The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) unanimously voted on September 1 to adopt the 2027 Nonpoint Source Grant Program Guidelines, according to the board’s meeting minutes. This action, formalized under Resolution 2026-0032, also authorized staff to solicit and recommend projects for funding. Furthermore, the resolution empowers the executive director or an assigned designee to award grants and execute the necessary finance agreements.
The program is specifically designed to fund projects that address nonpoint-source pollution, which includes various forms of runoff that ultimately reach the state’s waters. This statewide initiative aims to mitigate environmental impacts through a range of targeted interventions, from agricultural improvements to stream restoration.
Eligibility for these grants extends to a broad array of entities. The State Water Board’s grant program page indicates that qualifying nonprofit organizations, federally recognized tribes, public agencies, and public colleges are all eligible applicants. These groups are encouraged to develop proposals that align with the program's objectives to improve water quality.
The types of work eligible for grant funding are diverse and focus on reducing pollution from various sources. Examples of eligible activities listed by the program include the implementation of agricultural best-management practices, which help farmers minimize runoff and soil erosion. Also covered are projects involving livestock fencing and off-stream watering systems, designed to protect waterways from animal waste. Other eligible work encompasses forest-road improvements to reduce erosion, stream restoration efforts to enhance aquatic habitats, and controls specifically aimed at managing dairy or equestrian manure and associated runoff. These examples highlight the comprehensive scope of the program in addressing different facets of nonpoint pollution.
For the fiscal 2027 opportunity, the California Grants Portal lists a total funding amount of $3.5 million available. Individual awards are expected to range from $100,000 to $1 million. The State Water Board’s solicitation materials further clarify that separate award bands exist for both planning projects and implementation projects, allowing for different scales of intervention and development. Awards for this cycle are anticipated to be announced in spring 2027.
Prospective applicants must adhere to specific deadlines and procedures. Completed proposals are due by 5 p.m. on December 18, 2026, and must be submitted through the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool. Applicants are also directed to coordinate with staff at their applicable Regional Water Board before submitting their proposals. This crucial step helps ensure that projects align with regional priorities and needs.
The solicitation page outlines several key requirements for eligible projects. Generally, proposals must address a priority watershed or pollutant area identified by the Regional Water Boards. Additionally, projects typically need to be supported by a nine-element watershed-based plan. A 25% match is generally required from applicants, though this requirement may be waived under certain conditions.
While the grant opportunity is available statewide, the specific watershed, waterbody, and pollutant priorities of the applicable Regional Water Board will be instrumental in determining which proposals ultimately qualify for funding. The adopted guidelines contain regional preference tables, and applicants are strongly advised to review these tables in conjunction with the comprehensive solicitation materials before preparing and submitting their applications. This ensures that their proposed projects are relevant and responsive to local environmental conditions and strategic goals.
With the guidelines now officially adopted, the State Water Board staff can move forward with soliciting project proposals from eligible entities across California. The December 18, 2026, submission deadline and the anticipated award announcements in spring 2027 mark the next critical phases for this program, as it seeks to address pressing nonpoint-source pollution challenges statewide.
