Water grants — page 7
629 listings tracked right now · page 7 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 Bundesregierung / Förderdatenbank, Global Environment Facility, European Investment Bank (EIB), 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 SUBSAHARAN-AFRICA, SE-ASIA, AFRICA, LATAM, 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.
Elimination or reduction of and prevention against climate change-induced waterlogging or erosion
••••• organisation
German state funding programme supporting projects that eliminate, reduce, or prevent climate change-induced waterlogging and erosion impacts. Eligible applicants can seek support for adaptation infrastructure and land management interventions addressing these specific climate hazards.
Promotion and Development of Nature Conservation, Landscape Management and Regional Development (Landscape Management Guideline 2015 – LPR)
••••• organisation
This German state funding programme supports nature conservation, landscape management, and land development projects aligned with the 2015 Landscape Management Guideline (LPR). It is open to public authorities, nonprofits, and other eligible organizations working on habitat protection, ecological restoration, and sustainable land use in Germany.
Measures for Water Body Development and Flood Protection
••••• organisation
This German state-level grant funds water body development and flood protection infrastructure measures. It targets public authorities and organizations implementing water management and climate adaptation projects to reduce flood risk and improve water resources.
Biodiversity conservation, sustainable land management and enhanced water security in Lake Tanganyika basin
••••• organisation
This grant funds transboundary biodiversity conservation, sustainable fisheries management, and landscape restoration in the Lake Tanganyika basin across multiple African countries. It targets governments, regional organizations, and conservation entities implementing Strategic Action Plans and ecosystem protection in a critical freshwater biodiversity hotspot.
Promoting the blue economy and strengthening fisheries governance of the Gulf of Thailand through the Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (GoTFish)
••••• organisation
This grant funds implementation of Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF) governance in the Gulf of Thailand to improve natural resource management and strengthen fisheries sustainability. It targets government agencies, research institutions, and regional organizations working on marine resource conservation and blue economy development in Southeast Asia.
Funding for Water Management Projects (RZWas 2021)
••••• organisation
German federal grant programme supporting water management and water infrastructure projects. Eligible applicants include public authorities, water associations, and other entities undertaking water-related investments aligned with German water policy objectives.
Private Flood Risk Precaution – FRL pHWEV/2021
••••• organisation
This German federal funding programme supports private flood risk prevention and adaptation measures for property owners and businesses. It finances structural and non-structural flood protection investments to reduce vulnerability to flooding.
Promotion of Flood Protection and Flowing Water Development
••••• organisation
This German state-level grant supports flood protection infrastructure and water resource development projects. It is open to public authorities, water management organizations, and potentially private entities involved in water infrastructure and climate adaptation in Germany.
Nature-Based Water Body Development and Strengthening the Regulatory Capacity of Landscape Water Management (RL GewEntw/LWH)
••••• organisation
This German state-level grant funds nature-based water body development and strengthens landscape water management regulation capacity. It targets public authorities and water management organizations implementing ecological water infrastructure and regulatory frameworks.
Promotion of Running Water Development (Guideline Running Water Development – RWD)
••••• organisation
This German state-funded grant supports the development and restoration of flowing water ecosystems, likely including river rehabilitation, habitat protection, and hydrological management. It targets public agencies, nonprofits, and research institutions working on freshwater biodiversity and watershed conservation.
Global Development Financing and Advisory Programme – NDICI/Global Europe
••••• Bank
EIB Global provides financing and advisory support for development projects outside the EU across Africa, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, and neighbourhood regions, with a focus on climate, infrastructure, and health outcomes. The programme targets institutional and project-level investments aligned with the EU's NDICI–Global Europe mandate.
Environmental Resilience
••••• Foundation
This grant funds projects that build resilience to environmental and climate-related challenges across Asia and the Pacific region. It supports organizations working on climate adaptation and environmental sustainability interventions in the region.
Unsolicited Grants Program
••••• Foundation
This is an open grant cycle from the funder supporting US-based nonprofits with general operations funding up to $25,000, prioritizing work in water management, watershed advocacy, agriculture, drinking water, community engagement, and racial equity. First-time applicants only; two cycles per year.
Aquatic Ecosystems
••••• organisation
FFEM finances pilot projects that preserve and restore aquatic ecosystems in marine and freshwater environments. The grant targets organizations working on ecosystem conservation and restoration in water-related sectors.
Supporting and Developing Widening Strategies to Tackle Hydroclimatic Extreme Events (SD-WISHEES)
••••• organisation
SD-WISHEES is a research funding programme by the African Academy of Sciences supporting science that addresses hydroclimatic extreme events (droughts, floods, storms) across Africa. It targets researchers and institutions developing adaptation and disaster-risk reduction strategies in response to climate-driven water and weather hazards.
"Cu Apele Curate" (Clean Waters) grants programme
••••• organisation
Lidl Romania funds environmental projects that reduce plastic pollution in the Danube River and its tributaries through a grants programme. The call supports nonprofits, social enterprises, and community groups working on water quality and waste reduction in Central/Eastern Europe.
Habitat / Water
••••• Foundation
This grant funds projects that improve access to potable water as a foundational resource for sustainable livelihoods in Palestine. It targets water supply, treatment, and access initiatives that enable economic and social resilience in the region.
A Sustainability Growth Equity Fund
••••• organisation
The funder invests $5–15M in established, high-growth sustainability companies across energy, water, materials, and food & agriculture with $5M+ revenue and a clear path to positive EBITDA. The fund leads, co-invests, or invests solo from Series A through majority stakes.
Climate Equity Collaborative Fund
••••• organisation
A $50 million collaborative philanthropy fund supporting 13 organizations working at the intersection of climate change, Indigenous land rights, gender equity, and poverty. The fund prioritizes land and water stewardship, climate-resilient infrastructure and employment, sustainable agriculture, and hyperlocal regranters.
Water Supply Programme
••••• Foundation
This grant funds water supply infrastructure and sanitation projects in Kenya and Uganda to improve living conditions in developing countries. It targets humanitarian water access initiatives as part of broader development and poverty alleviation efforts.
SCP – Green Villages Central Asia
••••• organisation
This grant funds sustainable consumption and production programmes that promote green village models across Central Asia, with a focus on water, sanitation, and rural sustainability. It targets organizations working to implement sustainable development practices in rural communities throughout the Central Asian region.
WSSP – Water and Sanitation in the Balkan Region
••••• organisation
This programme funds water and sanitation infrastructure and access improvements across the Balkan region, with an explicit gender-inclusive approach to ensure equitable outcomes. It targets organizations working on water supply, treatment, and sanitation services in Southeast Europe.
Environmental Catalyst Program
••••• organisation
The funder invests in US-based organizations and coalitions that advance Patagonia's priority campaigns in climate, land conservation, water, and environmental justice. This is a portfolio-driven grant program supporting mission-aligned nonprofits and coalitions working on the funder's core environmental initiatives.
Grassroots Collaborative Program
••••• organisation
The funder funds community-led grassroots organizations across the US working on environmental issues including environmental justice, land conservation, water, and climate. This is a portfolio grant supporting multiple environmental sectors through grassroots and community-based approaches.
Retail Partnerships Program
••••• organisation
This grant empowers Patagonia retail stores to act as local funders and partners for environmental nonprofits working on conservation and environmental justice in their communities. Eligible nonprofits can access funding through their local Patagonia retail partner.
Corporate Grants (1% for the Planet)
••••• organisation
Patagonia offers invitation-based grants to small, frontline, and community-led grassroots organizations advancing environmental priorities including land and water conservation, climate solutions, agricultural transformation, and community resilience. Eligible organizations must be working on Patagonia's core environmental and social impact areas as part of the company's 1% for the Planet commitment.
Research Prize for Wastewater Resource Recovery and Water Quality
••••• Foundation
The Paul L. Busch Award is a $100,000 prestigious research prize recognizing outstanding advancement in wastewater resource recovery and water quality treatment. It targets researchers and institutions conducting innovative work in these water-focused domains.
Facilitated Research Grants
••••• Foundation
WRF offers research grants for water quality, treatment, and utility management topics through its facilitated research programme. The grants support applied research and development projects addressing challenges in water supply, wastewater, and water quality management.
Emerging Opportunities
••••• Foundation
This is a rapid-response funding mechanism from the funder designed to support timely research addressing urgent or newly emerging issues in the water and wastewater sectors. It is intended for researchers and organizations that can quickly mobilize to tackle pressing water-sector challenges.
Tailored Collaboration Program
••••• Foundation
A matching research program where water utilities and researchers collaborate on targeted, utility-specific research projects addressing water treatment, wastewater, and water-quality challenges. Eligible applicants include utilities and research institutions seeking to fund applied research with direct operational relevance.
Unsolicited Research Program
••••• Foundation
This grant funds innovative and transformative research projects in water science, treatment, and quality submitted by researchers and utilities through a pre-proposal process. It is open to researchers and water utilities seeking to advance novel ideas in water-related domains.
Research Priority Program
••••• Foundation
WRF's primary research funding mechanism that identifies and funds collaborative research priorities addressing critical water quality and management challenges in partnership with subscribers and the water sector. This is a broad call for research proposals aligned with sector-identified priorities in water, wastewater, and stormwater management.
Institutional Grants – Sustainable Resource Management
••••• Foundation
This grant supports policy and practice changes in sustainable resource management across Latin America, with the goal of improving livelihoods. Eligible applicants are organizations working on natural resources and environmental issues in the region.
Land, Water and Climate Justice Fund
••••• Fund
This grant supports grassroots civil society organisations, groups, individuals and movements in Uganda working on land rights, water access and climate justice. It prioritises frontline communities most impacted by climate change and applies feminist grantmaking principles.
Water, Sanitation & Health Projects
••••• Foundation
This grant funds philanthropic projects focused on potable water, sanitation, and health infrastructure in developing countries, particularly Central America, with preference for student involvement. Only US-based organizations are eligible to receive funding.
Our Natural World
••••• Foundation
This grant funds organisations pursuing systemic environmental and nature conservation outcomes, aligned with the funder's natural world priority. It supports work that drives transformative change in biodiversity, ecosystems, and environmental protection.
Early-Stage Water Technology Fund
••••• organisation
The funder Water Fund provides early-stage funding to water technology entrepreneurs developing climate-resilient solutions across the water sector. The fund targets founders building innovative technologies to address water-related challenges driven by climate change.
Water-focused Grant Fund
••••• Fund
A water-focused grant fund established in partnership with baseball player Darvish Yu to support water-related projects and activities. Eligible applicants can seek funding for water supply, treatment, watershed management, and related environmental water initiatives.
4℃ Aqua Program
••••• Fund
The 4℃ Aqua Program supports water-related initiatives and projects addressing water challenges, with an active 2025-2026 grant cycle. Eligible applicants include organizations working on water supply, treatment, management, and watershed conservation.
Kyoto World Water Grand Prize
••••• Fund
An international award programme recognizing outstanding water-related projects and innovations from around the world. Eligible applicants can submit water-sector initiatives for recognition and potential funding.
Support for Grassroots Activities for Water
••••• Fund
This grant supports grassroots water projects that address water access and sanitation challenges in communities, funded through charitable mechanisms by the Japan Water Forum Fund. It targets nonprofits, charities, and community groups working directly on water supply, treatment, and watershed solutions.
a Japanese water-sector funding programme
••••• Fund
JWF Fund provides grants to support water-related grassroots and charitable activities, with a donation campaign tied to Japan Water Day (August 1). The fund targets nonprofits and community organizations working on water supply, treatment, watershed management, and related water security initiatives.
Broader Focus Areas – Unsolicited Expressions of Interest
••••• Foundation
The funder invites unsolicited expressions of interest from organisations working in education, employment, clean water, or energy serving vulnerable communities in Mongolia, Southeast Asia, or France. Applicants submit a brief 500-word note describing their programme and alignment with the foundation's focus areas.
Basic Services: Projects that increase the availability of basic services such as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
••••• Foundation
This grant funds projects that expand access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services to improve public health and living standards. It targets organizations working to deliver essential infrastructure and services in underserved communities.
Environmental Conservation
••••• Foundation
This grant supports projects that conserve natural environments and ecosystems globally, funding habitat protection, biodiversity work, and ecological restoration. It is open to organizations working on environmental conservation at any scale worldwide.
Adaptation and Resilience
••••• Foundation
This grant funds climate adaptation and resilience-building initiatives across African economies and communities, with a focus on protecting livelihoods, food systems, and development from climate impacts. It supports governments, civil society organizations, and coalitions working on adaptation solutions.
Grassroots Water Solutions
••••• Fund
This grant funds grassroots climate justice movements that restore waterways, enhance landscape connectivity, and protect ecosystem integrity in response to climate-driven water system disruption. It targets community-led organizations working on water restoration and biodiversity conservation at the intersection of climate adaptation and environmental justice.
Water: A programme addressing water access, governance, and sustainability across Latin America
••••• Foundation
This grant programme funds initiatives addressing water access, governance, and sustainability across Latin America, supporting organizations working on water security and management. It targets nonprofits, social enterprises, and community-based organizations implementing water-related projects in the region.