Let’s Work Together to Create Change!

Do you have a great way to conserve water or educate others about the importance of our creeks and streams but realize you need help turning your idea into action?

Valley Water’s Grants & Partnerships Program allows us to work with the community to make a difference together. This year, we have $1.4 million available for projects that advance our mission of providing safe, clean water for a healthy life, environment and economy. This effort is funded by Measure S, the renewal of the Safe, Clean Water and Natural Flood Protection Program that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in November 2020.

There is no minimum or maximum amount per project. Grant applications are due by Friday, March 10, 2023.

All submitted applications will be evaluated based on the Eligibility and Evaluation Criteria as outlined in the Standard Grant Guidelines. Once reviewed, funding recommendations will be made to the Valley Water Board of Directors based on the application review and grant funding allocation matrix. Valley Water’s Board of Directors reserves the right to approve full or partial funding of the requested amount. Not all projects that meet minimum requirements are guaranteed to be funded.

The specific categories we are looking to fund projects in are:

• Water Conservation Research Grants are for projects to study and test new or uniquely applied water conservation activities. Applicants are encouraged to undertake research projects of new, repurposed, and/or innovative water conservation programs and technologies. The primary goal is to identify water savings devices and strategies that can assist Valley Water with its water conservation efforts.
• Pollution Prevention Grants are for projects that reduce contaminants, including emerging contaminants, in surface or groundwater, such as public education to reduce use of pesticides and PFAS-containing products, technical assistance to help growers protect groundwater and to keep agricultural pollutants away from surface water, and partnerships to reduce litter and graffiti.
• Support Volunteer Cleanup Efforts and Education Grants are for creek cleanup, education, outreach, and watershed stewardship activities.
• Wildlife Habitat Restoration Grants are for activities that support, restore, and/or conserve native fish and wildlife, such as creating or enhancing wetland, riverine, riparian and tidal marsh habitat; protecting special status species; removing fish migration impediments; removing non-native/invasive plant species; and planting native species.
• Access to Trails & Open Space Grants are for activities that provide and increase access to open space and creekside trails, or to trails that provide a significant link to a creekside trail network.

If you have a project that fits within one of these descriptions, we encourage you to apply!

We are particularly interested in projects that promote equity, allowing resources to reach historically underserved areas or have not received grant funding support from the program in the past. Bonus points are offered to projects that serve disadvantaged communities, applicants applying for the first time, and applicants that demonstrate financial stability.

Who can apply?

For this round, we are accepting applications from organizations and groups such as:

• Public agencies, open space districts, resource conversation district and mutual water agencies/districts (public and not for profit)
• Schools, community colleges, and colleges/universities (public and not for profit only; private can apply for water conservation grants only)
• Nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) tax exempt status
• For-profit organizations (for water conservation grants only)

How do I apply?

Visit valleywater.org/grants to view the 2023 Standard Grant Guidelines, which includes detailed information about the online application process, minimum requirements and eligibility criteria. You can also find the frequently asked questions, more resources and samples/templates to assist you with your application.

We encourage you to attend a virtual informational workshop for the details and application tips to better prepare yourself to submit a strong and competitive proposal.

Virtual Information Workshops:

• January 25, 2023, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. (Zoom RSVP Link)
• February 2, 2023, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. (Zoom RSVP Link)
• March 1, 2023, from 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. (Zoom RSVP Link)

Questions?

Visit us at valleywater.org/standardgrants or contact us at grants@valleywater.org or (408) 630-2080.