U.S. Bureau of Reclamation: WaterSmart program (multiple funding opportunities listed below).
Environmental Water Resources Projects
Environmental Water Resources Projects is a new funding category under WaterSMART. Projects that benefit plant and animal species, fish and wildlife habitat, riparian areas, and ecosystems directly influenced by water resources management are eligible.
Project types can include water conservation and efficiency projects to improve the environment through quantifiable and sustained water savings, mitigation of drought-related impacts, and watershed management or restoration projects with a nexus to water resources or water resources management. Projects under this new category may be eligible for up to 75% federal funding.
Applications are due December 9, 2021.
The Town of Telluride is pleased to announce the third round of Telluride Green Grants, a grant program that supports residents and businesses in reducing their carbon footprint. Grants of $500 to $35,000 are available from a total of $50,000 to qualified applicants. Applications can be found on EcoAction’s website HERE and are due to EcoAction Partners no later than December 17, 2021.
Water Quality Improvement Fund Grant- 2021 Request for applications - Category 1The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Water Quality Control Division, is now accepting applications for the Water Quality Improvement Fund Grant- Category 1. Category 1 is limited to stormwater management training and best management practices training to reduce the pollution of state waters. The deadline for submitting applications is 2 p.m. MST on Dec. 22, 2021. The request for application may be accessed HERE.
NEW - PFAS Grant Program. The PFAS Grant Program provides money to eligible entities through three project categories:
Sampling - for standard sampling and independent environmental studies.
Emergency Assistance - for communities and water systems affected by PFAS.
Infrastructure - treating existing PFAS and strategies for preventing upstream sources of PFAS.
Drinking water providers can apply to test their treated drinking and source waters. Each PFAS grant program category has different criteria. Review the 2022 Request for Applications and apply on the PFAS Projects webpage. The application period ends April 2022.
Nonpoint Source 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 watershed-based plans for either:
Pre-planning for an EPA Nine Element Watershed-Based Plan;
Developing a new EPA Nine Element Watershed-Based Plan; or
Updating an existing EPA Nine Element Watershed-Based Plan.
Please visit HERE for application and reference materials. The 2022 RFA Announcement is attached here as well. Applications must be submitted to cdphe_wqcd_nonpointsource+managers@state.co.us by December 31st, 2021 by 5pm (MST). Please direct questions regarding the RFA to Estella Moore at cdphe_wqcd_nonpointsource+managers@state.co.us by November 19, 2021 by 5pm (MST). Answers to those questions will be posted on npscolorado.comon November 22, 2021.
Upper Gunnison SPP Funding. Please see the attached solicitation for project proposals from CDPHE's Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division for the Upper Gunnison River Basin. The deadline for proposal submission is April 1, 2022.
Colorado Department of Agriculture Grant and Outreach Opportunities. There are many opportunities for engagement right now, we don't want anyone to miss out! Check out "CDA At A Glance" to find out what's going on this month.
The YWG BRT grant program has three designated award periods contingent upon available funding. All grant criteria is designated by the request amount of under or over $10,000. Please review the requirements and goals of the program to determine the appropriate application level for your request. These grants will be awarded in November, February and April depending on available funds. Click HERE for more information.
In response to the impacts of COVID-19, Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) has launched the Resilient Communities Program (RCP). The $15 million program aims to fund one-time, immediate needs or opportunities that have emerged in direct response to the pandemic. It will help partners advance outdoor recreation, stewardship, and land protection projects in a manner that best reflects community needs and priorities at this moment in time. Capacity and operations support, stewardship efforts, projects that support community vitality, and urgent and emergent land acquisition opportunities will be considered. For more information, including eligibility criteria and application forms, click HERE.
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.
Colorado's Water Plan Grants fund progress on the critical actions identified in the Colorado’s Water Plan (CWP) and its Measurable Objectives. See the grant guidelines and apply 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. Basin Account application timelines vary by basin. Statewide Account applications are brought before the board in March and September. For more information click HERE.
The Colorado Water Conservation Board offers numerous loans and grants to water providers and other entities statewide for a variety of water-related projects, studies, planning documents, awareness campaigns and other activities. Click HERE to find out more about the CWCB’s funding programs.
The Environmental Protection Agency Water Finance Clearinghouse has access to hundreds of water funding opportunities that can be found HERE.