Nonpoint Source (NPS) Implementation Grants
Nonpoint Source (NPS) Implementation Grants support governments, public schools, universities, and nonprofits in reducing runoff pollution and restoring aquatic habitat in targeted Rhode Island watersheds.
Funder: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
Due Dates: November 16, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. (Final application, extended)
Funding Amounts: Estimated $750,000 available; generally $25,000–$250,000 per the RFP; one to two years preferred
Summary: Supports projects that reduce nonpoint-source pollution and restore aquatic habitat in targeted Rhode Island watersheds.
Key Information: Reimbursement-based awards generally require non-federal match covering 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 addresses diffuse pollution from stormwater runoff, failing septic systems, agricultural activities, and erosion while protecting or restoring aquatic habitat. Its goals include supporting drinking water supplies, swimming, fishing, shellfishing, recreation, and healthy aquatic ecosystems.
Eligible work includes riparian buffer restoration, stream connectivity improvements, aquatic invasive plant management, green stormwater infrastructure, local ordinance updates, onsite wastewater improvements, agricultural best management practices (BMPs), and erosion control. RIDEM encourages projects with measurable water-quality benefits and environmental co-benefits, including flood mitigation and urban cooling. Projects solely focused on research or water-quality monitoring, or involving experimental or unproven technologies, are not eligible.
