[Rose Foundation For Communities and The Environment](https://rosefdn.org)

April 2, 2026 (Full application deadline; applications due by 5:00 PM PT)

Up to $40,000 per grant; typical awards range from $10,000–$30,000; most grants are for one year.

Supports projects that improve water quality and protect watersheds in California, prioritizing community-based stewardship and environmental justice.

--- ## Description The California Watershed Protection Fund, administered by the Rose Foundation for Communities and The Environment, provides grants to projects that aim to improve surface water quality and protect watersheds throughout California. The fund is rooted in Clean Water Act mitigation settlements and focuses on supporting community-driven efforts, particularly those that benefit impacted communities, vulnerable populations, and advance equity and environmental justice. Eligible activities include water stewardship, conservation, outreach and education (with a direct water quality benefit), restoration, green stormwater infrastructure, addressing emerging toxic threats, and building community leadership for water quality stewardship. Projects must demonstrate a clear benefit to surface water quality in eligible California watersheds. For the Spring 2026 cycle, eligible watersheds include the San Francisco Bay Delta, Santa Ynez River (including San Miguelito Creek), Los Angeles area watersheds, Orange County watersheds, and Humboldt & Arcata Bays. The fund is especially interested in supporting grassroots organizations and those with a strong track record of community-based water quality work. --- ## Due Dates - April 2, 2026: Full application deadline (applications due by 5:00 PM PT) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant request: $40,000 - Typical grant range: $10,000–$30,000 - Most grants are for a one-year period, but longer or shorter durations may be requested as needed. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3), or a governmental or tribal entity. - Nonprofit colleges, universities, clinics, and graduate programs are eligible but should consult with a program officer regarding overhead/administrative fees. - Applicants must demonstrate capacity to complete the project and have a strong track record of community-based water quality stewardship. - Organizations with an active grant from this fund are not eligible to reapply until their final report is submitted and approved. - Projects must directly benefit the surface water quality of an eligible watershed (see current list for each cycle). - Projects focusing exclusively on groundwater are only eligible if there is known interconnectivity to surface waters. - Grants are not available to individuals or for-profit businesses, for endowments, land acquisition, general operating support, or for projects outside the listed geographic scope. --- ## Application Process - Review eligibility requirements and prepare your application materials. - Create an account or log in to the [Rose Foundation's online grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=rosefdn&). - Complete and submit your application online by the deadline; applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM PT on April 2, 2026. - No Letter of Inquiry (LOI) is required for this fund. - Print or save a copy of your submitted application for your records. - Applicants will be notified of grant decisions in May 2026. - For assistance or application issues, contact [grants@rosefdn.org](mailto:grants@rosefdn.org) or call (510) 658-0702. - [Detailed online submission instructions are available](https://rosefdn.org/granting/online-instructions/). --- ## Additional Information - Priority is given to community-based, grassroots groups and projects that involve impacted communities and promote environmental justice. - Projects must include measurable water quality benefits; education-only projects are less competitive unless they include direct action components (e.g., restoration, cleanups). - Grant recipients must acknowledge the Rose Foundation and relevant partners in all project materials. - See [past grantees](https://rosefdn.org/environmental-grants/california-watershed-protection-fund/#past-grantees) for examples of funded projects. - [Book a 15-minute consultation](https://calendly.com/tbell-rosefdn/15-minute-consultation-with-rose-program-officer) with a program officer for questions or proposal guidance. --- ## External Links - [Program page and full guidelines](https://rosefdn.org/environmental-grants/california-watershed-protection-fund/) - [Start your application](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=rosefdn&) - [Online application instructions](https://rosefdn.org/granting/online-instructions/) - [Contact the Rose Foundation](https://rosefdn.org/contact/) - [See current and past grantees](https://rosefdn.org/apply-for-a-grant/current-past-grantees/) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [grants@rosefdn.org](mailto:grants@rosefdn.org) | | Phone | (510) 658-0702 | | Online Portal Help | [Rose Foundation Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=rosefdn&) | | Book a Consultation | [15-minute program officer consult](https://calendly.com/tbell-rosefdn/15-minute-consultation-with-rose-program-officer) | | Foundation Address | 201 4th Street, Suite 102, Oakland, CA 94607 |

California Watershed Protection Fund

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