Grant Deadlines:
CDPHE is now accepting applications for watershed implementation projects that restore waterbodies impaired by nonpoint sources of selenium, sediment, pathogens and/or nutrients AND/OR protect waterbodies from nonpoint sources of pollution. They are also accepting applications for projects that develop a new EPA Nine Element Watershed-Based Plan or update an existing EPA Nine Element Watershed-Based Plan. CDPHE is also excited to announce cycle three of the Colorado Environmental Justice Grants Program. This funding opportunity is a great source for matching funds for NPS projects in disproportionately impacted communities. More information on this grant is available on the department's Office of Environmental Justice webpage. Please visit the Nonpoint Source Funding Opportunities webpage for the 2025 RFA applications and reference materials. Applications must be submitted to cdphe_wqcd_nonpointsource+managers@state.co.us no later than December 4, 2024 by 5pm (MST).
Colorado Ag Water Alliance (CAWA) is seeking proposals for their Drought Resiliency Program that focuses on developing effective strategies for agricultural water users and managers to adapt to reduced water supplies. CAWA seeks to support projects that are shovel-ready and need support for implementation and evaluation. CAWA does not fund general irrigation efficiency improvements as part of this program.Successful projects will test concepts and collect data that can demonstrate the ability to decrease water use and/or increase long-term resilience to reduced water supplies. CAWA will also consider the potential for a project to be replicated or scaled for larger impact as well as pursuing and securing public funding for implementation. Applications are due December 13th, 2024. Learn more HERE.
The North Front Range Water Quality Planning Association (NFRWQPA) is conducting a public notice and comment period to review the Regional EPA 9-Element Watershed Plans. A public hearing date of December 19, 2024, at 2:00 PM, is tentatively set for the final approval of the plans. Comments may be submitted using the Review and Comment Tracking Google forms provided for each separate watershed. All the Regional EPA 9-Element Watershed Plans and Review and Comment Tracking forms may be viewed here. If your organization is interested in a particular watershed, you may access the watershed plans below individually. Middle South Platte, Big & Little Thompson, Cache La Poudre, St. Vrain Creek. This Public Notice may also be viewed on the Association website here.
The Water Quality Control Division’s Local Assistance Unit is now accepting applications for the 2025 Assistance Grants Program. These grants provide financial assistance for systems that need help reaching or exceeding compliance requirements or addressing a water quality challenge. Total funding is $150,000. Individual grants will be up to $25,000. All public water systems are eligible. Projects must be completed within the 2025 calendar year. The application period will close on December 23, 2024. When applying, please have the system’s Public Water System Identification Number (PWSID) handy. This program primarily funds infrastructure projects and requires systems to address operational and administrative improvements, such as emergency response plans, main break response procedures, and storage tank inspection plans. Learn more or apply HERE.
Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Grant Program - The EPA is soliciting applications from eligible applicants for lead reduction projects in disadvantaged communities in two National Priority Areas as described in the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). The EPA expects to make at least one award under each National Priority Area but may redistribute the awards differently based on the quality of applications received and other applicable considerations. Awards made under the funding opportunity are intended to promote public health and support the Justice40 initiative by addressing conditions that contribute to increased concentrations of lead in drinking water. Proposed projects must include at least one or more disadvantaged community. Applications will be evaluated based on the extent to which the proposed project:(i) is in and/or benefits a disadvantaged community(ies); (ii) benefits drinking water systems with at least one lead action level exceedance within the last three years or addresses lead levels in drinking water in schools/childcare facilities; and (iii) supports the Justice40 initiative. Please see the NOFO for further details. Applications are due December 30th, 2024. Learn more HERE.
WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects (SWEP) funding opportunity provides funding for small water efficiency improvements that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Projects eligible for funding include installation of flow measurement or automation in a specific part of a water delivery system, lining of a section of a canal to address seepage, outdoor landscaping, or other similar projects that are limited in scope. The total project cost for the purchase of materials and installation of materials cannot exceed $250,000. Applications are due January 14, 2025. Learn more HERE.
The Colorado Tree Coalition (CTC) Community Grants Program supports community-led projects that focus on planting, maintaining, and managing trees to enhance urban and rural green spaces, improve environmental sustainability, and engage local residents. This grant prioritizes initiatives that promote species diversity, mitigate climate change, and create and advocate for healthy living environments. Applications are due January 15th, 2025. Learn more HERE.
AmeriCorps State and National Competitive Grants - Applications due January 23, 2025. AmeriCorps grants are awarded to eligible organizations that engage AmeriCorps members in evidence-based or evidence-informed interventions to strengthen communities. An AmeriCorps member is a person who does community service through AmeriCorps. Members may receive a living allowance and other benefits. AmeriCorps will prioritize consideration from organizations that promote environmental stewardship to help communities (especially underserved households and communities) to be more resilient by reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving land and water, increasing renewable energy use and improving at-risk ecosystems, among other qualities. To learn more about this Notice of Funding Opportunity, click HERE.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the availability of $7.5 billion of Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA)funding. The WIFIA program offers long-term loans to help communities implement critical water infrastructure projects, which protect public health, deliver environmental benefits, create over 60,000 good-paying jobs, protect waterways including drinking water sources, and support local economies, at a lower cost. The WIFIA program has funding available on an ongoing basis. Learn more HERE.
USDA Forest Service People’s Garden Initiative - Proposals due January 30, 2025. Approximately $1 million in funding is available from the People’s Garden Initiative through USDA’s Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production, in partnership with The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s 2025 Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration program. The program will fund projects that support community-based gardens promoting sustainable agriculture practices that benefit people and wildlife. Applicant gardens do not need to be registered as People’s Gardens prior to applying, however, they will be asked to sign up once funding is awarded. Gardens of different sizes and types, including school gardens, community gardens, urban farms and small-scale agriculture projects in rural and urban areas, can be recognized as a People’s Garden. To learn more about the People’s Garden Initiative and how to apply, click HERE.
We are pleased to announce that Denver Audubon's Lois Webster Fund (LWF) is now soliciting grants in support of Colorado non-game wildlife research, education, and conservation projects. The Committee is accepting grant proposals through January 31, 20254. A maximum of $15,000 in funding is available in the coming project year. Grantees will be notified by early March 2025 and the funds dispersed in time for the spring field season. Learn more HERE.
The Colorado State University Water Resources Archive is now welcoming applications for the Water Scholar Award. This annual award grants funding to researchers whose work on western water would benefit from access to the collection. The award is intended to help offset the expenses of researchers engaged in studies that will benefit from access to the holdings of the Water Resources Archive as well as costs associated with presentations, publications, or other products resulting from that research. For the 2025 award, the total amount of funding is capped at $3,200, to be allocated to a maximum of three applications. Please apply only for the amount needed. Of special interest are applications concerning historical research related to the Colorado River Interim Guidelines expiration in 2026. Applications are due January 31. Additional information and application details can be found HERE.
USDA Forest Service Partnerships for Aquatic and Watershed Restoration - Responses due February 7, 2025. USDA Forest Service is looking to address aquatic and watershed restoration needs and empower local communities and partners to assist with implementation of activities. Partnerships will help to address restoration needs through projects that support watershed restoration to improve water quality, improve aquatic organism passage or improve efficiencies for aquatic restoration activities on lands managed by USDA Forest Service. The agency seeks to actively involve both new and current partners in restoration efforts. Your submission signals an opportunity for USDA Forest Service to explore with you your ideas/projects/programs and federal funding opportunities. To learn more and for information on how to apply, click HERE.
Grant Programs:
Community Navigator Program - The Watershed Center and Coalitions and Collaboratives, along with several other national and regional nonprofit organizations, are partnering with the US Forest Service on a community navigator initiative, which supports communities in accessing federal funding opportunities, creating partnerships, and building capacity for wildfire risk mitigation and climate resilience. To get in touch with a navigator, fill out a request form here.
Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap: EPA is offering free technical assistance for communities with failing decentralized (septic) wastewater systems, or communities with no existing wastewater systems at all. Do septic systems back up into homes or cause sewage to pool in yards? Does the town or county struggle to provide adequate sanitation services to its residents? Does the community struggle to rebuild damaged or non-functioning wastewater and septic systems? If any of these conditions apply, then your community may be eligible for assistance through this initiative. Communities – including homeowners and utilities – and all states, Tribes, and territories can request no-cost technical assistance. Technical assistance can help assess current wastewater infrastructure, recommend options, and support development of funding applications for the community. More information can be found HERE.
IRA Forest Landowner Support - Provides grant opportunities to entities and organizations delivering technical and financial assistance to private forest landowners - including Tribes, underserved landowners, and small-acreage landowners - to participate in emerging private markets for forest resilience and climate mitigation.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants — Rolling application window open — The USDA Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants program supports eligible communities to prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. Eligible applicants must show a decline in quantity or quality of water that occurred within two years of the date of the application or that a significant decline in quality or quantity of water is imminent.
FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant programs are provided to eligible applicant states/tribes/territories that, in turn, provide sub-grants to local governments. The applicant selects and prioritizes applications developed and submitted to them by local jurisdictions to submit to FEMA for grant funds. Prospective sub-applicants should consult the official designated point of contact for their applicant state/tribe/territory for further information regarding specific program and application requirements.
The Colorado Strategic Wildfire Action Program (COSWAP) was created after the devastating 2020 fire season by the Colorado legislature through the bi-partisan supported SB21-258 in the summer of 2021. COSWAP is designed to quickly move $17.5 million state stimulus dollars to start on-the-ground work on fuels reduction projects and increase Colorado's capacity to conduct critical forest restoration and wildfire mitigation work that will increase community resilience and protect life, property and infrastructure.
City of Ft. Collins Nature in the City Planning Grants. Have an idea for a nature play area, outdoor gathering space, or pollinator restorations? The Dream it Up Project Planning grants can help you and your community plan out your dream project. Anyone from HOA's, faith-based organizations, affordable housing communities, and even schools are welcome and encouraged to apply. Get started!
Colorado Environmental Justice Grants Program - Community Solutions to Improve Environmental Health. This grant opportunity was created by the Environmental Justice Act to provide funding to communities disproportionately impacted by pollution and climate change. The Environmental Justice Advisory Board oversees the EJ Grants Program and will serve as the selection committee for the grants. You can apply for this grant if you are part of a: non-profit organization, local government, federally-recognized Tribal government, university, other educational institution, for-profit corporation, or grassroots organization.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) - Programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and the Watershed Operations PL-566 Program.
Source Water Assessment and Protection (SWAP) - CDPHE’s SWAP program's main objective is to minimize potential contaminant threats to public drinking water supplies. To engage in this effort, public water systems and governmental entities can apply for a $5,000 protection planning grant through the SWAP program. The SWAP program also supports Wildland Fire Decision Support System work and post-wildfire recovery efforts. SWAP program staff assisted in the development of the Post Fire Playbook to assist local recovery groups in navigating the complexities surrounding post-wildfire recovery. For more information visit the SWAP page.
Water Quality Grants and Loans Unit - CDPHE’s Grants and Loans Unit offers small community grants and water quality improvement fund grants to protect public health and water quality. They also administer the State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Program to finance the design and construction of public drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects. More information on eligible drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater projects is available on the water quality grants and loans page.
The Colorado River District’s Community Funding Partnership was created in 2021 to fund multi-purpose water projects on the Western Slope in five project categories: productive agriculture, infrastructure, healthy rivers, watershed health and water quality, and conservation and efficiency. Funding for the program was approved by Western Colorado voters as part of ballot question 7A in November 2020. These funds provide a catalyst for projects that are priorities for residents in the District to receive matching funds from state, federal and private sources. Click HERE for more information and to apply.
Colorado Water Conservation Board has compiled this database to serve as a tool for people and organizations across Colorado to navigate all available funding opportunities for water projects in a single place.
A list of state, federal and private funding available for a wide variety of wildfire mitigation projects including Watershed Health.