Water grants — page 3
629 listings tracked right now · page 3 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 EPF Tech Fund, Nadace Tipsport, Windward Fund, 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 AFRICA, GLOBAL, GLOBAL-SOUTH, ASIA, LATAM. 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.
Venture Capital Investment
••••• Fund
The funder provides venture capital investment to early-stage, high-growth technology businesses led by youth across Africa that address sector challenges in water, housing, energy, agriculture, safety, education, transport, healthcare, and employment. The fund targets innovative tech solutions to development and sustainability problems across multiple sectors.
Sport bez odpadu 2026: Voda
••••• organisation
This grant supports sports clubs across the Czech Republic to implement waste reduction and sustainable water management practices at stadiums. It is designed for sports organizations seeking to improve environmental performance in their operations.
Water: Focuses on managing waterways and water systems, ensuring equitable access to clean drinking water, and…
••••• Fund
This grant funds projects that manage waterways and water systems, ensure equitable access to clean drinking water, and conserve marine ecosystems. It is open to organizations working on water security, freshwater access, and ocean/coastal conservation.
US River Recovery Coalition Fund / Regional Water Restoration Initiative
••••• organisation
This coalition initiative funds accountability, water safety testing expansion, and long-term restoration efforts in response to the 2026 Potomac River sewage spill. It supports organizations and coalitions working on pollution remediation, advocacy, and water quality recovery in the Potomac River watershed.
Contributing Towards Sustainable Ecosystem in Lake Kenyatta
••••• Foundation
This grant funds sustainable ecosystem management and conservation initiatives in and around Lake Kenyatta in Lamu County, Kenya, with a focus on land regeneration and marine conservation. It supports organizations working to protect and restore the lake's ecological health and surrounding environment.
Grand River Restoration – Freshwater Species
••••• Fund
This grant supports monitoring and protection of lake sturgeon, freshwater mussels, and native suckers in the Grand River watershed through collaborative research and restoration efforts. It is designed for university and agency partners working to restore aquatic ecosystem health in freshwater environments.
Environment and Territorial Use
••••• Agency
This grant from Italy's development cooperation agency funds environmental sustainability projects in developing countries, with focus on climate mitigation, water resources, biodiversity, and ocean conservation aligned with the 2030 Agenda and Paris Agreement. It targets Italian NGOs, research institutions, and development partners implementing projects in partner countries.
Global & Climate-Tech – Innovation Enterprise Discovery & Cultivation
••••• organisation
K-water is seeking innovative companies and startups in water technology and climate-tech sectors to identify, nurture, and support through its corporate strategic initiative. The programme targets water industry solutions, climate technologies, and global water business applications, including participants in the Korea Water Industry Innovation Startup Competition.
Facilitated Research
••••• Foundation
WRF facilitates collaborative research partnerships between utilities, stakeholders, and researchers to address complex water sector challenges. This grant funds multi-stakeholder research projects in water and wastewater treatment, supply, and management.
Tailored Collaboration
••••• Foundation
This grant enables water utilities, wastewater operators, and small consortia to fund bespoke research projects addressing their specific operational or regulatory challenges in water and wastewater management. Subscribers can tailor research scope and outcomes to their immediate needs rather than applying to generic calls.
Unsolicited Research
••••• Foundation
The funder invites researchers to propose innovative water and wastewater research projects outside its standard research priorities. This unsolicited grant programme funds novel ideas that advance water sector knowledge and practice.
a European venture fund launches €50M SFDR Article 9 impact fund
••••• organisation
A €50M SFDR Article 9 impact fund investing up to €3M per company in Seed and Series A startups with measurable environmental and social outcomes across eight sustainability streams (air, water, energy, mobility, education, healthcare, food/agriculture, circular economy). Targets approximately 10 companies per cohort year with equity-style venture capital.
Annual Call for Housing Projects
••••• organisation
This is an annual open call funding habitat and infrastructure projects for urban poor communities in developing countries, including housing, water, sanitation, and land regularisation. Non-profit organisations and local communities can apply for grants to address urgent shelter and basic services needs.
AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA) Cluster
••••• organisation
AGWA is an investment cluster by the funder targeting companies developing agrifood technology, food production innovation, and water resource management solutions. It funds startups and companies advancing agricultural and water technologies in the UAE and broader MENA region.
Environment / Natural Resource Management
••••• Foundation
This grant supports community-led natural resource management initiatives that integrate environmental protection with local livelihoods across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. It targets organizations working in Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Arctic on biodiversity conservation and sustainable resource use.
Protecting the Environment and Biodiversity
••••• Foundation
This grant funds projects that protect the environment and preserve biodiversity, reflecting the funder's commitment to environmental stewardship. It is open to organizations working on conservation, habitat protection, and ecological preservation initiatives.
Water Conservation & Landscape
••••• Fund
This grant funds water conservation and landscape management projects, building on the Drop of the Beskidy Fund's experience. It targets organizations working on water resource protection and landscape stewardship in Central/Eastern Europe.
Environmental-Cultural Education
••••• Fund
This grant funds environmental-cultural education programs and projects focused on energy, water, waste management, and responsible consumption. Eligible applicants include NGOs, schools, and local governments.
Green Infrastructure
••••• organisation
The funder funds essential infrastructure services—water, energy, sanitation, transport—using environmentally sustainable approaches in developing countries. The grant targets infrastructure projects that balance development needs with environmental protection.
Enabling others to remove dams
••••• Programme
This grant funds organisations and initiatives that provide capacity building and technical assistance to help others undertake dam removal projects. It targets intermediaries and support providers rather than direct project implementers, with a focus on freshwater ecosystem restoration and biodiversity conservation.
Environmental and social impact awards programme
••••• Foundation
A twice-yearly award programme from the funder recognizing associations working on environmental and social impact, with the current edition focused on freshwater and ocean conservation. Eligible organizations compete for trophies and funding to advance projects addressing planetary preservation and social justice.
Preserve the Planet
••••• Foundation
This grant supports associative (nonprofit) projects that directly preserve planetary ecosystems and resources—water, air, biodiversity, forests, oceans, soils—plus innovative environmental education initiatives. It is open to nonprofit organizations working on conservation and environmental sustainability.
A campaign and initiative supporting investment and action for ocean risk resilience and coastal communities
••••• organisation
This grant supports investment and action to build ocean and coastal resilience, particularly for communities vulnerable to ocean-related risks. It funds campaigns, initiatives, and projects that advance blue finance and climate adaptation in coastal zones.
Compact: Large-scale, country-led grants to eligible low- and lower-middle-income countries to reduce poverty
••••• organisation
MCC Compacts are large-scale, multi-year country grants to low- and lower-middle-income countries designed to reduce poverty through economic growth in infrastructure, agriculture, education, transport, and energy sectors. Eligible countries lead the design and implementation of these agreements.
Clean Water and Sanitation for the Most Vulnerable (Global)
••••• Foundation
This grant funds projects that improve access to clean water and sanitation infrastructure for vulnerable communities worldwide. It targets organizations working to deliver water and sanitation services to underserved populations globally.
Small Grants Programme (SGP) 2021
••••• organisation
The GEF Small Grants Programme funds environmental projects in Lebanon that advance biodiversity conservation and environmental protection. Eligible organizations can apply for grants to implement on-the-ground conservation and sustainability initiatives.
Small Grants Programme (SGP) 2022-2023
••••• organisation
The GEF Small Grants Programme funds environmental projects in Lebanon that advance biodiversity conservation and environmental protection. Eligible organizations can apply for grants to implement on-the-ground conservation and sustainability initiatives.
Solicited Grants Program
••••• Foundation
The funder funds environmental projects through an invitation-based solicited grants process, targeting organizations already in their network or specifically invited to apply. Eligible applicants submit proposals directly via a foundation-provided link to advance water management, watershed advocacy, agriculture, and community engagement initiatives.
Improve Irrigation System – Santa Rosa de Minas, Peru Lambayeque
••••• Foundation
This grant funds the installation of a sprinkler irrigation system in Santa Rosa de Minas, Peru to address water scarcity and improve agricultural productivity for coffee and food crops. The project targets climate adaptation and food security while reducing child malnutrition in the community.
Water Conservation – Reforestation, Water Harvesting and Infiltration Trenches – Peru Lambayeque
••••• Foundation
This grant funds reforestation with native queñual trees, rainwater harvesting systems, and infiltration trenches in Peru's Lambayeque region to improve water retention and availability during dry seasons. It targets organizations working on water conservation and watershed management in the Chacuaca headwaters area.
Water: Managing overuse of the world's water resources through agricultural research
••••• organisation
ACIAR funds agricultural research projects that address overuse and sustainable management of global water resources. The grant targets researchers and institutions working on water-efficient farming practices and agricultural innovations in developing countries.
Infrastructure Program
••••• Foundation
This grant funds solar power and WASH (water, sanitation, hygiene) infrastructure projects that provide reliable and affordable access to essential resources in underserved communities. It targets nonprofits, social enterprises, and community organizations working on energy access and water security in the Global South.
Urban Restoration & Stewardship
••••• organisation
This grant funds volunteer-led ecological restoration work at Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary in Saint Paul, including invasive species removal, habitat surveys, and native plant establishment, guided by Dakota values and a Natural Resources Management Plan. It is open to community volunteers and partners working with the City of Saint Paul on habitat and biodiversity stewardship.
Research & Innovation Grants
••••• Foundation
This grant funds research and innovation initiatives addressing global water challenges and the transition to sustainability and circular economy, primarily in Denmark. It supports research environments and projects that advance environmental sustainability through innovation.
Water & Development Grants
••••• Foundation
This grant funds projects that build societal resilience to water challenges and climate change impacts, primarily targeting water-stressed communities in Africa. Eligible projects address water supply, management, adaptation infrastructure, and climate-resilient water systems.
Early-Stage Water-Tech Venture Fund
••••• organisation
The funder Core Fund is an early-stage venture capital fund investing in pre-seed and seed-stage companies developing innovations in water quantity and quality risk management across B2C, B2B, and B2G markets. The fund targets water testing, monitoring, software, and treatment/remediation solutions.
Overseas – Water, Sanitation and Community Health
••••• Trust
This grant funds water, sanitation, hygiene, and community health programmes in the poorest anglophone African countries, delivered by local organisations. Applicants must have a reference or partnership with a verifiable stakeholder.
Long-Term USD Debt Investment for Textile Manufacturers
••••• Fund
The funder provides long-term USD loans to textile and apparel manufacturers in India and Bangladesh to finance adoption of sustainable production technologies that achieve at least 50% reduction in materials, energy, or water use. Loans up to $2.5M are paired with technical, environmental, and social expertise to support investees.
Nuclear Techniques Initiative for Microplastics Monitoring and Radiation-Based Recycling
••••• organisation
NUTEC Plastics is an IAEA-backed initiative that uses nuclear and radiation techniques to monitor microplastics in water systems and develop radiation-based recycling technologies to address plastic pollution. The grant supports organizations working on plastic waste reduction and environmental monitoring through nuclear science applications.
Peaceful Uses Initiative (PUI)
••••• organisation
The Peaceful Uses Initiative funds high-impact nuclear science and technology applications for sustainable development across health, food, water, and energy sectors in Member States. It mobilizes extrabudgetary contributions to support projects that advance development outcomes through peaceful nuclear applications.
Nuclear techniques for food security and agricultural productivity, including soil and water
••••• organisation
Atoms4Food is a callable funding programme that harnesses nuclear science and techniques to advance food security and agricultural productivity through soil and water management, crop improvement, and food safety. The grant is open to organizations working on agricultural innovation and food systems resilience using nuclear methodologies.
Technical Cooperation Programme
••••• organisation
The IAEA Technical Cooperation Programme provides expert missions, training, equipment, and fellowships to Member States to apply nuclear science and technology for peaceful purposes across energy, health, food security, and environmental protection. Eligible applicants are IAEA Member States seeking to build capacity and deploy nuclear technologies in these domains.
Water, Landscape, and Critical Zone Processes
••••• organisation
NSF grant supporting research on water, landscape, and critical zone processes, including interactions between water, soil, geology, and ecosystems. Eligible for academic and research institutions conducting fundamental science in hydrology, geomorphology, and environmental systems.
Awards from a French foundation – Preserving the planet
••••• Foundation
Bi-annual open call funding associations working on planetary preservation across water, biodiversity, forests, oceans, and renewable energy. Winners receive recognition and financial support for conservation and sustainability projects.
Minor Local Improvement Works
••••• Fund
This grant funds minor local improvement works projects focused on conservation and environmental enhancement specifically on Lantau Island. It is open to organizations undertaking conservation and infrastructure improvements in that geographic area.
Caring: Impact area dedicated to strengthening livelihoods and supporting social projects
••••• Foundation
This grant funds projects that strengthen livelihoods and support social initiatives, with explicit focus on responsible water resource management and climate action. It targets nonprofits, social enterprises, and community organizations working on water, climate, and livelihood resilience.
Nature and Environmental Protection
••••• Foundation
This grant funds nature and environmental protection initiatives, with a focus on safeguarding water bodies, wetlands, drinking water resources, and rewilding efforts. It is open to organizations working on conservation and restoration of aquatic and wetland ecosystems.
Global – Clean water and sanitation for the most vulnerable
••••• Foundation
This grant funds clean water and sanitation infrastructure and services projects targeting the most vulnerable populations worldwide. Eligible applicants can seek support for water access, treatment, and sanitation interventions in underserved communities globally.