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Find water grants for clean water access, conservation, infrastructure, and watershed protection projects
800+
Available grants
$348.1M
Total funding
$27.5K
Median grant
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New Leaf Fund - Summer Cycle
Community Foundation of Greenville administers grants to preserve parks, open spaces, and historical and cultural assets through the New Leaf Fund.
The New Leaf Fund was established in 2025 by a Greenville native with a passion for conservation.
The Foundation encourages grant requests that include the protection of land and waterfront areas, increased tree cover and access to green spaces, and the protection and restoration of historical properties, in the City of Greenville, in Greenville County, and, to a lesser degree, in the Upstate.
Additional Information
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides federal funding to non-entitlement cities and counties to improve infrastructure, support community facilities, and strengthen local economies in ways that primarily help low-to-moderate income people while addressing local health and safety concerns. Project awards are available in several categories for a wide range of community development initiatives.
The Water/Wastewater category provides funding for communities to make improvements to drinking water and wastewater systems, in partnership with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the US Department of Agriculture, Rural Development. Proposals can be obtained from the main funding partner at the time a gap in financing is identified. The Missouri Water and Wastewater Review Committee will help determine financing structures available among the participating agencies. If a need for CDBG funding is identified, the community will be invited to make full application.
Grants may be used for construction that is related to water treatment and distribution, and sewer treatment and collection for publicly owned systems. Operation and maintenance activities and not eligible.
Department of Energy and Environment
The Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) is the leading authority on energy and environmental issues affecting the District of Columbia. Using a combination of regulations, outreach, education, and incentives, our agency administers programs and services to fulfill our mission. We work collaboratively with other government agencies, residents, businesses, and institutions to promote environmentally responsible behavior that will lead to a more sustainable urban environment.
Clean Water Construction Grant Program
The mission of the District of Columbia’s Clean Water Construction (CWC) program is to fund the design and construction of voluntary projects that provide clean water to District streams and rivers.
Clean Water Construction Treatment Works Projects - Notice Of Funding Availability and Request For Partners (RFP)
DOEE seeks to identify collaborative partners for its fiscal year (FY) 2027 Clean Water Construction (CWC) grant application to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Applications are requested for project partners in three categories of work: (1) Sewage Infrastructure Projects, (2) Stormwater Grey Infrastructure Projects, and (3) Stormwater Green Infrastructure Projects. This RFP is competitive.
Clean Water Construction Grant Program - Sewage Infrastructure Projects
Sewage Infrastructure Projects include work on devices or systems that collect liquid municipal waste, including sanitary sewage and combined stormwater and sanitary sewage, convey these waste waters to a central location, process them to reduce their pollutant potential, and provide for proper disposal of residues and byproducts resulting from wastewater treatment.
Project examples
Agricultural Emergency Drought Response Program
The Program provides up to $1 million annually, in the form of loans or grants, for emergency drought-related water augmentation purposes to Colorado’s agricultural water users.
The Program provides grant funds primarily for the cost of the Emergency Augmentation water but also can provide for engineering, attorney fees and other water acquisition administrative costs, not to exceed 5% of the grant amount. If the source of Emergency Augmentation water is through supplemental groundwater pumping the additional operational costs of pumping are eligible for funding through the Program. The Program does not provide grants for general operational expenses, maintenance or rehabilitation of facilities, or research projects. The Program does not provide funding for any anticipated costs associated with Emergency Augmentation, only for verified costs incurred during a previous irrigation season.
Diversion Measurement Installation Program (DMIP)
Funding is now available for diversion measurement on the West Slope. Funds are available for the installation of measurement structures, such as flumes, weirs and pumps, to benefit water users in the Colorado River Basin of Divisions 4, 5, 6, and 7. Eligible water users will receive a measurement structure, installed at their point of diversion, at no cost to them. Structures will be installed by 2029. The structure will be compliant with any relevant DWR rules and the local water commissioner will be given the opportunity to verify the installation.
The Diversion Measurement Installation Program will be administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), in coordination with the Division of Water Resources (DWR). The Program is facilitated by CWCB’s contractor, SGM, who will coordinate closely with interested water users to ensure a successful process – from application to installation.
Colorado received $7 million from the Bureau of Reclamation through the Upper Colorado River Commission (UCRC) for implementing a Diversion Measurement Program through 2029 across the West Slope. The purpose of the funding is to implement the 2019 Drought Contingency Plans. This funding will help with installation of measurement devices such as a flume or weir for eligible water users; it does not cover headgate or diversion structure construction or repair. The funding comes at a time when DWR is implementing rulemaking for measurement in the Colorado River Basin.
What geographic area is covered?
The program covers streamflow diversions within the Colorado River Basin in Divisions 4 (Gunnison River Basin), 5 (Colorado River Basin), 6 (Yampa and White River Basins), and 7 (San Juan and Dolores River Basins).
About the Freehold Soil Conservation District
The Freehold Soil Conservation District serves Monmouth and Middlesex Counties and is dedicated to the protection and responsible management of natural resources. Through education, technical guidance, and regulatory programs, the District works with residents, developers, and municipalities to promote soil health, water quality, and sustainable land use practices.
William T. Schauer Conservation Scholarship
The William T. Schauer Conservation Scholarship honors a legacy of dedication to conservation and service to the Freehold Soil Conservation District. This scholarship is awarded to students who have demonstrated both academic success and a passion for conservation-related fields.
Scholarship Award
One student will receive a $2,500 scholarship.
The Department of Natural Resources’ Watershed and Climate Services Grants Gateway
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Watershed & Climate Services (WCS) is committed to providing technical and financial assistance to Maryland’s communities that are challenged by intense storms, changing sea levels and increasing flooding, while balancing growing populations, economic growth, and increased tourism and recreation. These trends make the already challenging task of restoring the Chesapeake Bay, safeguarding people and infrastructure and managing natural resources even more complex.
Grants Gateway provides a resource for partners seeking technical and financial support for projects that foster healthy and resilient ecosystems, communities, and economies. Grants Gateway provides a centralized hub to streamline the grant application process for governments, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations.
Eligible projects across six programs (as above) will improve water quality, restore local waterways, increase community flood planning, develop the next generation of environmental stewards, improve shorelines, and plan for beneficial reuse.
Resilience through Restoration Initiative
Design habitat restoration projects to address erosion and flooding in communities and on public lands.
This funding opportunity supports design/permitting of restoration projects.
The Resilience through Restoration Initiative supports on-the-ground implementation of restoration projects to help protect communities from erosion, flooding, and other climate change impacts. The goal of this program is to reduce Maryland’s vulnerabilities and enhance resiliency of local communities, economies, and natural resources.
Projects can be located throughout Maryland. Public and private lands are eligible, but projects on private lands must demonstrate a community-wide benefit and provide an access/landowner agreement.
ADECA Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
The Community Development Block Grant program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the State of Alabama has administered the program since 1982.
The program is available to all non-entitlement communities (those not receiving direct funds from HUD) that meet applicable thresholds
All projects must meet one of the three national objectives:
The State is required to write an action plan each year for approval by HUD that shows how the State intends to distribute the funds. Since the beginning, Alabama has distributed the majority of funds through competition among communities.
Competitive Fund
ADECA annually awards CDBG money for the Large City, Small City and County categories. Applicants are scored based on several competitive factors including community need, cost efficiency, appropriateness and impact. Applications deadlines are announced during the annual workshop in the first quarter of the year.
Competitive categories are:
Grant Ceiling
The Small City Fund has a ceiling of $400,000. The Large City Fund and County Fund both have ceilings of $500,000.
Typical Activities
About the DNR
In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.
Targeted Runoff Management Grant Program
The Targeted Runoff Management (TRM) Grant Program offers competitive grants for local governments for the control of pollution that comes from diffuse sources, also called “nonpoint source (NPS)” pollution. Grants from the TRM Program reimburse costs for agricultural or urban runoff management practices in targeted, critical geographic areas with surface water or groundwater quality concerns.
Iowa Economic Development Authority
Mission
Strengthen economic and community vitality by building partnerships and leveraging resources to make Iowa the choice for people and business. Through two main divisions – business development and community development – IEDA administers several state and federal programs to meet its goals of assisting individuals, communities and businesses. IEDA works to achieve its mission and goals to benefit Iowans while maintaining a high level of transparency.
CDBG Water/Sewer/Storm Water
Approximately $13 million in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are available on an annual basis to cities and counties through the state of Iowa’s Water & Sewer Fund.
This competitive program offers grants to assist communities for a variety of projects including drinking water sources, water distribution, waste water collection and treatment and related public critical infrastructure projects.
CFR 200 Audit Requirements
CDBG contracts may be subject to audit. Federal Code (2 CFR 200) requires that recipients that expend $750,000 or more in federal funds within a fiscal year must have a single or program specific audit. When budgeting for CDBG funds, applicants should be aware of these audit requirements:
Communities should consult with their accountants regarding the applicability of an audit and audit requirements.
Audit costs are a CDBG-eligible expense. Organization-wide audits can be paid with CDBG funds proportional to the amount of all other funds included in the audit. The total cost of a project audit can be paid with CDBG funds.
Davis Bacon and Related Acts
Projects that include construction may be subject to the requirements of the Davis-Bacon Act and related laws and regulations. The Davis-Bacon Act applies to all contracts for construction, alteration and/or repairs in excess of $2,000 that involve CDBG funds. Cost estimates for the proposed project should reflect compliance with these requirements.
Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act
For projects that include acquisition and relocation, all recipients given the authority to acquire property are required to follow the guidelines in HUD Handbook 1378 – Tenant Assistance, Relocation and Real Property Acquisition. Cost estimates for the proposed project should reflect compliance with these requirements.
Historic Preservation Review Requirements
Federally funded activities are subject to the review requirements of Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The goal of the review process is to identify historic properties, both above and below the ground potentially affected by the undertaking, assess the effects of the undertaking and seek ways to avoid, minimize or mitigate any adverse effects on historic properties.
The review process involves review by IEDA and possible consultation with various agencies, groups and individuals, including the State Historical Preservation Office (SHPO), located in the Department of Cultural Affairs. Although consultation is not required prior to a CDBG award, if the project includes a property that may have historical significance, it is a good idea to contact IEDA early in the project development.
Environmental Review and project initiation
No HUD Funds or non-HUD funds may be committed to the project until the applicant has secured environmental approval from the State, as provided in HUD regulation 24 CFR Part 58. In addition, pending environmental approval and pursuant to 24 CFR Part 58.22(a), no grant recipient or participant in the development process, including contractors or sub-contractors, may undertake an activity that may limit the choice of reasonable alternatives. Such choice limiting actions include real property acquisition, conducting a competitive sealed bid process for the project, leasing, rehabilitation, repair, demolition, conversion, and new construction.
Maintenance Small Grants Program
Watershed restoration projects like tree planting, rain gardens, bioswales, conservation landscaping, pollinator habitat, and stream buffers generally have two phases: 1) installation and 2) operation and maintenance for the lifespan of the project. Maintaining projects keeps them functioning as designed and ensures aesthetic value, which maintains public support for these investments. We want restoration practices to clean water, cool neighborhoods, and provide habitat benefits long after installation.
Our goal is to grow this new program over time. We appreciate your feedback as we continue to build it.
What this funds: This program will focus on small-scale maintenance projects that are $500 or less, specifically for:
About the DNR
Preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin
In keeping with our mission, the DNR is dedicated to working with Wisconsinites while preserving and enhancing the natural resources of Wisconsin. In partnership with individuals and organizations, DNR staff manage fish, wildlife, forests, parks, air and water resources while promoting a healthy, sustainable environment and a full range of outdoor opportunities.
Dam Removal Grant Program
Eligibility & Purpose:
Any county, city, village, town, tribe, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation district or person who owns the dam may apply. Other entities may apply as the authorized representative of the actual dam owner if the dam owner is willing to allow their dam to be removed. Dam removal grant funds cover costs directly related to planning for the actual removal, implementing the dam removal and the restoration of the impoundment.
Prince George’s Stormwater Stewardship Grant Program
The Prince George’s County Government and the Chesapeake Bay Trust announce the ninth year of partnership for the Prince George’s County Stormwater Stewardship Grant Program. This grant program encourages on-the-ground restoration activities that improve communities, improve water quality, support the County’s Climate Action Plan, and engage Prince George’s County residents in the restoration and protection of the local rivers and streams of Prince George’s County.
Program Goals
This program seeks projects that improve aesthetics of communities and treat the stormwater runoff that comes from various types of properties, thus reducing the negative impact of this runoff on the County’s local streams, rivers, and other natural resources in areas where community residents live and recreate. Projects must accomplish on-the ground restoration to result in improvements in water quality and watershed health (e.g., reducing pollutants carried by stormwater, reducing carbon emissions, increasing tree canopy, greening areas for beautification and increased community use/enjoyment, and better habitat for wildlife).
As part of an effort to more fully engage underrepresented groups in its grant-making, the Trust strongly encourages projects that increase awareness and participation of multicultural communities to improve watershed health and local ecological ownership. The strongest proposals will show committed collaborators that provide funding, technicalassistance, and/or other in-kind services to support the successful implementation of the project.
Applicants can request funds from the following project tracks.
Water grants provide funding to support clean water access, conservation projects, and infrastructure improvements. The following grants help nonprofits address water scarcity, promote sustainability, and enhance community well-being through innovative water solutions.
Explore 400+ funding opportunities for water-related initiatives, with $179.4M in resources. Instrumentl helps organizations secure funding with deadline tracking, customized grant searches, and insights to improve water access and conservation efforts.
How common are grants in this category?
Common — grants in this category appear regularly across funding sources.
Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Water grants?
Most grants are due in the third quarter.
Nonprofits that help people get clean water, save water, or keep water clean might get these water-supporting grants. Groups that stop pollution, use water wisely or build water systems can also apply.
Water grants typically have the highest concentration of deadlines in Q3, with 28.3% of grant deadlines falling in this period. If you're planning to apply, consider prioritizing your applications around this time to maximize opportunities. Conversely, the least active period for grants in this category is Q2.
These grants help make sure water stays clean and safe to drink. They also protect rivers, lakes, and other water sources. The people giving the money care about nature, keeping people healthy, and fixing water problems caused by climate change.
Funding for water grants varies widely, with award amounts ranging from a minimum of $250 to a maximum of $18,000,000. Based on Instrumentl’s data, the median grant amount for this category is $65,000, while the average grant awarded is $850,368. Understanding these funding trends can help nonprofits set realistic expectations when applying.
Water grants are majorly funded by the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
State and local governments also provide funding through health departments and community service grants. Private foundations like Water.org focus on saving and providing drinkable water. Additionally, corporate initiatives, such as Coca-Cola and Nestlé, offer grants for projects that help the environment.
To improve grant success, nonprofits should:
Struggling to manage multiple grants? Learn how to stay organized with our comprehensive grant tracking spreadsheet guide.
Instrumentl streamlines the search for water grants by identifying relevant funding opportunities. You can track deadlines, and organize applications as well. It also provides insights into funder priorities to help nonprofits refine their grant-seeking strategies. Optimize your grant-seeking process with these research strategies.