James River Water Quality Improvement Program
Forecasted
The James River Water Quality Improvement Program supports organizations and public agencies undertaking on-the-ground projects to measurably reduce pollution and improve water quality in the James River watershed.
Funder: Virginia Environmental Endowment
Due Dates (Anticipated): June 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Minimum request of $100,000 annually for projects completed in 1–3 years
Summary: Supports on-the-ground projects that measurably improve water quality in the James River watershed.
Key Information: Projects must be located within the James River watershed.
Description
The Virginia Environmental Endowment’s James River Water Quality Improvement Program supports substantial, on-the-ground investments that reduce pollution in the James River and its tributaries. Guided by a Strategic Investment Plan, it favors implementation over planning or maintenance alone and prioritizes significant, measurable reductions in nutrient, sediment, or toxic pollution.
Priority work includes installing and permanently protecting forested or vegetated riparian buffers, accelerating agricultural pollution-reduction practices, constructing living shorelines, and restoring streams. In the greater Jamestown region and surrounding jurisdictions, the program also considers remediation of illicit sewage discharges and failing septic systems, along with cost-effective stormwater management. Projects outside these priorities may be considered if they demonstrate significant, cost-effective water quality benefits.
