Best Water Grants

Environmental Stewardship: Research Grants

FAO, through its Environmental Stewardship Pillar of Prosperity Fund, offers funding opportunities to advance conservation, environmental stewardship and the greater well-being of Appalachian Ohio.

FAO welcomes proposals for projects that result in scalable change, with a priority for projects that will impact multiple counties. FAO will consider funding requests between $5,000 and $50,000 per project, and at least $150,000 is available to award. We encourage applicants to propose research with the potential to significantly impact the understanding of aquatic biodiversity, water quality and threats to healthy habitats. The following examples illustrate eligible projects, but proposals are not limited to the listed areas.

• Flood resilience
• Watershed monitoring, analysis and management applications
• Application of innovative technologies and methodologies
• Collaborative research partnerships across disciplines and sectors
• Ecosystem services

The Chi-Cal Rivers Fund Grant, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, aims to enhance the waterways of the Chicago and Calumet region. This initiative focuses on reducing stormwater runoff through nature-based infrastructure, improving fish and wildlife habitats, and promoting community engagement. The program supports projects under three main categories: habitat quality improvement, stormwater solution expansion, and activation of restored natural areas, encouraging strategic investments for ecological resilience.

The RRGL Emergency Grant provides crucial funding for urgent projects in Montana that threaten the management of renewable resources. With a budget of $300,000, grants up to $30,000 are available for projects that cannot wait for legislative approval. Eligible entities include state and local governments, while funds can cover various water-related emergencies. This program supports conservation efforts and ensures the sustainable use of water resources, promoting the economic and social well-being of Montana's citizens.

The Vermont Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Program (AgCWIP) aims to enhance water quality through grants to local partners. With up to $8 million available for FY2026, proposals should focus on agricultural water quality compliance, pollution reduction, and farm viability. Various project categories range from small grants under $100,000 to larger joint applications up to $4 million. The program emphasizes educational outreach, technical assistance, and sustainable practices to support Vermont's agricultural community.

The WV Nonpoint Source Program provides grants for watershed projects aimed at addressing nonpoint source pollution, which is pollution from diffuse sources impacting water quality. The program encourages collaboration with local stakeholders to create effective project proposals. Eligible projects must align with watershed management plans and contribute to improving water quality. Funding supports innovative best management practices, education, and technology transfer, with a focus on restoring impaired waters or protecting high-quality watersheds.

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.

Community Development Fund

The Community Development Fund is the largest fund category in the TxCDBG Program. This fund is available through a competition in each of the 24 state planning regions. Although most funds are used for Public Facilities (water/wastewater infrastructure, street and drainage improvements and housing activities), there are numerous other activities for which these funds may be used.

Funds are allocated to each state planning region to ensure a broad geographic distribution of funds as described in the one-year action plan. Additional funds deobligated from previous awards may be made available using the same formula. Funds allocated to a region that does not have an eligible application to fund will be reallocated to other regions to maximize the number of awards granted.

DSHA administers the funds to these governmental entities, which in turn use the money to help repair substandard housing and make infrastructure improvements in needy areas of each county. Municipalities can request sewer and water system improvements, street repairs, street lights and other infrastructure improvements that support low- and moderate-income housing development.

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 Fund - Construction

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).

The Colonia Fund - Construction (CFC) provides eligible applicants with grants to fund water and wastewater improvements, housing rehabilitation for low- to moderate-income households, the payment of assessments levied against properties owned and occupied by persons of low and moderate income to recover the capital cost for a public improvement and other improvements including street paving and drainage

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.

The Fish and Wildlife Resources Fund Grant Program, administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board, aims to support existing water supply facilities while ensuring the protection of Colorado's fish and wildlife. Grants can be utilized for water rights acquisition, river restoration projects, and a combination of both, enhancing environmental sustainability. Eligible applicants include operators of water facilities and the CWCB, with projects expected to be completed within three years. Contact CWCB staff for funding discussions and requirements.

The Statewide Water Supply Reserve Fund Grants, offered by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, aim to assist Colorado water users in addressing critical water supply challenges. These grants support various activities, including technical assistance, feasibility studies, and infrastructure projects. Eligible applicants include governmental and private entities, provided they meet specific criteria. This funding initiative encourages sustainable water management and innovation in line with the Colorado Water Plan.

The Basin Water Supply Reserve Fund Grants offer financial support to Colorado water users for addressing critical water supply challenges. Eligible entities, including governmental and private organizations, can apply for grants to cover activities such as technical assistance, feasibility studies, and infrastructure projects. Prior approval from a basin roundtable is required before submitting an application. This program aims to promote sustainable water management and align with the goals of the Colorado Water Plan.

The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust Grant supports educational programs and initiatives that assist individuals demonstrating financial need. Founded in 1975, it prioritizes funding for organizations that enhance educational opportunities, arts, culture, and community initiatives, particularly for youth and disadvantaged populations. The Trust encourages proposals from 501(c)(3) organizations, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $20,000. It also considers limited proposals in disabilities, environmental protection, and historic preservation, focusing on educational impact.

The Pooled Monitoring Initiative’s Restoration Research Award Program, led by the Chesapeake Bay Trust and various partners, aims to address critical restoration questions hindering watershed restoration efforts. By funding targeted research, the initiative seeks to enhance confidence in project outcomes, optimize restoration techniques, and provide valuable insights for regulatory agencies. This collaborative effort pools resources to tackle pressing research queries and ensure effective monitoring and restoration practices in the Chesapeake Bay area.

The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation supports impactful projects in Texas, focusing on environmental protection, social equity, and economic vitality. Their strategic grantmaking emphasizes clean energy, land conservation, subsurface energy, sustainability education, and water resources. The foundation seeks proposals that align with their mission and demonstrate a clear benefit to Texas. Projects funded must have a robust communication strategy to share outcomes effectively, ensuring lasting impacts on the communities served.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's Innovative Conservation Program (ICP) has funded innovative water savings projects since 2001, with $250,000 available biannually. The program aims to evaluate and demonstrate the reliability of new water-saving technologies. Nearly 400 proposals have sought $36 million in funding. The ICP, supported by multiple agencies, encourages projects that can benefit Southern California's water efficiency, inviting proposals from outside its service area to enhance regional water management.

The Green Innovation Grant Program (GIGP) in New York State provides funding for projects that enhance water quality and combat climate change through innovative green technologies. Grants cover up to 90% of construction costs, promoting practices such as green stormwater infrastructure and energy efficiency. Projects are evaluated on their potential impact, sustainability, and ability to foster collaboration. This initiative aims to drive environmental innovation while supporting local communities in addressing pressing ecological challenges.

The Water Quality Combined Funding Program in Washington aims to enhance and safeguard water quality through a competitive funding process. It supports various projects, including wastewater management and stormwater control, while offering technical assistance to applicants. The program combines multiple funding sources, ensuring comprehensive financial support tailored to project needs. Eligible entities include counties, cities, tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations. The initiative reflects a commitment to improving environmental sustainability across the state.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

The Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Grant Program, funded by the California State Water Board through the Clean Water Act Section 319(h), supports projects aimed at reducing nonpoint source pollution. Funded initiatives include livestock management, forest road improvements, stream restoration, and agricultural best practices to protect water quality. Approximately $4 million is awarded annually to enhance impaired waters and safeguard high-quality ecosystems, ensuring sustainable management of California's water resources.

The Baldwin Hills Conservancy is inviting applications for the year-round Proposition 84 Grant Program, aimed at projects that enhance water quality in the Ballona Creek Watershed and improve access to Baldwin Hills Parklands. With $10 million allocated for such initiatives, eligible applicants include public entities and non-profits. Priority will be given to projects demonstrating urgency, innovation, and community involvement, fostering both environmental protection and public enjoyment of coastal resources.

The Pacific Power Foundation offers Community Enhancement and Environmental Respect Grants to support nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Power and Rocky Mountain Power service areas. Since 2019, the foundation has contributed over $13 million to promote community resilience, affordable housing, and environmental conservation. Eligible candidates include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and educational institutions. Grants aim to address local needs while ensuring responsible environmental stewardship, enhancing community vitality, and fostering sustainable development.

The Proposition 1 Stream Flow Enhancement Program in California aims to improve stream flows for the benefit of fish and wildlife. It provides $200 million in funding for projects that align with the California Water Action Plan, focusing on enhancing water flow in streams supporting anadromous fish and at-risk species. The program facilitates water transactions, conservation projects, and habitat restoration efforts to ensure sustainable water resource management and resilience against climate change.

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.

The Dixon Water Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Texas that focus on sustainable land management and watershed health. The foundation funds annual grants for projects that utilize their ranches for research and education on land stewardship and water conservation. Ideal applicants are those recognized as charitable organizations by the IRS, promoting key Texas ecosystems through innovative practices. This initiative ensures future generations have the necessary water resources.

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Classic for FY 2026 encourages collaboration between the NRCS and partners to address critical natural resource concerns through innovative projects. By co-investing with partners, the program aims to enhance conservation efforts on farms and private lands, ensuring equitable access to NRCS services. Selected proposals will be based on their potential impact and effective partnership management, ultimately improving environmental outcomes across designated Critical Conservation Areas.

Department of Administration

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The Department of Administration is the flagship agency of the State of Wisconsin. We help the Office of the Governor with the biennial state budget, provide centralized purchasing and financial management for state agencies, and work with the 11 federally recognized Native Nations in Wisconsin on gaming, coastal programs, and other key areas. Our mission is to provide effective and efficient services at the best value to government agencies and the public.

CDBG - Emergency Assistance Program (EAP)

​Program Overview

The Community Development Block Grant -Emergency Assistance Program CDBG-EAP (PDF) is administered by the Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources (DEHCR) under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. CDBG-EAP funds are used to assist local units of government in addressing emergency housing, public facility, infrastructure, and business assistance needs that occur as a result of natural or manmade disasters.  

The CDBG - Emergency Assistance Program includes funding for: Public Facility/Infrastructure Assistance; Housing Rehabilitation Assistance; and Business Assistance.

Public Facility/Infrastructure Assistance

CDBG-EAP Public Facility Assistance is available to communities where 51% or more of the population is low-to-moderate income (LMI) or where the activity will benefit LMI households. Funds are awarded as a grant, requiring a 25% local match for the total project expense. 

Eligible repair projects include:

• Curbs and gutters
• Water, sewer, and wastewater treatment facilities
• Streets and sidewalks
• Electrical systems