California Watershed Protection Fund
The California Watershed Protection Fund supports community-driven projects that improve surface water quality and protect watersheds across priority regions in California.
Funder: Rose Foundation For Communities and The Environment
Due Dates: April 2, 2026 | October 15, 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to $40,000 per project; typical awards range from $10,000–$30,000 for one year (shorter/longer durations possible)
Summary: Supports projects that improve surface water quality and protect watersheds across California, prioritizing community-based and environmental justice initiatives.
Key Information: Applications must be submitted by 5 PM PT on the due date; no LOI required.
Description
The California Watershed Protection Fund, administered by the Rose Foundation for Communities and The Environment, funds projects that improve surface water quality and protect California watersheds. The Fund is supported by mitigation payments from Clean Water Act enforcement cases and prioritizes grassroots, community-based organizations—especially those engaging impacted or vulnerable populations and advancing equity and environmental justice. Eligible projects may include water stewardship, conservation, outreach and education (with a tangible water quality benefit), restoration, green stormwater infrastructure, and initiatives addressing emerging toxic and chemical threats. Funding is focused on watersheds affected by recent legal settlements, and the specific eligible geographies may vary by cycle. The Fund encourages proposals from organizations with a strong track record of community-based water quality stewardship.
