California Watershed Protection Fund
California Watershed Protection Fund supports community-based groups through monitoring, restoration, and pollution-reduction projects that improve California surface waters and advance environmental justice.
Funder: Rose Foundation For Communities and The Environment
Due Dates: August 13, 2026 (Applications open) | October 15, 2026, 5 PM PT (Application due) | December 2026 (Award decisions)
Funding Amounts: Up to $40,000; most grants $10,000–$30,000, typically for one year
Summary: Supports community-based projects that improve surface water quality in eligible California watersheds and advance environmental justice.
Key Information: Applicants must demonstrate a strong track record of community-based water quality stewardship.
Description
The California Watershed Protection Fund, administered by Rose Foundation, supports projects that improve water quality and protect California watersheds. Funded by settlements in Clean Water Act citizen enforcement cases, it directs support toward surface water quality benefits in watersheds where enforcement actions have occurred. Eligible watersheds change by cycle as funding fluctuates.
Supported work includes water quality monitoring, restoration, green stormwater infrastructure, responses to emerging toxic and chemical threats, and community leadership linked to identifiable water quality actions. Priority goes to community-oriented grassroots groups and organizations with strong community-based water quality experience. The fund especially encourages projects involving impacted communities, benefiting vulnerable populations, and centering equity and environmental justice. Education and outreach must produce tangible water quality benefits, rather than primarily educational outcomes with limited near-term impact.
