The Gates Family Foundation's Natural Resource initiative will partner strategically with groups to support land conservation, water resource protection and management, increased land trust capacity, citizen stewardship and ecosystem services demonstration opportunities. Please note that Gates initiative grant funding is not an opportunity for ongoing operating or program support, nor does the Foundation accept unsolicited proposals for funding in these areas. The deadline is December 31st, 2019. For more information to apply click HERE.
ESRI Nonprofit Organizations Program. The Environmental Systems Research Institute provides many resources and avenues for non-profit organizations interested in developing GIS capacity but who lack the funds to pay retail costs. The deadline to apply is December 31st, 2019. For more information click HERE.
The Open Space and Mountain Parks Department (OSMP) of the City of Boulder has funding available through its funded research program for scientific inquiry on OSMP lands. Preference is given to original proposals that address priority research topics identified by the department. However, all proposals will be considered based on their merits. For research that crosses the boundaries of OSMP and the neighboring Boulder County Parks and Open Space and Jefferson County Open Space, interagency grant proposals for joint funding will also be considered. The maximum award amount for OSMP proposals is $10,000. The proposal deadline is January 10th, 2020. Full details are available HERE.
Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) is pleased to once again offer Small Research Grants to individuals or groups to conduct applied studies on JCOS lands. The goal of this program is to fund research that will inform the management of natural, cultural, and recreational resources. See a list of priority research topics in the announcement below. Applicants can also suggest original topics that have significance to resource management or visitor experience in JCOS parks and open spaces. Researchers can also propose interagency projects between JCOS, City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP), and Boulder County Parks and Open Space (BCPOS). The maximum award amount for JCOS proposals is $10,000. Proposals must be submitted electronically by 5:30 p.m. on January 13, 2020 to OSSRgrants@jeffco.us. Please see the announcement HERE for additional details.
Colorado's Water Plan Grant Opportunities: The purpose of the Water Plan Grant funding is to make progress on the critical actions identified in the Colorado’s Water Plan (CWP) and its Measurable Objectives. Water Plan projects eligible for grants fit into the five main categories: Agriculture, Conservation and Land Use, Engagement and Innovation, Environment and Recreation, and Water Storage and Supply. CWCB staff will evaluate applications and recommend projects to the CWCB Board for final approval at its regularly scheduled Board meetings. The next grant application deadline is February 1st, 2020. Learn more HERE.
The Non-Point Source (NPS) Program funds projects that help restore and protect waterbodies from nonpoint source pollution impacts. The CDPHE Water Quality Control Division is now accepting applications for watershed implementation projects that address water quality impairments caused by nonpoint sources of selenium, sediment, pathogens and/or nutrients OR protect waterbodies currently meeting water quality standards from further degradation due to nonpoint sources of pollution. For application and reference materials, click HERE. The application deadline is February 3rd, 2020. Please direct questions regarding the Request for Applications to Estella Moore at estella.moore@state.co.us by January 7, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Answers to those questions will be posted on npscolorado.com on January 15, 2020.
Colorado River Network offers funding from the Business for Water Stewardship Project Bank. Are you planning, designing, or implementing on-the-ground restoration projects that will restore river flows and/or recharge ground water? Would you like the opportunity to share your projects with businesses who may be interested in providing support for your projects? If the answer is “Yes!” be sure to check out the Business for Water Stewardship Project Bank, a new opportunity for paid members of River Network to use a national platform to attract funding.
US Department of Agriculture Rural Development Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program. This program provides funding for clean and reliable drinking water systems, sanitary sewage disposal, sanitary solid waste disposal, and storm water drainage to households and businesses in eligible rural areas. Full details, including requirements and registration, can be found HERE.
Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Water Quality Planning Design and Engineering Grants. These grants provide money to small communities to help cover costs associated with the State Revolving Fund pre-application requirements. Grants require a 20% match from the applicant. Planning grant applicants must complete the prequalification form and attend a pre-application meeting. Design and engineering grant applicants will be considered by project needs assessment submissions by approved disadvantaged communities. For more information click HERE.
The Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Supply Reserve Fund (WSRF) Program provides grants and loans to assist Colorado water users in addressing their critical water supply issues and interests. The funds help eligible entities complete water activities, which may include competitive grants for: Technical assistance regarding permitting, feasibility studies and environmental compliance; Studies or analysis of structural, nonstructural consumptive and nonconsumptive water needs, projects or activities; and structural and nonstructural water projects or activities. For more information click HERE.
What type of Water Supply Reserve Fund Grants are available?
Basin Account: Funds water activities from a basin roundtable. The CWCB evaluates applications for the Basin Account to ensure the Threshold Criteria are met. *Applications are accepted year-round.
Statewide Account: Funds water activities from a basin roundtable on a competitive basis. The CWCB evaluates applications for the Statewide Account to ensure each application meets the Threshold Criteria in addition to being evaluated using the Evaluation Criteria. *Statewide applications are brought before the board in March and September.
Colorado Water Conservation Board Water Efficiency Grant Program. The Water Efficiency Grant Program provides financial assistance to communities, water providers, and eligible agencies for water conservation-related activities and projects. Eligible entities, as well as state and local governments and agencies, can receive funding to develop water conservation and drought plans, implement water conservation goals outlined in a water conservation plan and educate the public about water conservation.
Types of Water Efficiency Grants available - Click on programs below for more information about each and how to apply:
Water Conservation Planning Grants: For water providers seeking to develop or update their water conservation plans.
Water Conservation Implementation Grants: For water providers implementing water conservation plan goals and programs identified in locally adopted and CWCB-approved water conservation plans.
Drought Mitigation Planning Grants: For water providers or state and local governmental entities developing drought mitigation and response plans.
Water Resource Conservation Public Education and Outreach Grants: For agencies seeking to promote the benefits of water resource conservation through public education and outreach.
The Environmental Protection Agency Water Finance Clearinghouse has access to hundreds of water funding opportunities that can be found HERE.