Best Water Grants

The Lintilhac Foundation Grant aims to foster a stronger, healthier Vermont by supporting nonprofit organizations in various core areas such as clean energy, water quality, forest health, and sustainable outdoor recreation. With a legacy of over 50 years, the foundation emphasizes the importance of engaging local communities to address climate change, preserve biodiversity, and secure healthy food systems, while upholding democratic values and environmental science. This holistic approach ensures that both human and natural communities thrive together.

The William Penn Foundation aims to reduce annual untreated sewage overflows in Philadelphia by 5 billion gallons by 2035. This initiative focuses on addressing outdated infrastructure that contributes to pollution during extreme weather events. By engaging communities, particularly those most affected, the foundation seeks innovative solutions to improve water quality and public health. This effort aligns with ongoing successes since the Clean Water Act and highlights the need for equitable access to clean waterways.

Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship advocates for Iowa’s farmers and protects consumers, animals, our food supply and our shared soil and water resources. Our programs strengthen rural communities, support a thriving agriculture economy, and build a stronger future for all Iowans. 

Urban Conservation Projects Request for Pre-Applications

IDALS is accepting pre-applications for projects that demonstrate strong ties to the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. These projects will focus on adoption and implementation of urban conservation practices that provide nutrient load reductions to water resources in combination with outreach and education components demonstrating how projects will work to support the nonpoint source action items outlined in Section 1 of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. The Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy can be viewed at http://www.nutrientstrategy.iastate.edu.

Applicants should demonstrate the ability to deliver stormwater management strategies and practices. Strong partnerships must be demonstrated with any stakeholders that will be contributing significant resources to the project.

These projects can range from site scale to watershed scale stormwater management practices (a single bioretention cell vs a stormwater wetland). Projects may utilize one or multiple stormwater management practices to manage the water quality improvement goals. The practices must treat for water quality volume, but they may comprehensively manage multiple storm events including the entire unified sizing criteria storms, when possible or practical. This approach can provide large scale water quality and quantity benefits to the applicant.

Priority will be given to applications that can demonstrate the ability to rapidly implement the project and practices funded under this RFPA.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created on July 1, 1970 to combine all state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment into a single agency.

DEC's Mission: "To conserve, improve and protect New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being."

DEC's goal is to achieve this mission through the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity and social well-being, including environmental justice and the empowerment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that affect their lives.

Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) 

Grant Description

The Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program is a competitive, statewide reimbursement grant program open to local governments and not-for-profit corporations to implement projects that directly improve water quality or habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source. This funding is for construction/implementation projects, not projects that are exclusively for planning.

Maximum funding awards vary by project type. Program priorities and requirements are also subject to change from year to year. The typical annual funding available for the WQIP program is at least $75 million.

Grant funds are available for up to 75% of the application budget. Applicants must provide the remaining 25% in match funds. Additional information regarding eligible forms of match (eligible costs) is provided under each project type. 

Eligible Project Types

Funding is available for the following project types: 1) Wastewater Treatment Improvement; 2) Nonagricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control; 3) Vacuum Trucks in Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Areas; 4) Land Acquisition for Source Water Protection; 5) Salt Storage and Road Salt Reduction; 6) Dam Safety Repair/Rehabilitation and Removal; 7) Aquatic Connectivity; 8) Marine District Habitat Restoration; 9) Fish and Wildlife Habitat Restoration and Enhancement; 10) Landfill Leachate Treatment

Fish and Wildlife Habitat Restoration and Enhancement

Project Type Description

Funding is available for projects that will, as their primary goal, restore and/or enhance impaired, degraded, or marginal fish and wildlife habitat by directly addressing one or more factors that are compromising the habitat's value and function to serve as a highquality spawning, nursery, wintering, migratory, nesting, breeding, or foraging environment for one or more species of fish or wildlife of conservation concern or interest. 

Not-for-profit organizations are required to complete the Vendor Prequalification process to be considered eligible to apply for this grant.

The Community Grants Program by the Butler Family Foundation supports organizations focused on environmental stewardship in Minnesota. Grants of $30,000 annually for general support or $20,000 for specific projects are available for 501(c)(3) organizations with budgets over $300,000. The program emphasizes land and water protection, aiming to educate youth on sustainable practices. This initiative seeks to foster community involvement in preserving Minnesota's natural resources.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created on July 1, 1970 to combine all state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment into a single agency.

DEC's Mission: "To conserve, improve and protect New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being."

DEC's goal is to achieve this mission through the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity and social well-being, including environmental justice and the empowerment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that affect their lives.

Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) 

Grant Description

The Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program is a competitive, statewide reimbursement grant program open to local governments and not-for-profit corporations to implement projects that directly improve water quality or habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source. This funding is for construction/implementation projects, not projects that are exclusively for planning.

Maximum funding awards vary by project type. Program priorities and requirements are also subject to change from year to year. The typical annual funding available for the WQIP program is at least $75 million.

Grant funds are available for up to 75% of the application budget. Applicants must provide the remaining 25% in match funds. Additional information regarding eligible forms of match (eligible costs) is provided under each project type. 

Eligible Project Types

Funding is available for the following project types: 1) Wastewater Treatment Improvement; 2) Nonagricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control; 3) Vacuum Trucks in Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Areas; 4) Land Acquisition for Source Water Protection; 5) Salt Storage and Road Salt Reduction; 6) Dam Safety Repair/Rehabilitation and Removal; 7) Aquatic Connectivity; 8) Marine District Habitat Restoration; 9) Fish and Wildlife Habitat Restoration and Enhancement; 10) Landfill Leachate Treatment

Marine District Habitat Restoration

Project Type Description

Projects that improve the ecological condition of waters within the marine district with the intent to support a spawning, nursery, wintering, migratory, nesting, breeding, or foraging environment for fish and wildlife, and other biota.

Not-for-profit organizations are required to complete the Vendor Prequalification process to be considered eligible to apply for this grant.

The Alabama Power Foundation offers grants to support initiatives in education, arts, community development, health, and environmental stewardship. These grants aim to address community needs, promote collaboration, and ensure sustainability. Eligible projects can lead to lasting improvements and must serve underserved populations. The foundation seeks to foster a diverse range of programs that enhance quality of life and educational opportunities while adhering to strict eligibility criteria.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) was created on July 1, 1970 to combine all state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment into a single agency.

DEC's Mission: "To conserve, improve and protect New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health, safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic and social well-being."

DEC's goal is to achieve this mission through the simultaneous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity and social well-being, including environmental justice and the empowerment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that affect their lives.

Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) 

Grant Description

The Water Quality Improvement Project (WQIP) program is a competitive, statewide reimbursement grant program open to local governments and not-for-profit corporations to implement projects that directly improve water quality or habitat, promote flood risk reduction, restoration, and enhanced flood and climate resiliency, or protect a drinking water source. This funding is for construction/implementation projects, not projects that are exclusively for planning.

Maximum funding awards vary by project type. Program priorities and requirements are also subject to change from year to year. The typical annual funding available for the WQIP program is at least $75 million.

Grant funds are available for up to 75% of the application budget. Applicants must provide the remaining 25% in match funds. Additional information regarding eligible forms of match (eligible costs) is provided under each project type. 

Eligible Project Types

Funding is available for the following project types: 1) Wastewater Treatment Improvement; 2) Nonagricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control; 3) Vacuum Trucks in Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Areas; 4) Land Acquisition for Source Water Protection; 5) Salt Storage and Road Salt Reduction; 6) Dam Safety Repair/Rehabilitation and Removal; 7) Aquatic Connectivity; 8) Marine District Habitat Restoration; 9) Fish and Wildlife Habitat Restoration and Enhancement; 10) Landfill Leachate Treatment

Aquatic Connectivity

Project Type Description

Funding is available for projects that improve aquatic habitat connectivity at road/stream crossings or dams and may promote flood risk reduction and enhanced flood and climate resiliency.

Not-for-profit organizations are required to complete the Vendor Prequalification process to be considered eligible to apply for this grant.

Minnesota's Coastal Program Grants offer funding for projects aimed at enhancing the management of Lake Superior's coastal areas. Managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, these small grants (up to $10,000) support short-term initiatives that promote planning, outreach, technology advancement, and youth education. Eligible projects include developing plans, hosting conferences, and creating educational resources for youth. The program prioritizes sustainability and community engagement in coastal management efforts.

The Non-Bond Priorities Grant Programs, specifically the Lower Los Angeles-Urban Streams and Rivers Program, aim to restore and conserve river functions while managing flood risks. The program supports projects enhancing water resilience and ecosystem services, with funding ranging from $300,000 to $2,000,000. Priority is given to projects with clear goals that can be implemented swiftly, aligning with the Lower LA River Revitalization Plan and addressing immediate drought responses and long-term water sustainability.

The Watershed Council Grant Program, managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), invites proposals from watershed-based organizations to enhance organizational administration, conservation, and educational initiatives. With a total funding of $600,000 available, individual grants are capped at $40,000 for a 12-month period. Projects should focus on capacity building, water quality improvement, and community engagement to foster sustainable water resource management.

The Fisheries Restoration Grant Program (FRGP) in California, established in 1981, addresses the decline of wild salmon and steelhead trout populations and the deterioration of fish habitats. Through competitive grants, FRGP has invested millions into various coastal projects, fostering collaboration among federal and local governments, tribes, nonprofit organizations, and private landowners. This initiative aims to restore vital ecosystems and promote sustainable fisheries for future generations.

The Environment Anne Arundel Fund, established by the Community Foundation of Anne Arundel County, supports local nonprofits focused on environmental protection and improvement in Anne Arundel County and the Chesapeake Bay. Grants will fund projects addressing stormwater issues and increasing community awareness of environmental challenges. Eligible applicants must operate within the county, hold 501(c)(3) status, and demonstrate their commitment to educating the public and engaging citizens in environmental stewardship.

The Water and Environment Grant Program by the American Water Charitable Foundation supports innovative community projects aimed at improving watersheds, conserving water, and enhancing access to recreation in underserved areas. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and educational institutions located within American Water's service areas. Projects must be completed within 12 months, and applicants should consider budget feasibility when requesting funds. Certain organizations and projects, such as those not classified as 501(c)(3), are ineligible.

The Carl Morrow Graduate Scholarships in Natural Resources offer significant financial assistance to Missouri graduate students pursuing studies in Fisheries, Forestry, Wildlife, Parks and Recreation, and Soil and Water Conservation. Established in honor of Carl Morrow, a dedicated conservationist, these scholarships are awarded through a collaboration with relevant professional societies. Eligible applicants must be Missouri residents enrolled in a graduate program at a Missouri institution, contributing to sustainable management of natural resources.

The Ed Stegner Natural Resource Scholarship offers $1,000 to undergraduate students in Missouri pursuing degrees in Fisheries, Forestry, Wildlife, Parks and Recreation, or Soil and Water conservation. Established by Ed Stegner, a key advocate for conservation in Missouri, this scholarship aims to support students with demonstrated financial need. Applicants must be Missouri residents attending a college or university in the state, fostering the next generation of conservation leaders.

The Water Quality Protection and Restoration Program (WQPRP) provides funding for projects aimed at safeguarding Suffolk County's water resources. This program allocates 11.75% of the revenues from the ¼% Drinking Water Protection Program to support municipalities and non-profits in initiatives like pollution prevention, habitat restoration, and education. Grants range from $50,000 to $250,000, ensuring impactful projects enhance the community's environmental health and sustainability.

The Non-Agricultural Nonpoint Source Planning and MS4 Mapping Grant (NY) funds projects aimed at improving water quality through planning reports and mapping of storm sewer systems. This competitive grant offers up to $50,000 for project planning and up to $400,000 for collaborative MS4 mapping efforts, encouraging cooperation among municipalities. The program not only prepares projects for construction funding but also supports regulated MS4s in effective stormwater management.

The Enhancement Dam Removal Design and Implementation Block Grant, administered by Watersheds United Vermont, aims to support community-driven dam removal projects that enhance water quality and habitat. This funding initiative, backed by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, encourages proposals for the design and implementation of effective dam removal strategies, fostering ecological resilience and community engagement across the state.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Maine offers vital financial and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. This program supports conservation practices to enhance soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitats while combating drought and climate change. EQIP promotes sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring producers can integrate conservation into their operations effectively, ultimately fostering a healthier environment and agricultural resilience.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides financial assistance to farmers, ranchers, and private forest landowners in implementing conservation practices that enhance environmental quality on agricultural lands. Eligible applicants include agricultural producers and non-industrial private forestland owners, with a focus on reducing pollution, conserving water resources, and promoting wildlife habitat. NRCS accepts applications year-round, ensuring ongoing support for environmentally sustainable practices in agriculture.

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.

Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Outcome 1)

There are two tracks including the traditional competitive grant program and the Pay for Performance track.

Pay for Performance Track

In addition to the traditional competitive grant program, the Trust Fund is soliciting pay for performance contracts that provide the following:

• Cost per lb or outcome and cost per unit of implementation that is more cost effective than traditional grant values, as seen in the Trust Fund Table. Maryland DNR may select to not fund proposals as Pay for Performance if found to be less cost effective than traditional grant mechanisms.

• Reduced risk to state as payments commence once the project is installed and verified, with subsequent payments offered once project is verified to be functioning and sustained

• Innovative projects and/or projects of scale: Large scale restoration where implementation units exceed traditional grant acreages; Additionally, the state is interested in supporting holistic projects that maximize co-benefits; Innovative BMPs with a quantifiable reduction in nutrient and/or sediment pollution or increase in co-benefits

• Measurement of goal attainment (%) - Measure of success is more specific than implementation units and must include measurement of hydric soils, plant survivability, canopy cover, plant density or other indicators that measure performance.

• Long-term sustainability of performance measures achieved through expected project lifespan, monitoring, easements/landowner agreements, operation and maintenance and/or adaptive management plans

Pre-Proposal Meetings are required for all Pay for Performance Proposals; site visits are required for stream restoration projects and strongly encouraged for other restoration practices.

The Coastal Conservancy offers grants to restore and protect California's coast, enhance public access, and improve climate resiliency. With millions in funding available, projects that serve disadvantaged communities or utilize nature-based solutions are prioritized. Applicants must engage with a Regional Manager for eligibility guidance and can expect grants typically between $200,000 and $5 million. This ongoing funding supports various stages of project development, including planning, construction, and monitoring.

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.

Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund (Outcome 1)

There are two tracks including the traditional competitive grant program and the Pay for Performance track.

Traditional Competitive Grant Program

What kind of projects are supported by the Trust Fund?

Implementation-ready restoration proposals can be submitted under this funding source. Example projects can include, but are not limited to: wetland restoration, afforestation and other tree planting projects, riparian buffer restoration, stormwater best management practices, stream restoration, meadow plantings, and agricultural best management practices.

Projects must address water quality in the Chesapeake Bay or Atlantic Coastal Bays by reducing non-point source pollution, namely nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment. Projects should be cost-effective, located in targeted areas, and be implementation-ready. Competitive projects will be large-scale, multi-partnered efforts with demonstrable water quality benefits. Proposed projects should demonstrate the ability to construct within 12 months of award. Additionally, the state is interested in supporting projects that provide desirable co-benefits (Maryland Code, Natural Resources § 8-2A-04), including:

• The restoration of aquatic resources, such as seagrass beds or oyster reefs;
• Climate resilience;
• Carbon sequestration;
• Creation of wildlife habitat;
• Local employment opportunities;
• The improvement or provision of recreational opportunities; or
• Environmental justice benefits;

Funding is only available for projects located in the Maryland portions of both the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and the Atlantic Coastal Bays. Tree planting projects are eligible for all of Maryland. Public and private lands are eligible. Site visits are required for all stream restoration projects.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) offered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service in Wyoming provides vital financial and technical assistance to farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. This program focuses on integrating conservation practices into working lands to improve water and air quality, enhance soil health, and promote wildlife habitat. EQIP aims to mitigate resource concerns such as soil erosion and water conservation while supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

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 SFY2026 Regional Water Plan Seed Grants, provided by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, aim to assist local governments and water users in their Regional Water Plan implementation efforts. Grants are capped at $75,000, with a project duration of up to 30 months. Interested applicants must attend a pre-application meeting with the Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and submit a full proposal online by the specified deadline.