Best Water Grants in Wyoming

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Wyoming can apply for NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program to fund conservation practices on working lands. Support covers water and air quality, soil health, erosion control, wildlife habitat, and broader water resource management on cropland, rangeland, pasture, and environmentally sensitive areas.

Wyoming local planning agencies, including cities, towns, counties, and conservation districts, can access funding for water quality management planning and assessment projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution. Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality offers US $10,000 - US $40,000 for watershed-focused efforts, especially in areas with impaired waterbodies and freshwater conservation or water resource management needs.

Nonprofit or conservation organizations providing technical assistance for regenerative agriculture and habitat conservation on private lands in Wyoming and other eligible states can apply for National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Conservation Partners grants, awarding US $250,000 - US $750,000. Funding supports management planning, implementing best practices, Farm Bill program participation, and sharing lessons learned, benefiting freshwater conservation and water resource management.

Nonprofits, conservation districts, watershed groups, schools, and government agencies in Wyoming can receive US $10,000 - US $300,000 to design and implement projects that reduce nonpoint source water pollution. With a mission to protect water resources, Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality supports freshwater conservation and watershed-scale water resource management projects statewide.

Agricultural producers in Wyoming engaged in livestock or crop production can apply for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service funding, with awards up to US $50,000, to install water management and irrigation structures and other conservation practices. Support may benefit operations improving water resource management, reducing soil erosion, managing pests, or transitioning to organic farming.

State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Wyoming can obtain funding for water and waste infrastructure projects, including drinking water, sewage, solid waste, and stormwater systems. USDA Rural Development also supports related costs such as legal and engineering fees, land and water rights, equipment, and start-up operations and maintenance.

Wyoming agricultural producers and nonindustrial private forest landowners seeking to improve water, soil, and habitat on working lands can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Wyoming’s Conservation Stewardship Program. CSP offers five-year contracts with annual payments to enhance conservation on cropland, pasture, rangeland, forestland, and associated agricultural lands, supporting water resource management and broader environmental stewardship goals.

Water resource agencies and other eligible entities in Wyoming can seek funding to improve hydrologic data access, water management tools, and forecasting capabilities. The Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Applied Science Grants offer up to US $400,000 for projects that enhance water supply reliability, support drought resilience, and optimize reservoir and irrigation operations across eligible regions.

Water utilities, irrigation districts, Tribes, and other entities planning water reclamation and reuse projects in Wyoming can seek funding for planning, design, or construction activities. The Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Title XVI program supports projects that expand clean water supplies, enhance water resource management, and improve reliability for growing communities and agricultural users.

With a mission to improve water resource management, the Bureau of Reclamation provides Wyoming water-focused entities with US $50,000 - US $3,000,000 for conservation, efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, and river or watershed restoration. Eligible applicants in Wyoming and other western states can propose collaboratively developed projects that deliver significant, multi-use watershed benefits.

Wyoming public entities, Tribes, and other organizations planning desalination facilities for seawater or brackish water may be eligible for US $1,000 - US $120,000,000 to support planning, design, and construction. Bureau of Reclamation supports water resource management and reliable local water supplies through its WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects program across western states, including Wyoming.

Wyoming cities, towns, counties, and school or recreation districts can access funding through Wyoming State Parks and Cultural Resources to acquire or develop public outdoor recreation lands and facilities, including water-related projects. This 50% matching program supports projects that meet State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan needs and can benefit long-term freshwater and water resource management in Wyoming.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is offering a funding opportunity to a CESU partner for research utilizing data from the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission. This project aims to enhance hydrologic decision-making by providing low-latency water resource monitoring data across over 1 million locations in the U.S. It promotes collaboration between USGS and CESU researchers to improve data accuracy and automate water surface elevation publication, benefiting scientists and resource managers.

Nonprofits, government entities, and accredited schools in Wyoming and other ConocoPhillips operating areas can seek support for freshwater and biodiversity conservation projects. Focused on water and biodiversity stewardship, ConocoPhillips invites collaborative programs that conserve high-value habitats, increase water availability, advance science, and build awareness around water resource management and ecosystem health.

Wyoming freshwater conservation and habitat organizations can access funding through the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resource Trust for projects that enhance wildlife habitat and natural resource values statewide. Eligible nonprofits and government agencies may propose aquatic habitat improvements, watershed and water enhancement projects, and mitigation of development impacts that benefit fish populations and broader water resources in Wyoming.

Nonprofit and governmental organizations in Wyoming can seek funding to improve wildlife habitat, aquatic ecosystems, and broader natural resource values. Focused on freshwater and watershed health, the Wyoming Wildlife & Natural Resource Trust invites projects that enhance aquatic habitat, support water enhancement efforts, and deliver clear public benefits such as better water quality and sustained open space.

The NALMS Achievement Awards: Secchi Disk Award recognizes outstanding contributions to lake management by its members. NALMS aims to unite citizens, scientists, and professionals to ensure the protection and management of lakes and reservoirs. This prestigious award is open to NALMS members, with nominations encouraged from any individual or entity. However, current board and committee members are ineligible. The award celebrates those who significantly advance NALMS's goals and objectives in fostering lake ecosystem awareness and management.

Nonprofit organizations working on watershed stewardship, freshwater conservation, or water resource management, including in Wyoming, can apply for Laird Norton Family Foundation’s support where invited. Funding focuses on long-term social and ecological health in key U.S. watersheds, so water-focused programs that match the foundation’s priorities may be eligible to connect with staff.

Nonprofits and other organizations working on freshwater conservation and water resource management in Wyoming can access multi-state or national project support through the Roy A. Hunt Foundation; awards range from US $25,000 - US $75,000 for environmental initiatives. Funding supports project management, outreach, applied research, and policy-oriented innovations across the U.S.

U.S. nonprofit organizations working on land, water, and climate-related conservation can seek funding for large-scale projects, including freshwater conservation and water resource management, across the U.S., including Wyoming. Grants from Doris Duke Foundation help advance habitat restoration, natural climate solutions, and inclusive, equity-focused conservation benefiting wildlife and communities, especially Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

Nonprofit organizations and public entities working on freshwater conservation and water resource management, including in Wyoming, can access funding through the Biophilia Foundation; awards range from US $5,000 - US $25,000. Grants support biodiversity-focused projects such as private land conservation, ecosystem restoration, and restorative economies, primarily within the U.S., with emphasis on arid regions and key watersheds.

The Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship, offered by New Hampshire Sea Grant, provides a unique opportunity for undergraduates to engage in marine resource projects while receiving mentorship and training. This paid fellowship supports students interested in marine-related research and education, with potential earnings of up to $5,000 over a 10-week summer period. By participating, fellows gain valuable insights into coastal and marine management, enhancing their skills and expanding their professional networks.

The Jim Flynn Outstanding Corporation Award, presented annually by NALMS, honors the corporation that has made significant contributions to advancing lake management goals. This award emphasizes the importance of facilitating information exchange, promoting public awareness of lake ecosystems, and supporting management programs at all levels. Eligible nominations can come from any individual or entity, focusing on achievements in lake and reservoir management. Notably, current NALMS board members and awards committee members are excluded from eligibility.

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements for FY 2026 aims to enhance NRCS conservation efforts through strategic partnerships. This initiative encourages collaboration among stakeholders to address critical natural resource issues across farms and watersheds. By co-investing in impactful projects, NRCS strives to improve resource management in designated Critical Conservation Areas, supporting both partners and producers in achieving sustainable outcomes.

The Paul L. Busch Award, provided by the Water Research Foundation, honors individuals for innovative research in water quality. This prestigious award supports promising researchers with a $100,000 grant to advance their work. The selection process is inclusive, with no restrictions based on race, gender, or nationality, and encourages applications from diverse candidates. Recipients are expected to collaborate with U.S.-based organizations, fostering practical applications of their research in the water environment.

The SFS Fellows Grant, awarded by the Society for Freshwater Science, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to freshwater science research, policy, or management. Each year, up to four fellows are selected based on their sustained excellence and leadership within the field. This initiative also encourages diversity by promoting nominations from underrepresented groups and mid-career professionals. The grant fosters collaboration and participation in SFS activities, enhancing the impact of freshwater science.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on water stewardship projects such as freshwater conservation, water resource management, and climate-resilient watersheds can seek $500 to $5,000 for project-based work, including in Wyoming. With a mission to support healthy watersheds, Bell's Brewery provides grassroots grants for initiatives that protect ecosystem health and frontline communities.