Best Water Grants in Puerto Rico

Focused on freshwater and coastal conservation, this nationally competitive program invites Puerto Rico water and habitat organizations to propose projects in eligible estuary watershed areas. Administered by Restore America’s Estuaries with EPA support, it offers US $200,000 - US $500,000 for work on habitat loss, stormwater, harmful algal blooms, invasive species, and related estuarine threats.

The Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant, offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aims to enhance career pipelines in the water utilities sector. This funding opportunity supports institutions and organizations in expanding access to water utility jobs through apprenticeship, education, and training programs. By fostering collaborations and increasing public awareness, the initiative seeks to address the workforce needs of water systems, contributing to community health and environmental protection.

The Desalination and Water Purification Research Program, led by the Bureau of Reclamation, aims to enhance water supply through innovative research in water treatment technologies. This initiative seeks proposals for laboratory and pilot-scale projects that demonstrate significant benefits and commercialization pathways. By addressing cost and energy barriers, the program aligns with federal priorities to improve resource management and support the development of sustainable water solutions for the American public.

The Rural Decentralized Water System Grant Program aims to assist low to moderate-income individuals in financing household water wells and decentralized wastewater systems. This program provides grants to eligible nonprofit organizations to create a revolving fund for loans and sub-grants. Funds can be utilized for constructing, refurbishing, or replacing water well and wastewater systems, ensuring safe and efficient water management for rural communities.

Nonprofits and community partnerships improving water quality, watersheds, and aquatic habitats in Puerto Rico can apply for the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Five Star Grant Program, with awards of US $30,000 - US $150,000. Funding supports ecological restoration, tree canopy and community garden projects, plus community outreach, education, and stewardship around freshwater and water resource management.

Conservation districts, state or territory conservation associations and agencies, Resource Conservation & Development Councils, and Tribal organizations in Puerto Rico can access funding through the National Association of Conservation Districts to expand technical assistance staff. NACD’s Technical Assistance Grants support conservation planning, water resource management, environmental justice, and community outreach that help producers and communities improve land and water stewardship.

Nonprofits, local governments, and other eligible entities seeking funding for watershed group development and water resource management planning in Puerto Rico can apply for the WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program. US Department of the Interior Bureau of Reclamation grants range from US $50,000 - US $300,000 and support restoration planning and cooperative watershed project design.

Public entities and other eligible water managers in Puerto Rico can seek funding for water resource management projects, including conservation, efficiency, infrastructure upgrades, and river or watershed restoration. With a mission to improve water resources, US Department of the Interior: Bureau of Reclamation provides awards of US $50,000 - US $3,000,000 for multi-benefit WaterSMART projects.

Water resource agencies and other eligible water managers in Puerto Rico can use these Bureau of Reclamation grants to improve hydrologic data, modeling, and water supply forecasting. The WaterSMART Applied Science Grants program offers up to US $400,000 to enhance tools and databases that support reliable water deliveries, drought resilience, and flood prediction.

Environmental and water resource organizations in Puerto Rico can seek funding to support forest and watershed health projects through the Healthy American Forests Initiative. Focused on environmental conservation and water resource management, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation offers US $250,000 - US $2,000,000 for two-year projects, including Tribally led efforts where applicable.

Puerto Rico public entities, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes needing water and waste infrastructure in rural areas can receive funding for drinking water, sewage, solid waste, and storm water projects. USDA Rural Development also supports related costs like legal and engineering fees, land and water rights, permits, start-up operations, and necessary equipment.

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026, funded by NOAA, aims to enhance research and education by supporting land acquisition and construction projects. With approximately $8.5 million available, the program prioritizes strategic expansions of Reserve boundaries and facility enhancements, ensuring sustainable design standards. Funding will support 5-20 projects over 12-36 months, with potential extensions for complex projects, contingent on available funds and negotiations.

Graduate students and early career professionals in marine, coastal, or Great Lakes science and policy can apply for a one-year, paid policy fellowship in Washington, D.C., open to eligible U.S. citizens and residents, including those from Puerto Rico. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution supports work at the intersection of marine policy and water resource conservation.

U.S. nonprofit organizations working on land, water, or climate-related conservation, including freshwater and water resource management in Puerto Rico, can seek large-scale project support through the Environment Program. Grants from Doris Duke Foundation help advance land and water conservation, natural climate solutions, and inclusive, equity-focused stewardship benefiting wildlife and communities.

Nonprofit organizations working on U.S. freshwater and water resource issues, including projects affecting Puerto Rico, can seek US $25,000 - US $75,000 for multi-state or national environmental initiatives. Roy A Hunt Foundation supports efforts like clean water protection, pollution reduction, and applied research that engage the private sector and advance sustainable, systems-level solutions.

Nonprofit organizations working on watershed stewardship and freshwater conservation, including water resource management, may be eligible for support from the Laird Norton Family Foundation. This private foundation funds long-term watershed health and resilience in select U.S. regions; interested organizations must review its priorities and then email staff with a brief description of their work.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations running freshwater conservation, water resource management, or related water stewardship projects can seek US $500 - US $5,000 to support ecosystem health, public health, and climate resilience efforts, including work in Puerto Rico. With a mission to protect vital waters, Bell's Brewery provides grassroots project funding across all 50 states and DC.

Nonprofit organizations and public entities working on freshwater conservation and water resource management, especially on private lands, may be eligible for funding to support restoration, conservation, and related initiatives in Puerto Rico. Grants from Biophilia Foundation help U.S. environmental groups with projects like ecosystem restoration, restorative economies, and conservation policy; awards range from US $5,000 - US $25,000.

Undergraduate students interested in marine, coastal, estuarine, or water resource issues can receive paid summer research and extension experience, earning up to US $5,000, through a Doyle Undergraduate Fellowship with New Hampshire Sea Grant. Fellows work on projects like fisheries, aquaculture, coastal ecosystems, and water resource management, gaining mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities.

The NALMS Achievement Awards: Secchi Disk Award recognizes outstanding contributions to lake management by its members. NALMS aims to unite citizens, scientists, and professionals to ensure the protection and management of lakes and reservoirs. This prestigious award is open to NALMS members, with nominations encouraged from any individual or entity. However, current board and committee members are ineligible. The award celebrates those who significantly advance NALMS's goals and objectives in fostering lake ecosystem awareness and management.

Individual researchers working on innovative water quality, freshwater conservation, or water resource management projects, including those collaborating with Puerto Rico-based universities, firms, or organizations, can apply for the Paul L. Busch Award, which provides up to US $100,000 to advance applied research and practical solutions. The Water Research Foundation supports work conducted in conjunction with a U.S.-based partner.

The Doree Taylor Charitable Foundation supports charitable organizations focused on basic provisions for underserved populations, humane care of animals, health care services, public media, and environmental initiatives. The foundation prioritizes organizations in Boothbay Harbor, Southport, and Brunswick, and encourages requests for general operating support, program support, and capital projects, while maintaining a focus on the impact of their services.

The Jim Flynn Outstanding Corporation Award, presented annually by NALMS, honors the corporation that has made significant contributions to advancing lake management goals. This award emphasizes the importance of facilitating information exchange, promoting public awareness of lake ecosystems, and supporting management programs at all levels. Eligible nominations can come from any individual or entity, focusing on achievements in lake and reservoir management. Notably, current NALMS board members and awards committee members are excluded from eligibility.

The SFS Fellows Grant, awarded by the Society for Freshwater Science, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to freshwater science research, policy, or management. Each year, up to four fellows are selected based on their sustained excellence and leadership within the field. This initiative also encourages diversity by promoting nominations from underrepresented groups and mid-career professionals. The grant fosters collaboration and participation in SFS activities, enhancing the impact of freshwater science.

The HDR One Water Institute Scholarship, offered by the American Water Works Association, provides $10,000 in funding to support graduate students pursuing degrees that will lead to careers as consultants in the water industry. This initiative highlights the importance of investing in future water professionals and fostering innovative research to address pressing water challenges.

The AWWA Scholarship Program, specifically the Mueller HBCU Scholarship, supports undergraduate students from historically black colleges and universities pursuing careers in the water sector. Offered by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), this scholarship recognizes the vital role of future professionals in addressing water industry challenges. AWWA aims to invest in students who will contribute to sustainable water management and innovation within their communities.

The AWWA Jacobs Holly A. Cornell Scholarship, established in 1990, supports graduate students pursuing water supply and treatment studies. Sponsored by Jacobs/CH2M, this $10,000 scholarship is aimed at first-generation college graduates or those who have faced economic disadvantages and significant educational barriers. AWWA, the largest organization of water supply professionals, emphasizes the importance of investing in the future of the water industry through such scholarships.