1 in character. Projects that are designed to benefit a commercial/business area are not eligible.

All grant funded projects must meet the following requirements:

• Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) Benefit Requirements: Projects must benefit at least 51.0 percent low-to-moderate income persons. Those projects benefiting less than 51.0 percent LMI persons will not be considered for funding. 
• Documentation of Threat to Health and Safety: Projects must address present conditions that affect public health and safety.
• Water and Sewer Rates: Water or sewer rates must currently meet or exceed 1 percent of the Median Household Income (MHI) per 5,000 gallons. This requirement does not apply to storm sewer or drainage projects. 

The Cyanotoxin Monitoring Equipment and Training Grants, offered by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, support public water systems in monitoring cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins in surface water sources. Since 2017, these grants have funded essential equipment like fluorometers and microscope cameras, and assist in developing Quality Assurance Project Plans. Eligible applicants include municipalities, non-profit organizations, and various associations. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, ensuring continuous support for water quality initiatives.

Dam Safety and Climate Resilience Local Assistance Program (CA)

The Dam Safety and Climate Resilience Local Assistance Program (DSCR) provides state funding for repairs, rehabilitation, enhancements, and other dam safety projects at existing state-jurisdictional dams and associated facilities that were in service prior to January 1, 2023. Established in 2023, the program has received a new allocation of $464 million in two rounds of funding through Proposition 4 (The Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024). As a result of this new funding, the program requires new guidelines and a revised solicitation process..

Program Details

DSCR projects should provide some or all of the following public benefits.

They are listed below in order of priority:

• Protection of public safety.
• Restoration of water storage.
• Flood risk reduction.
• Enhancement of water supply reliability.
• Enhancement, protection, or restoration of habitat for fish and wildlife.
• Protection of water quality.

DSCR projects eligible to receive funding under the program include the following:

• Dam repairs to allow water storage to full capacity.
• New spillway and spillway repair projects at existing dams.
• Dam and reservoir seismic retrofit projects.
• Enhancement of water supply and downstream flood risk reduction such as implementation of Forecast-Informed Reservoir Operations.
• One-time projects to remove sediment resulting from wildfires or extraordinary storm events.
• Improvements to appurtenances to address dam safety-related deficiencies identified by the department.

The John Lenard Civil Engineering Scholarship, established in 2008 by John Lenard, P.E., F.ASCE, supports undergraduate students pursuing civil engineering with a focus on water supply or environmental engineering. The scholarship aims to assist deserving students in covering tuition expenses. Awarded annually, it is limited to two recipients who demonstrate commitment to their field. The American Society of Civil Engineers, founded in 1852, oversees this scholarship, fostering excellence in civil engineering education.

The WY Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program, administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service in Wyoming, provides financial support to agricultural producers managing risks through conservation practices. Participants can receive up to 75% of installation costs for practices such as irrigation improvements and soil erosion control, with total payments capped at $50,000 per year. This program also emphasizes support for historically underserved producers, ensuring access to essential financial resources.

The WV Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program offers vital support to agricultural producers in West Virginia by providing technical and financial assistance aimed at enhancing water management, quality, and erosion control. With funding up to 75% for conservation practices and a maximum of $50,000 per participant annually, AMA encourages sustainable farming practices and aids historically underserved producers. Applications are accepted year-round, ensuring continuous support for farmers looking to improve their operations.

The Vermont Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program offers vital support to agricultural producers, helping them manage financial risks through various practices such as diversification and resource conservation. Administered by NRCS, AMA provides up to 75% cost assistance for conservation practices, with total payments capped at $50,000 per participant annually. Eligibility requires producers to be involved in agricultural production and comply with specific land requirements, ensuring sustainable farming practices across Vermont.

The Regional Water Implementation Grant aims to enhance collaboration among water systems in Kansas by providing funding for preliminary engineering studies. With a maximum funding amount of $1,000,000 for 2024, this grant encourages projects that consolidate systems, expand water supply districts, and connect previously unlinked public water supply systems. A 50% match can be sourced from local or KDHE funds, promoting effective water management across the state.

The NJ Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program, administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, supports agricultural producers in managing financial risks through practices like resource conservation and diversification. Participants can receive up to 75% cost assistance for installing conservation practices, with a maximum of $50,000 in payments per year. Eligible producers must control land for the contract term and comply with income limitations. NRCS accepts applications year-round, ensuring support for sustainable agriculture.

The NH Agricultural Management Assistance Grant provides essential financial support to agricultural producers in New Hampshire, enabling them to mitigate financial risks through diversification and conservation practices. The program assists with up to 75% of the costs for installing conservation practices, with a maximum of $50,000 in payments per participant per fiscal year. Eligible participants must be engaged in agricultural production and comply with specific regulations regarding land use and income.

The RNRF Rapid Response Grants provide essential funding up to $50,000 for projects adversely affected by the loss of federal support. The program aims to foster collaboration among organizations working towards sustainable environmental, social, and economic practices. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations in the U.S. and demonstrate multidisciplinary collaboration with RNRF member organizations, ensuring impactful outcomes in critical focus areas such as air quality, biodiversity conservation, and renewable energy.

The ME Agricultural Management Assistance program, administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, supports agricultural producers in managing financial risks through diversified practices and conservation efforts. Participants can receive up to 75% funding for conservation practices, with a maximum of $50,000 annually. Eligibility requires active engagement in agriculture and control of the land. This initiative particularly benefits historically underserved producers by offering higher cost-share options.

The NY-NJ Harbor & Estuary Program is inviting Bronx-based arts organizations to participate in an Artist in Residence program aimed at enhancing community engagement with the Harlem River. Funded by the EPA, this initiative addresses critical water quality issues while promoting arts and culture. A total of $20,000 is available for grants to support this program, which will run from October 2024 to March 2026, fostering connections between local communities and their natural resources.

The Point Source Implementation Grants support local governments in funding essential water infrastructure projects. These grants aim to comply with TMDL plans under the Clean Water Act, reduce phosphorus discharge, and meet specific nitrogen limits. Eligible applicants include cities with projects ready for construction by spring/summer 2025. Those who previously applied but did not obtain MPCA certification are encouraged to reapply. This initiative aims to enhance water quality and ensure compliance with environmental standards.

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services has launched the Large PWS Lead Service Line Inventory Grant program to assist water systems with over 1,000 service connections in identifying service lines marked as 'unknown'. This initiative is part of compliance with the EPA Lead Copper Rule Improvements, requiring annual service line inventories. Grants of up to $60,000 are available, with no community match required, to facilitate the identification and replacement planning of lead service lines.

The DE Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program, administered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Delaware, offers financial assistance to agricultural producers to mitigate risks through conservation practices. It supports initiatives like soil erosion control and water quality improvement, providing up to 75% cost share, with a maximum of $50,000 per fiscal year. Producers engaged in livestock or agricultural production and compliant with relevant regulations are eligible to apply.

The RI Agricultural Management Assistance program, administered by USDA's NRCS, provides financial aid to agricultural producers to manage risks through diversification and conservation practices. Eligible participants can receive up to 75% of installation costs for conservation projects, with a maximum payment of $50,000 per fiscal year. This program supports sustainable farming by allowing producers to enhance water management, improve soil health, and transition to organic practices, thereby promoting environmental stewardship in Rhode Island.

The Clean Water Revolving Fund in Minnesota provides below-market-rate loans to support communities in upgrading wastewater treatment facilities to meet federal standards. Managed by the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, the fund aims to enhance water quality and public health. Eligible applicants include cities and counties, with specific project requirements and loan terms based on population size. The program promotes financial responsibility and environmental compliance, ensuring sustainable water management.

The Source Water Protection Local Assistance Grant Program in Washington offers financial support for projects aimed at safeguarding drinking water sources. With up to $200,000 available annually, the program encourages local governments, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions to implement measures that reduce contamination risks. Eligible projects include planning studies, implementation of best management practices, and security enhancements to protect water sources. This initiative promotes long-term improvements in water quality and public health.

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.

The Water/Wastewater Financing Program Grant in Oregon supports public infrastructure projects ensuring compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Clean Water Act. Grants up to $750,000 are available for eligible public entities, with a focus on municipalities under 15,000 in population. Funding is determined by financial capacity, and technical assistance grants of up to $50,000 are also offered. Certain costs, such as those for privately owned facilities, are ineligible.

The Water & Waste Disposal Predevelopment Planning Grants in Alaska assist low-income communities in planning and applying for USDA Rural Development projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes. Grants can cover up to $60,000 or 75% of planning costs, with a requirement for matching funds of at least 25%. This program aims to ensure communities have access to essential water and waste disposal services.

Nassau County has launched the Septic Environmental Program to Improve Cleanliness (SEPTIC) Grant, aimed at replacing outdated septic systems with innovative nitrogen-reducing technologies. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for eligible homeowners and small businesses, addressing nitrogen pollution—an urgent concern for Long Island's water quality. This initiative supports public health and environmental sustainability, significantly reducing nitrogen discharge while ensuring effective wastewater treatment.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.