Nonpoint Source Funding Opportunities
The Nonpoint Source Funding Opportunities grant from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment funds research and action to reduce nonpoint source pollution and improve water quality in Colorado.
Funder: Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Due Dates: October 12, 2026 (Concept Paper) | December 5, 2026 (Annual Application)
Funding Amounts: Watershed-based plan projects: $50,000–$150,000; Implementation projects: $200,000–$500,000 typical; up to $1M total available for implementation, $130K for planning per cycle; 3.5-year project period.
Summary: Annual funding for projects that restore and protect Colorado water quality from nonpoint source pollution via planning or implementation activities.
Key Information: 35% non-federal match required; concept paper is optional but strongly encouraged for feedback.
Description
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Nonpoint Source (NPS) Funding Opportunities program provides annual grants for projects that restore and protect water quality by addressing nonpoint source pollution throughout Colorado. Funding is available under the Clean Water Act Section 319(h) for both watershed-based planning (development or update of watershed plans) and implementation projects (construction or adoption of best management practices, or BMPs). The program aims to help applicants align their project concepts with state and federal water quality priorities and maximize the effectiveness of efforts to address diffuse pollution sources.
The funding cycle begins with an optional concept paper submission, which allows applicants to receive feedback from the NPS Program before submitting a full application. Projects must address human-caused nonpoint source pollution and may focus on planning (EPA Nine Element Watershed-Based Plan) or implementation (restoration or protection activities). A 35% non-federal match is required for all projects.
