[Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment](https://www.campbellfoundation.org)

January 23, 2026 | July 31, 2026

Up to $25,000 per grant; most awards are $10,000–$25,000; one-year grant period.

Supports community-driven watershed health and water quality advocacy, prioritizing marginalized groups' participation in policy.

Only organizations that have never received a Campbell Foundation grant are eligible for unsolicited grants.

--- ## Description The Watershed Advocacy program, offered by the Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, aims to improve watershed health and water quality by empowering communities—especially those that are marginalized or overlooked—to participate in policy-making and advocacy efforts. The program supports innovative initiatives that build the capacity of frontline watershed stewards, restoration practitioners, and fosters partnerships among diverse interests to enhance watershed health. While the Foundation has a special focus on the Chesapeake Bay region and California, unsolicited grant proposals are accepted from eligible organizations working in the United States or globally, with preference given to projects serving communities most impacted by water regulations. --- ## Due Dates - January 23, 2026: Unsolicited grant Cycle 1 — proposal submission deadline (due no later than 5 pm Pacific Time) - July 31, 2026: Unsolicited grant Cycle 2 — proposal submission deadline (due no later than 5 pm Pacific Time) Funding decisions are typically communicated within 6–10 weeks after the deadline. --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum request: $25,000 per unsolicited grant. - Typical awards: Most grants range from $10,000 to $25,000 for a one-year period. - Grants are generally for general support; funds should be expended within 12 months of award. - Awarded amounts may differ from requested amounts. --- ## Eligibility - Only U.S.-registered 501(c)3 public charitable organizations, educational institutions (170(b)(1)(A)(ii)), government agencies (170(c)(1)), or fiscally sponsored projects are eligible. - Your organization must **never have received a grant from the Campbell Foundation** to apply for an unsolicited grant. - Priority is given to organizations that: - Have operated for 5+ years - Have an annual operating budget between $1 million and $12 million - Have at least five funders of $5,000 or more - Have at least five board members - Demonstrate leadership that reflects the communities served - Focus on racial equity and/or serve Black, Indigenous, and communities of color - Operate in or serve areas of special interest: specific counties in California (Fresno, Kern, Kings, San Francisco, Tulare), Maryland (Dorchester, Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset), or Pennsylvania (Lancaster, York) - **Ineligible for unsolicited grants:** Academic/medical research, animal rescue, disease research, ecosystem restoration, films, hospitals, individuals, marine protected areas outside California, non-community-based fisheries, plastic pollution, single species conservation, and certain other areas (see foundation site for full list). --- ## Application Process 1. **Eligibility Check:** Complete the [eligibility checklist](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/unsoleligibilitychecklist) to confirm your organization’s eligibility. 2. **Prescreen Tool:** Use the [Prescreen Tool](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8TZ32SV) to assess your fit for the grant (optional but encouraged). 3. **Proposal Preparation:** Download and review the [proposal template](https://campbellfoundation.box.com/shared/static/b9tycl70b0uau101f9r12qrvzzf70u9d.docx). 4. **Submission:** Submit your proposal via the Foundation’s grants management system by the relevant deadline. Only complete proposals submitted through the official portal will be considered. 5. **Notification:** Funding decisions are communicated by the date specified for each cycle. **Note:** Only one proposal per organization per cycle. If declined, there is a two-year waiting period before reapplying. --- ## Additional Information - Proposals are accepted for general support only (not for capacity building or capital campaigns). - The Foundation is open to funding work globally, but with a strong preference for projects in their priority regions. - Renewal of unsolicited grants is rare and considered on a case-by-case basis. - No meetings with staff prior to submission; questions may be directed via email. --- ## External Links - [Watershed Advocacy Program Overview](https://www.campbellfoundation.org/programs/watershed-advocacy) - [Unsolicited Grant Requests Program](https://www.campbellfoundation.org/programs/unsolicited/) - [How to Apply](https://www.campbellfoundation.org/how-to-apply/) - [Eligibility Checklist](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/unsoleligibilitychecklist) - [Prescreen Tool](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/8TZ32SV) - [Proposal Template (DOCX)](https://campbellfoundation.box.com/shared/static/b9tycl70b0uau101f9r12qrvzzf70u9d.docx) - [Recent Unsolicited Grant Recipients](https://www.campbellfoundation.org/unsolicited-grant-recipients/) - [All Grant Recipients](https://www.campbellfoundation.org/grants-awarded/) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |--------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|---------------| | Khloe Graczyk, Grants Management (Pacific) | [kgraczyk@campbellfoundation.org](mailto:kgraczyk@campbellfoundation.org) | 410-990-0900 | | General Inquiries | [Tech Support](mailto:techsupport@campbellfoundation.org) | 410-990-0900 | For further details, consult the [Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment](https://www.campbellfoundation.org) website.

Watershed Advocacy

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