Water grants — page 10
629 listings tracked right now · page 10 of 14
Grants and contracts for water supply, treatment, reuse and resilience. The active funders are the World Bank and regional development banks, EU LIFE and Horizon, the US EPA, and water utilities procuring through the public-tender feeds. Listed below are the open water grant calls in that landscape, taken from each funder's own notice and re-checked on every refresh.
Water and ocean funding sits mostly with development finance and national infrastructure budgets rather than with innovation programmes. The recurring sources are the World Bank and the regional development banks, the Green Climate Fund, EU LIFE and Horizon, and national water and environment agencies. Awards tend to be tied to a specific catchment, coastline or utility, so geographic eligibility is usually the first thing to check rather than the last.
This page lists open water grants currently tracked by Raise Lens — 629 of them right now, sorted with the soonest deadline first. Every listing has been classified against the sustainability taxonomy rather than matched on keywords, so what appears here is water work rather than anything whose description happens to mention it.
The funders publishing water grants here include Natural England, Government of Canada, FEMSA Foundation, among 2 others. Who is funding matters as much as what: eligibility, reporting burden and the realistic timeline to a decision vary far more between funders than between individual calls.
Geographic coverage on this page spans GLOBAL, LATAM, GLOBAL-SOUTH, AFRICA, ASIA. Eligibility is usually tied to where the work happens or where the applying organisation is registered, and the two are not always the same — worth checking before investing time in an application.
TE16: Use tree surgery to 'hinge' a tree into a watercourse
••••• organisation
This grant funds tree surgery techniques, specifically 'hinged' tree placement into watercourses, to support habitat restoration and watershed management. It is available to eligible applicants working on natural environment projects through the funder's funding schemes.
TE10: Coppicing bankside trees
••••• organisation
This grant funds the coppicing (sustainable harvesting and management) of bankside trees to support habitat and ecosystem health along waterways. It is available to eligible landowners and land managers in England through the funder's agri-environment scheme.
Biodiversity Financing
••••• organisation
The International Biodiversity Program funds initiatives to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by addressing direct drivers such as land/sea-use change, species overexploitation, invasive species, pollution, and agriculture. Applicants including women, Indigenous Peoples, and organizations working on conservation can submit unsolicited proposals on a rolling basis.
Sustainable Development of Water Resources in Latin America
••••• Foundation
The funder funds sustainable development and management of water resources through community water projects across Latin America. Eligible applicants include government agencies, development NGOs, foundations, institutes, and other nonprofit organizations.
Development Innovation Ventures
••••• Agency
USAID's Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) identifies, develops, tests, and scales innovative solutions across development sectors including agriculture, energy, climate, water, and natural resources. Applicants can seek funding at three stages: Proof of Concept (up to $200k/3 years), Testing and Positioning for Scale, and Scale phases.
DRIVE Infrastructure Projects
••••• Ministry
DRIVE funds infrastructure construction projects in water, climate, food security, and sexual/reproductive health in eligible developing countries, with grants ranging €5–60 million. The program targets entrepreneurs and organizations worldwide building physical infrastructure in these priority sectors.
Social Innovations for the Developing World
••••• Fund
The funder invites proposals for innovative, cost-effective solutions addressing major development challenges (energy, water, agriculture, fisheries) in the developing world. It funds teams from social enterprises, for-profits, NGOs, government agencies, and researchers globally, offering grants, loans, and equity investments.
Grants for NGOs in Latin America and Caribbean
••••• Foundation
The funder awards grants to NGOs and community-based organizations in Latin America and the Caribbean to improve living conditions for disadvantaged populations through grassroots projects in agriculture, water, conservation, and natural resource management. Minimum grant size is US$25,000.
A Major Foundation's Small Grant for Nature Conservation
••••• Foundation
The funder Small Grant funds nature conservation projects up to GBP 18,000 in emerging or developing economy countries. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, charities, and community groups working on biodiversity and environmental protection in the Global South.
A Major Foundation Grant
••••• Foundation
The funder funds locally-led community initiatives addressing clean water access, sanitation, or food security through irrigation in Australia and overseas. Registered charities and not-for-profit organisations can apply for AUD $5,000–$30,000 to implement trade-skills-based projects with demonstrated community consultation.
Environmental Management
••••• Foundation
This grant funds conservation, water access, and environmental sustainability initiatives in developing countries. Eligible applicants can pursue projects in biodiversity protection, water infrastructure, and broader environmental management.
Symbiosis in Aquatic Systems Initiative
••••• Foundation
This grant funds interdisciplinary research into symbiotic relationships within aquatic ecosystems, examining their ecological and evolutionary significance in marine and freshwater environments. It is designed for researchers and institutions conducting basic and applied biology research on aquatic symbiosis.
Andes-Amazon Initiative
••••• Foundation
This grant supports conservation and protection of forests and freshwater ecosystems in the Andes-Amazon region, one of Earth's most biodiverse areas. It is designed for organizations working on biodiversity conservation and ecosystem preservation in this critical geographic zone.
Call for Proposals from a youth-focused water organisation
••••• organisation
YWC funds youth-led initiatives addressing water security, health, and agricultural resilience aligned with SDG6 and climate action. Eligible projects span four thematic pillars: water-related risks, water & health, water & agriculture, and transboundary water sharing.
A Foundation-Backed Renewable Energy for Livelihood Challenge
••••• organisation
This grant identifies, supports, and scales affordable clean energy innovations tailored to India's underserved rural and peri-urban communities, with focus on cold chain, water access, productive livelihoods, and rural enterprise. Eligible applicants include startups, social enterprises, nonprofits, and other innovators working on contextually relevant renewable energy solutions.
Special Climate Change Fund (SCCF)
••••• organisation
The Special Climate Change Fund supports climate adaptation and technology transfer projects across water resources, agriculture, coastal management, health, and infrastructure in developing countries that are parties to the UNFCCC. Eligible applicants include developing country governments and institutions working on climate resilience and sustainable resource management.
Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF)
••••• organisation
The LDCF finances preparation and implementation of National Adaptation Programs of Action (NAPAs) to help Least Developed Countries adapt to climate change impacts across water, agriculture, health, disaster risk management, and fragile ecosystems. Eligible countries are LDCs recognized by the UN, and funding supports both planning and on-the-ground adaptation interventions.
Regional Biodiversity Initiative
••••• Foundation
The Andes-Amazon Initiative funds conservation and effective management of the Amazon biome and freshwater ecosystems across eight countries and one territory, with a goal to protect 70% of forest cover by 2031. It supports indigenous lands, protected areas, land-use policies, and cross-border partnerships to advance biodiversity and climate outcomes.
Sustainable Development
••••• Foundation
This grant funds water supply, sanitation infrastructure, watershed conservation, and applied research to deliver safe water and improved sanitation to underserved communities in FEMSA's operating regions. Eligible applicants are organizations working on water access and environmental conservation in Latin America.
Water and water security
••••• Foundation
This grant funds water security initiatives through environmental conservation, watershed protection, and support for regenerative economic models. It targets organizations working on water source protection, river restoration, and spring conservation.
Special Call: Coastal Resilience in the English-speaking Caribbean
••••• Foundation
This grant funds community-led organizations in the English-speaking Caribbean to implement coastal resilience and disaster recovery projects, with awards up to $400,000. It targets grassroots groups working on climate adaptation and natural resource management in vulnerable coastal regions.
Right to Land, Water, and Resources
••••• Fund
This grant funds community-led initiatives defending land, water, and natural resource rights against encroachment and exploitation. It targets grassroots organizations and communities working on environmental justice and resource protection.
Local Livelihoods
••••• Fund
This grant supports grassroots organizations and community-led initiatives that protect natural resources and strengthen livelihoods of resource-dependent communities. It targets environmental conservation and sustainable livelihood projects at the local level.
Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund (GEBF)
••••• Foundation
The Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund supports fish, wildlife, and habitat restoration projects in the Gulf of Mexico region through NFWF's stewardship programme. Eligible applicants can seek funding for conservation and ecological restoration work that benefits marine and coastal ecosystems.
Columbia Basin Water Transactions Program
••••• Foundation
This grant funds water transactions and associated legal support in the Columbia Basin to restore fish and wildlife habitat and ecosystem health. Eligible applicants include nonprofits, tribes, and other organizations working on water conservation and environmental restoration in the region.
Climate Resilient and Equitable Water Systems (CREWS)
••••• Foundation
CREWS funds transformation of urban stormwater and wastewater systems to enhance climate resilience and ensure equitable water access for all community residents. The grant targets municipalities, utilities, and community organizations working on water infrastructure adaptation and environmental justice.
Native Fish Recovery Grant
••••• organisation
This grant funds native fish recovery projects, likely focused on habitat restoration, species protection, and freshwater ecosystem health. It is open to organizations working on conservation and water-related environmental outcomes.
International Grants
••••• organisation
Grants to grassroots environmental organizations based in select international countries outside the US and Canada, aligned with Patagonia's environmental priorities including land conservation, water, climate, agriculture, and environmental justice. Eligible organizations must meet Patagonia's standard environmental criteria and be based in eligible international jurisdictions.
Regional Ecosystem Health
••••• Foundation
The funder's Regional Ecosystem Health programme provides grants to protect and restore ecosystem health, biodiversity, and conservation across the Pacific Northwest. Eligible applicants are nonprofits, research institutions, and community organizations working on ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation in the region.
Strategy Track: Early-stage investment for Pre-Seed or Seed companies with at least three full-time team members
••••• organisation
The funder provides early-stage investment (SAFE, convertible note, or direct equity) to Pre-Seed and Seed companies with at least three full-time team members, supporting market expansion, product launches, and go-to-market strategy. The fund focuses on climate and sustainability sectors including energy, transportation, water, food, agriculture, and nature.
Corporate-Startup Sprints
••••• organisation
Emerald Sprints is an accelerator-style programme supporting entrepreneurs developing sustainable industrial innovation solutions across energy, materials, water, automation, and food-and-agriculture sectors. The programme is designed for early-stage companies seeking to scale technologies and business models in clean industrial transition.
CVC-as-a-Service: Tailored corporate venture capital mandates for blue-chip corporate limited partners seeking exposure to sustainable industrial innovation
••••• organisation
The funder offers tailored corporate venture capital mandates enabling blue-chip corporations to invest in sustainable industrial innovation across energy, materials, water, automation, and food & agriculture. This is a fund-of-funds or co-investment vehicle connecting large corporate LPs with portfolio companies advancing clean technology.
Climate Adaptation and Mitigation
••••• organisation
The funder funds climate action projects that address climate risks in agriculture, energy, and water systems for vulnerable populations. The grant supports both mitigation and adaptation interventions across agri-food, energy, and water sectors.
Water: Systems-Level Interventions for Water Security
••••• organisation
The funder funds systems-level interventions to improve water security for people and ecosystems globally. The grant supports water supply, treatment, sanitation, and watershed management projects across developing regions.
Impact-Ready Solutions
••••• organisation
The funder offers a portfolio of pre-designed, implementation-ready service blueprints to address development challenges across clean energy, water, climate resilience, human rights, and nature-based solutions. The grant is designed for funders, companies, and communities seeking structured, scalable approaches to sustainability and development impact.
International Waters
••••• Programme
This grant funds local community-led actions addressing sustainable management of shared freshwater and marine ecosystems across transboundary water bodies. It targets communities and organizations working on water and ecosystem conservation in developing regions.
Civic Engagement and Environmental Impact Grants
••••• Fund
First Solar's Corporate Charitable Fund provides grants, training, expertise, and in-kind donations to NGOs for green education programs and clean energy/water access in communities where First Solar operates. The program targets environmental impact and civic engagement through partnerships with local and global nonprofits.
Impact investment from a Dutch impact investor
••••• organisation
The funder provides patient capital and active partnership to innovative, scalable companies in East Africa working in sustainable food systems, renewable energy, and water & sanitation services. The firm targets businesses that deliver measurable social and environmental impact while achieving long-term profitability, aligned with UN SDGs.
Community Investment Programme
••••• Foundation
The funder provides grants, employee matching, in-kind contributions, and pro-bono technical assistance across food security, water stewardship, and local community development. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, schools, health agencies, and community organizations working on agricultural development, watershed restoration, hunger relief, and disaster response.
Small Grants
••••• Trust
The funder offers three grant programmes (General Fund £1,000–£5,000, Martin Wills Fund £5,000–£20,000, and Martin Wills Wildlife Maintenance Trust £1,000–£3,000) supporting charities across the UK and Ireland for community strengthening, education access, and wildlife/habitat protection. Grants prioritise practical, locally-driven initiatives with clear community engagement, realistic plans, and measurable outcomes.
Support from a UK development-finance organisation
••••• organisation
The funder supports agricultural and rural development projects that improve water access, food security, and economic livelihoods in developing regions. The grant targets entrepreneurs and organizations implementing sustainable water and agricultural solutions in underserved communities.
Environment Program
••••• Foundation
The funder's Environment Program funds organizations advancing sustainable economic development that protects nature and strengthens communities through three initiatives: One Water (clean water access), Finance for Sustainability (clean energy and ecosystem protection), and Amazon Basin work (land rights and sustainable livelihoods). The program targets nonprofits, community organizations, and international partners working on integrated solutions that combine environmental protection, economic opportunity, and quality of life.
Dutch Fund for Climate and Development
••••• organisation
The Dutch Fund for Climate and Development invests in climate adaptation and mitigation projects in developing countries, targeting climate-resilient water systems, forestry, climate-smart agriculture, and ecosystem restoration. The fund prioritizes vulnerable groups (women, youth) and critical ecosystems while mobilizing public and private capital to address the $3.5 trillion climate finance gap.
Water Projects from a US Water-Access Foundation
••••• organisation
The funder funds water supply and access projects, likely in developing regions where clean water infrastructure is lacking. The grant supports community-based water solutions and related development initiatives.
Grants from a youth-focused climate and water foundation
••••• organisation
YWC provides labeling, platform visibility, and donor/partner connections for youth-led water and climate projects that align with SDGs and Paris Agreement commitments. Eligible projects must demonstrate feasibility, sustainability plans, and clear environmental or social impact.
Funding from a major Nordic foundation
••••• Foundation
The funder provides grants and investments to organizations addressing vulnerable populations and environmental causes in BESTSELLER's operating communities, with emphasis on job creation, female founders, and circular economy solutions. The foundation funds humanitarian relief, climate resilience, health and livelihood improvements, and circular economy acceleration across Africa and South Asia.
Major Foundation Grant
••••• Foundation
The funder funds locally-led initiatives that provide access to clean water, sanitation, or food security through irrigation in Australia, overseas, and currently prioritizes flood-affected communities in Texas. Eligible applicants must propose specific projects with defined timelines and budgets, excluding general maintenance or donations.
Call for Partnerships Application
••••• organisation
P4G funds partnerships between early-stage businesses and nonprofits implementing climate mitigation or adaptation solutions in food, energy, and water sectors across six ODA-eligible countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Beyond grant funding, P4G provides technical assistance, due diligence, business matchmaking, and investment readiness support to help scale climate-smart and poverty-alleviating solutions.