Standard Grants Program

Valley Water helps make a difference through our Standard Grants Program

What projects are eligible?

In this current round of funding, we have a total of up to $1.4 million in total with no minimum or maximum for projects that fit into the following categories:

• Water Conservation Research Grants are for projects to study and test new or uniquely applied water conservation activities. Applicants are encouraged to undertake research projects of new, repurposed, and/or innovative water conservation programs and technologies. The primary goal is to identify water savings devices and strategies that can assist Valley Water with its water conservation efforts.
• Pollution Prevention Grants are for projects that reduce contaminants, including emerging contaminants, in surface or groundwater, such as public education to reduce use of pesticides and PFAS-containing products, technical assistance to help growers protect groundwater and to keep agricultural pollutants away from surface water, and partnerships to reduce litter and graffiti.
• Support Volunteer Cleanup Efforts and Education Grants are for creek cleanup, education, outreach, and watershed stewardship activities.
• Wildlife Habitat Restoration Grants are for activities that support, restore, and/or conserve native fish and wildlife, such as creating or enhancing wetland, riverine, riparian and tidal marsh habitat; protecting special status species; removing fish migration impediments; removing non-native/invasive plant species; and planting native species.
• Access to Trails & Open Space Grants are for activities that provide and increase access to open space and creekside trails, or to trails that provide a significant link to a creekside trail network.

We are putting particular emphasis on projects that promote environmental justice and equity and that serve traditionally underserved or disadvantaged populations.

We want to broaden the reach of the funding we provide as well as opportunities. To learn more about our FY22 grants, click here. If you are interested in learning more about our 2012 Safe, Clean Water Program grants, click here.

Who is eligible?

We are accepting applications from the following organization types and groups that work/provide services within Santa Clara County:

• Local cities, towns, and county agencies
• Local nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) tax exempt status
• Open space districts
• Mutual water agencies/districts (public, not for profit)
• Resource conservation districts
• For-profit organizations (for water conservation grants only)
• Schools, community colleges, and colleges/universities (public and not for profit; private can apply for water conservation grants only)

Contact usif you're not sure about your eligibility.

What can we do for you?

We can help expand your organization’s impact in the community.

We are eager to partner with you to help create meaningful change. Even small changes can ripple out to a much bigger impact and pooling our resources can help us work together to create the change that improves our community and environment.

Timeline

Applications are due by March 10, 2023, and will be reviewed by mid-April 2023. Funds will be awarded following approval by the Board of Directors in May 2023. Funds will be dispersed on a reimbursement basis once the grant agreement is signed.

*Agreement Execution times may vary based on the complexity of the scope, CEQA review, permitting, and grantee’s ability to respond to any required follow-up documentation/clarifications.

Learn more

Still, have questions? Scroll down to the resources section to see what kinds of projects have received grant funding in the past or contact us at [email protected] or (408) 630-2080 to learn more.

Are you interested in staying in touch? Sign up for our mailing list to receive emails on future funding opportunities.

You can also schedule a meeting with staff using the following link:

• Schedule a 30-minute meeting

Valley Water also offers smaller grants under our Mini-Grants program and Refill Station Grant program!

Resources

Valley Water offers several resources to help you learn more about our standard grants to get you started on the application process. These resources include:

• Standard Grant Guidelines (PDF)
• FY23 Standard Grant Informational Workshop Presentation (PDF)
  • January 25, 2023 Virtual Informational Workshop Recording
  • February 2, 2023 Virtual Informational Workshop Recording
  • March 1, 2023 Virtual Informational Workshop Recording
• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)
• Grant Proposal Documents:
  • Project Scope Guidance (Word Document)
  • Project Budget Template (Excel)
  • Sample Project Budget (Excel)
  • Sample Governing Body Resolution (PDF)
• Past Projects:
  • Success Stories
  • FY22 Grants
  • 2012 Safe, Clean Water Program Grants
• Other Resources:
  • FY23 Standard Grants Flyer (PDF)
  • One Water Objectives (PDF)