Freshwater algae control grant program
Freshwater algae control grant program supports Washington agencies and Tribes with planning, research, monitoring, control, and outreach to address toxic cyanobacteria and improve water quality and public health.
Funder: Washington State Department of Ecology
Due Dates: October 15, 2026 (Applications open) | December 17, 2026, before 5 p.m. (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 per grant; $100,000–$200,000 available; no matching funds required
Summary: Supports Washington projects that address toxic freshwater cyanobacteria through planning, control, research, monitoring, nutrient reduction, and outreach.
Key Information: Eligible applicants are cities, counties, special purpose districts, state agencies, and Tribes.
Description
The Washington State Department of Ecology’s Freshwater Algae Control Grant Program provides competitive funding for projects addressing toxic freshwater blooms caused by cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae. These blooms can harm people, pets, and livestock and affect water quality, habitat, recreation, and other public uses. Ecology administers the program through an annual funding cycle for projects throughout Washington State.
Supported activities include Lake Cyanobacteria Management Plans, cyanobacteria control and management, applied research and pilot projects, monitoring programs, nutrient reduction, and education and outreach. Priority goes to lakes that have experienced harmful freshwater algae blooms within the past three years. For state fiscal year 2028, water quality and public health improvements account for half of the available application scoring points.
