Truckee River Fund

The Truckee River Fund, administered by the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada in collaboration with the Truckee Meadows Water Authority (TMWA), supports initiatives aimed at safeguarding and enhancing water quality and resources associated with the Truckee River and its surrounding watershed. As part of this mission, the Fund is accepting grant proposals for a funding round offering approximately $225,000 in total. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $75,000 and are reimbursed for actual expenditures. All proposals are reviewed by the Truckee River Fund Advisory Committee, with final approval required from both the TMWA Board and the Community Foundation's Board of Trustees. The Fund places a strong emphasis on projects that deliver measurable environmental benefits aligned with its core purpose. Projects that focus on the acquisition of land or water rights are excluded from funding consideration. To qualify, projects must commence within 180 days of receiving an award. Only registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, nonprofit educational institutions, or governmental agencies are eligible to apply. Each applicant must contribute a matching amount equal to at least 25% of the funds requested, which may be provided in cash or through in-kind services. However, projects located downstream of the Vista USGS gage must meet the 25% match using cash only. Eligible proposals must address at least one of the Fund’s six priority areas. These include efforts to control aquatic invasive species, reduce watershed pollution, improve local stormwater systems, restore damaged forests and uplands, rehabilitate tributary creeks, and promote environmental stewardship through education or cleanup programs. Particular preference is given to projects located near TMWA water intakes or in impaired watershed sections identified under Section 303(d) and subject to total maximum daily load (TMDL) restrictions. For proposals within the Lake Tahoe Basin, funding is generally limited to aquatic invasive species and environmental awareness initiatives. Applicants are expected to demonstrate both the relevance and quality of their proposals. Reviewers will evaluate each submission based on how well it addresses the Fund’s strategic priorities, benefits the public and TMWA customers, and contributes to upstream water treatment efforts. Additional criteria include the soundness and sustainability of the proposed methods, consideration of prior research and watershed data, and the project’s ability to produce measurable results. Applicants must also show that they are ready to initiate work promptly and can manage the project effectively, particularly if they have been funded previously by the Fund. Budget quality is another key evaluation factor. Reviewers will consider whether proposed costs are reasonable and adequately detailed, whether the match requirement is met (including the cash-only requirement for downstream projects), and whether indirect expenses fall within the allowable limits. A downloadable budget template is required for submission, and applicants must use the online application system to formally apply. A PDF preview of the application is available to assist in preparation. Proposals must be received by noon on Friday, July 25, 2025. Submissions that fail to meet this deadline or do not conform to the stated eligibility criteria will not be considered. The Fund prohibits any ex parte communication with the Advisory Committee while a proposal is under review. All grantees are required to sign a formal agreement outlining performance and reporting requirements. Questions about the application or program should be directed to the Community Foundation or to Lauren Sgandurra via email. Further details, including assessment reports by The Nature Conservancy and the Truckee River Watershed Council, can be found on the Truckee River Fund’s official website.