Water Quality Grants
Illinois EPA Water Quality Grants fund research and projects that improve water quality, reduce pollution, and promote science-based watershed management across Illinois.
Funder: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Due Dates: September 16, 2026 (Section 319 Nonpoint Source) | November 5, 2025 (Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities) | November 19, 2025 (Gulf Hypoxia Program) | October 8, 2025 (Section 604(b) Water Quality Management)
Funding Amounts: Most programs: $75,000–$2,500,000 per project (GIGO max); Section 319: up to 60% of project cost; GIGO: up to 75% of project cost; GHP: up to 80% of project cost; Section 604(b): varies.
Summary: Illinois EPA Water Quality Grants fund local and regional projects to improve water quality, reduce pollution, and advance watershed and stormwater management throughout Illinois.
Description
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) offers a suite of Water Quality Grants through its Bureau of Water, supporting a range of local and regional initiatives aimed at improving water quality across the state. These grants fund projects that address nonpoint source pollution, implement green infrastructure, upgrade sewer systems, and support watershed management planning. Programs include the Section 319 Nonpoint Source Grants, Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities (GIGO), Gulf Hypoxia Program (GHP) Priority Watershed Implementation Grants, and Section 604(b) Water Quality Management Planning Grants. The goal is to encourage innovative, impactful solutions that reduce stormwater runoff, nitrate pollution, and protect Illinois’ rivers, streams, and lakes.
