Nonpoint Source (NPS) Implementation Grants
Nonpoint Source (NPS) Implementation Grants support public entities and nonprofits in reducing water pollution and restoring aquatic habitat through watershed projects in Rhode Island.
Funder: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Due Dates: November 16, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. (Final proposals)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $750,000 available; requests generally $25,000–$250,000 under the RFP; 1–2 years preferred
Summary: Supports projects that reduce nonpoint source water pollution and restore aquatic habitat in targeted Rhode Island watersheds.
Key Information: Reimbursement-based grants require a non-federal match of 40% of total project costs.
Description
The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) administers these competitive implementation grants with US Environmental Protection Agency funding under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The program protects and restores Rhode Island waters used for drinking water, swimming, fishing, shellfishing, recreation, and healthy aquatic ecosystems. It addresses diffuse pollution from stormwater runoff, failing septic systems, agriculture, erosion, and other nonpoint sources.
Supported work includes aquatic habitat restoration, stormwater green infrastructure, agricultural best management practices (BMPs), erosion control, onsite wastewater improvements, and municipal ordinance updates. RIDEM encourages projects consistent with watershed plans that produce measurable water-quality or habitat benefits. Green infrastructure can also provide flood mitigation, cooling, and resilience benefits. Projects solely focused on research or water-quality monitoring and assessment involving experimental or unproven technologies are not eligible.
