Water Quality Grants
Illinois EPA’s Water Quality Grants fund research and projects that improve water resources through green infrastructure, pollution reduction, and watershed management across Illinois.
Funder: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Due Dates: October 8, 2025 (Section 604(b) Water Quality Management Grant Program) | November 5, 2025 (Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities) | November 19, 2025 (Gulf Hypoxia Program Priority Watershed Implementation Grants) | September 16, 2026 (Section 319 Nonpoint Source Program FY2026)
Funding Amounts: Awards vary by program: up to $2.5M (GIGO), $336,699 (GHP), $4.75M annually (Section 319), no max/min (604b/OSG); typical project period is 2 years.
Summary: Supports Illinois water quality improvement projects including green infrastructure, watershed planning, and pollution reduction.
Key Information: Multiple grant tracks with different eligibility and match requirements; reimbursement-based funding.
Description
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) offers a suite of Water Quality Grants through its Bureau of Water, targeting a broad spectrum of local water projects to improve and protect water resources across Illinois. These grants support innovative solutions such as green infrastructure, nonpoint source pollution controls, watershed-based planning, and infrastructure upgrades to address combined and sanitary sewer overflows. The programs are designed to reduce stormwater runoff, limit pollutant loads, and enhance watershed management. Funding is available through several distinct programs, each with its own focus and eligibility requirements.
