Program Name | Description | Eligible Entities | Eligible Entity Information | Project Type | Award Ceiling | Award Floor | Non-federal Cost Share | Application Deadline | Status | Informational Webinars | Government Level | Agency | Agency Contact | Agency Program Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-reimburseable Project Investment Grants | Projects Bill Grants (formerly Non-Reimbursable Project Investments) are CWCB Board authorized state-wide investments for regional supply needs that do not fit within other CWCB grant programs. Grants also require approval by the General Assembly. Matching funds are typically required, and the amount of funding can vary annually, but is generally between $1 million - $10 million. The Construction Fund Grant deadline is August 1 of each year. | Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Nongovernmental Organizations Institutes of Higher Education Entities with Water Delivery Authority Landowners For Profit/Private Entities | Any private or public entity that can contract with the state and that can establish and document the need for the project. | Municipal/Industry Conservation | $10,000,000 | $1,000,000 | Yes | 8/1/2026, 11:00:00 PM (UTC) | Open | Colorado | CO Water Conservation Board | Kirk Russell 303-866-3441 x3232 | https://cwcb.colorado.gov/funding/projects-bill-grants#:~:text=Projects%20Bill%20Grants%20(formerly%20Non,approval%20by%20the%20General%20Assembly. | |
| Regional Conservation Partnership Program (Classic or Alternative) | The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. RCPP projects may include a range of on-the-ground conservation activities implemented by farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. These activities include: Land management/land improvement/restoration practices, Land rentals, Entity-held easements, United States-held easements, Public works/watersheds. Check with your local office for application deadlines. August 24 is the federal NRCS deadline for the actual RCPP proposal. That is the deadline for the lead partner to submit the full RCPP proposal to NRCS (through the RCPP portal) by 4:59 p.m. ET. State deadlines = internal NRCS/state coordination deadlines, not the federal application deadline. Because RCPP projects can cover one or multiple states, NRCS requires applicants to coordinate with the relevant State Conservationist and state RCPP coordinator before submitting. States may set earlier dates for: -requesting a consultation meeting, -submitting a draft concept, -completing the State Conservationist questionnaire, -getting feedback on alignment with NRCS priorities. There is a classic program and an Alternative Funding Arrangement (AFA) program. The AFA program may be better suited for projects that use innovative approaches to leverage federal investment, including things like pay-for-performance conservation approaches and large-scale infrastructure investments generating conservation benefits. The expectation is that AFA Partners will be ready to implement the project quickly. Talk to a local NRCS office to determine what might be the best fit. | State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Nongovernmental Organizations | State, local, and Tribal Governments; NGOs may act as potenial partners | Agriculture Improvements Watershed Health Forest Management | $10,000,000 | $250,000 | 8/25/2026, 2:40:42 AM (UTC) | Open, Rolling | RCPP NOFO Applicant Webinar – June 30, 2026 - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/d8329fd1-0409-4b9c-9f37-9e184fc7f84e@ed5b36e7-01ee-4ebc-867e-e03cfa0d4697 | Federal | US Dept Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service | Colorado: Marissa Markus, Marissa.Markus@usda.gov, (970) 964-3581; New Mexico: Kristin Grahamchavez, kristin.grahamchavez@usda.gov, (505) 761-4404; Arizona: Meredith Truelove, meredith.truelove@usda.gov, (520)-549-7292 | https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/rcpp-regional-conservation-partnership-program | |
| Gates Family Foundation Colorado Natural Resources Funding | This funding source supports projects that conserve, protect, and enhance Colorado’s natural resources, with a focus on long-term investments in land, water, habitat, and outdoor spaces. Eligible projects may include land conservation, protection of natural systems, preservation of agricultural landscapes, public recreation infrastructure, parks, greenways, trails, and other projects that improve access to and stewardship of natural resources. The foundation prioritizes projects that address root challenges, demonstrate strong community involvement, and benefit rural or underserved communities. For aquatic and stream restoration efforts, this funding is most relevant for capital-scale conservation projects such as land acquisition, watershed protection, restoration infrastructure, or improvements that support long-term ecosystem health rather than short-term planning or operational needs. | Nongovernmental Organizations | Open to 501(c)(3) public charity recognized under IRS sections 509(a)(1) or 509(a)(2), or in limited cases a government entity | Forest Management Watershed Health Public Land Access Aquatic Connectivity | Must have 30% of project costs committed | 9/1/2026, 9:28:10 PM (UTC) | Open | Contact Lisa Rucker with questions, lrucker@gatesfamilyfoundation.org or (303) 722-1881 | https://gatesfamilyfoundation.org/strategic-priorities/natural-resources/ | |||||
| Bureau of Land Management’s Invasive and Noxious Plant Management Program | The Bureau of Land Management’s Invasive and Noxious Plant Management Program supports watershed and stream restoration by funding efforts to prevent, detect, control, and monitor invasive plant species that threaten native ecosystems and watershed function. Projects supported through this program can help restore resilient plant communities through invasive species treatments, early detection and rapid response, burned area rehabilitation, emergency stabilization, and public education. By improving the health of native plant communities on public lands, the program complements stream restoration efforts by protecting riparian corridors, improving habitat conditions, and strengthening long-term watershed resilience. | State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Nongovernmental Organizations Institutes of Higher Education | States/Counties and local governments, Native American tribal governments/organizations, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions. | Forest Management Watershed Health | $400,000 | $20,000 | None | 9/25/2026, 2:02:55 PM (UTC) | Open | N/A | Federal | Bureau of Land Management Dept. of Interior | Seth Flanigan, sflanigan@blm.gov | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/359778 |
| North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) U.S. Standard Grants | The NAWCA U.S. Standard Grants Program provides competitive matching grants that support public-private partnerships to protect, restore, and enhance wetlands and associated upland habitats for the benefit of migratory birds and other wildlife. The program promotes long-term wetland conservation, habitat restoration, and healthy migratory bird populations in alignment with the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and other North American bird conservation plans. Eligible projects include wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement; riparian and upland habitat restoration; floodplain and hydrologic reconnection; invasive species management; habitat-focused water management infrastructure; and watershed-scale conservation projects that provide long-term benefits for migratory birds and other wildlife | State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Nongovernmental Organizations For Profit/Private Entities | State governments County governments City or township governments Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Small businesses | $3,000,000 | $250,001 | 50% | 9/26/2026, 3:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | Federal | US Fish and Wildlife Service | Stacy Sanchez, stacy_sanchez@fws.gov | https://www.fws.gov/service/north-american-wetlands-conservation-act-nawca-us-standard-grants | ||
| Bureau of Land Management’s Plant Conservation and Restoration Management Program | The Bureau of Land Management’s Plant Conservation and Restoration Management Program supports watershed and stream restoration by expanding the availability of native seed needed to restore and stabilize landscapes after wildfire, floods, and other disturbances. By investing in native seed production and strengthening partnerships with farmers, small producers, and conservation partners, the program helps build a more reliable native seed supply chain that supports revegetation, erosion control, habitat recovery, and long-term watershed resilience. Access to locally appropriate native seed is a critical component of stream restoration projects, particularly those focused on riparian habitat restoration, floodplain reconnection, and recovery of degraded watersheds. | State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Nongovernmental Organizations Institutes of Higher Education | States/Counties and local governments, Native American tribal governments/organizations, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions. | Forest Management Watershed Health | $500,000 | $10,000 | None | 9/28/2026, 2:06:48 PM (UTC) | Open | N/A | Federal | Bureau of Land Management Dept. of Interior | Seth Flanigan, sflanigan@blm.gov | https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/359778 |
| Partners for Fish and Wildlife | The Partners for Fish and Wildlife (PFW) Program is a voluntary, incentive-based program that provides direct technical assistance and financial assistance primarily through cooperative agreements to private landowners to restore and conserve fish and wildlife habitat for the benefit of federal trust resources. Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program staff coordinate with project partners, stakeholders and other Service programs to identify geographic focus areas and develop habitat conservation priorities within these focus areas. NOTE: Applicants must apply through the grants.gov website but also must contact the partners biologists (contacts below). Applicants can submit projects on an ongoing basis for consideration, despite due dates highlighted on Grants.gov. | Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos State Government Local Government, including Acequias For Profit/Private Entities Institutes of Higher Education Nongovernmental Organizations | Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) State governments City or township governments Special district governments Small businesses County governments Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Private institutions of higher education For profit organizations other than small businesses Individuals Independent school districts Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities | Agriculture Improvements Forest Management Watershed Health | $750,000 | N/A | 20-50% non federal cost share | 10/1/2026, 12:00:00 AM (UTC) | Open | Federal | Dept. of Interior US Fish and Wildlife Service | Arizona: Jennifer Kaplan 602-376-6622 Jennifer_Kaplan@fws.gov New Mexico: Maceo Martinet maceo_martinet@fws.gov Colorado: Dominic Barrett 303-236-4341 Dominic_Barrett@fws.gov Other Contacts: Southwest region: Don Wilhelm, don_Wilhelm@fws.gov National: Andreas Moshogianis, andreas_moshogianis@fws.gov | https://www.fws.gov/program/partners-fish-and-wildlife | |
| Rural Decentralized Water System Grant Program | This program provides grant funding to qualified nonprofits, including tribally owned nonprofits, to create a revolving loan fund or to award sub-grants to homeowners for supporting access to individually owned water and wastewater services in eligible rural areas. Grant funds may be used to help a nonprofit create a revolving loan fund for eligible individuals who own and occupy a home in an eligible rural area. The fund may be used to construct, refurbish, or service individually owned household water well and decentralized wastewater systems. Terms for the loans include one percent fixed interest rate, 20-year maximum term, and $15,000 maximum loan per household. The nonprofit may also award subgrants for the same purposes to eligible individuals meeting certain conditions. | Nongovernmental Organizations | • Rural areas and towns with populations of 50,000 or less • Tribal lands in rural areas • Colonias | Water Administration | 10% nonfederal cost share required | 10/1/2026, 3:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | Federal | US Dept Agriculture | Eric Vigil, New Mexico Acting State Director, eric.vigil@usda.gov, (505) 761-4950; Sallie Clark, Colorado State Director, sallie.clark@usda.gov, (720) 544-2903; Lori Urban, Arizona State Director, lori.urban@usda.gov, (602) 280-8701. | https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/rural-decentralized-water-systems-grant-program | |||
| WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects | Previously known as the WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Project opportunity, the new "Enhancing" Water Resources Project opportunity supports collaboratively developed projects that benefit multiple water users, improve water supply reliability, and enhance watershed health. Projects that balance numerous community interests (agriculture, recreation, fisheries, power, etc.), were developed collaboratively, and provide significant watershed benefits will be prioritized under this funding opportunity. There will be two rounds of funding under the opportunity. The first round will close Wednesday September 9th, 2026, and the second round will close Wednesday September 8th, 2027. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full funding opportunity announcements on grants.gov under R26AS00017: https://simpler.grants.gov/opportunity/a940c518-8df8-4df8-ad9b-e1a5c84d48eb | State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Entities with Water Delivery Authority Nongovernmental Organizations | State, Tribal or local government, an organization with power or water delivery authority, regional authority, or a nonprofit conservation organization | Municipal/Industry Conservation Watershed Health | $3,000,000 | $50,000 | 25 percent non-Federal cost share is required at the time of award. A watershed group is eligible to apply for 50-percent cost-shared funding without a Category A (States, Tribes, irrigation districts, and water districts; State, regional, or local authorities) partner but must have a Category A partner to be eligible for 75-percent Federal funding. Watershed groups requesting 75-percent Federal funding should include a letter of support or other documentation demonstrating that they are acting in partnership with and with the agreement of the Category A entity. | 9/8/2027, 9:00:00 PM (UTC) | Open | Reclamation will host a webinar on Tuesday June 16th, 2026 at 1:00pm MDT to share more information on the WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects funding opportunity. The webinar will cover eligible applicants, project types, and the application process. | Federal | Bureau of Reclamation Dept. of Interior | For additional information, contact Alisha James bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov or Genevieve Allan (Albuquerque office) at gallan@usbr.gov | https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/ewrp/index.html |
| WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program | Reclamation’s WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP) provides funding to grassroots, local watershed groups to encourage diverse stakeholders to develop collaborative solutions to address their water management needs. A watershed group is a self-sustaining, non-regulatory group that is composed of a diverse array of stakeholders, which may include, but is not limited to, private property owners, non-profit organizations, Federal, state, or local agencies, and tribes. Funding is provided for the support of watershed groups on a competitive basis for the development of watershed groups, watershed restoration planning, and watershed management project design. R26AS00349 Cooperative Watershed Management Funding Opportunity is currently accepting applications. The closing dates for each of the four application periods are: October 7, 2026 February 24, 2027 September 1, 2027 February 15, 2028 | Local Government, including Acequias Nongovernmental Organizations State Government Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos | City or township governments County governments Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification) State governments Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Special district governments Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) | Watershed Health | $300,000 | $10,000 | 0 | 2/16/2028, 4:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | There will be an informational webinar on July 21, 2026, at 1:00pm MT and the recording will be posted here: https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/cwmp/index.html | Federal | Dept. of Interior Bureau of Reclamation | Genevieve Allan Planning Group Supervisor Water Management Division Albuquerque Area Office Bureau of Reclamation Interior Region 7 - Upper CO Basin Cell: (702)-275-7893 gallan@usbr.gov | https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362755 |