The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently requesting proposals for its Urban Waters Small Grants Program. The mission of EPA’s Urban Waters Program is to help local residents and their organizations, particularly those in underserved communities, restore their urban water in ways that also benefit their local communities and promote economic revitalization. For the 2015/2016 grant cycle, the EPA seeks to fund projects that address urban runoff pollution through diverse partnerships that produce multiple community benefits, such as protection of drinking water sources. Source water protection projects eligible under the Small Grants program include:
- Work with city planners and the community to assess sources of pollution and plan actions to protect drinking water
- Create a community program that increases awareness of the sources and impacts of pollution on sources of drinking water
- Evaluate current zoning to develop model zoning ordinances for protection of drinking water supplies
State, federal, and local government, nonprofit institutions, Indian Tribes, public and private universities, and interstate agencies are encouraged to apply, though proposed activities must take place entirely within one of the Eligible Geographic Areas. This year, $1.6 million in funding is available and EPA expects to award $40k-$60k per award.
The Urban Waters Small Grant Program offers an excellent opportunity to fund source water protection projects in urban areas. Register online for the Information Session Webinar on October 22, 2015 at 2:00 PM EDT to learn more about the grant program and various tools you can use to incorporate source water protection to enhance your proposal.
Visit the EPA Urban Waters Small Grant Program website for more information about the program and to view the Request for Proposal.