Community Water Quality Improvement Grant
Community Water Quality Improvement Grant supports Delaware nonprofits and community groups in projects that reduce nonpoint-source pollution and improve water quality in impaired watersheds.
Funder: Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
Due Dates: October 30, 2026 (proposals, 4:30 p.m.)
Funding Amounts: $25,000–$75,000 per project; up to 2 years for implementation or 3 years for research
Summary: Supports projects in Delaware’s developed landscape that measurably improve water quality in impaired watersheds.
Key Information: Projects must be in an impaired Delaware watershed with an established TMDL or approved restoration or pollution control strategy.
Description
The Community Water Quality Improvement Grant is an annually determined set-aside in the Delaware Clean Water State Revolving Fund’s Non-Federal Administrative Account. The Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council selects projects through a competitive process, and DNREC’s Environmental Finance office administers applications. The program supports implementation projects and activities in developed areas of Delaware that improve surface and groundwater quality in impaired watersheds.
Potential work includes stormwater retrofits, stream and wetland restoration, evaluation of new best management practices, and other nonpoint-source pollution control projects not currently feasible for Clean Water State Revolving Fund financing. The program seeks cost-effective, sustainable approaches with measurable results. It prioritizes community involvement, education and outreach, additional resources, and approaches that can be transferred to other settings.
