Community Water Quality Improvement Grant

The Community Water Quality Improvement Grant (CWQIG) is a competitive funding opportunity administered by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) through its Nonpoint Source Pollution Program, in collaboration with the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council (WIAC). The grant is supported by the Clean Water State Revolving Fund’s Non-Federal Administrative Account and is intended to enhance surface and groundwater quality across the state of Delaware, particularly in impaired watersheds with established total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) or approved restoration or pollution control strategies. The CWQIG seeks to advance the implementation of water quality projects in developed landscapes through innovative and sustainable methods that yield measurable environmental benefits. This program is open exclusively to Delaware-based non-profit organizations, conservation districts, community organizations, and homeowner associations. Agricultural operations and for-profit entities are not eligible, although collaborative arrangements with eligible applicants are permitted. Proposals must focus on project implementation within Delaware’s borders and are especially encouraged in areas with critical water quality concerns. Emphasis is placed on community engagement, education, and the development of transferable approaches to water quality improvements. Project types may include stormwater retrofits, stream and wetland restoration, evaluation and application of new Best Management Practices (BMPs), and non-regulatory pollution control initiatives that fall outside traditional Clean Water SRF loan structures. The grant process is highly structured, beginning with submission of a full application to DNREC's Nonpoint Source Program. For Fiscal Year 2026, proposals are due by April 29, 2026, at 4:30 PM. Selected awardees will be notified in June 2026. Each applicant may submit up to two proposals per cycle. The grant awards range from a minimum of $25,000 to a maximum of $75,000. At least 75% of awarded funds must be allocated to direct implementation activities, while up to 25% may be used for administrative costs including personnel, design, or planning. All projects must be completed within two years, except research-focused grants, which allow up to three years, including at least one year of monitoring. Applications are reviewed and scored based on geographic relevance, alignment with program goals, technical merit, feasibility, leveraging of funds, and organizational capacity. Detailed evaluation criteria require applicants to demonstrate the scope of environmental benefits, nutrient and sediment reduction estimates (using models like DURMM v.2 or Chesapeake Bay BMP), project sustainability, maintenance plans, and cost-effectiveness. Construction elements must be approved by a licensed professional, and certain insurance coverages are required for awardees. Reporting obligations include quarterly updates, detailed monthly invoices, and a final summary report. Public presentations may also be requested by the WIAC at the conclusion of funded projects. The CWQIG prioritizes projects that lack alternative funding sources, especially those involving multiple stakeholders and leveraging of additional public or private resources. While a cash match is not required, projects that demonstrate matching contributions or cost sharing (including volunteer time) are scored more favorably. The program also underscores DNREC’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by encouraging participation from minority-owned, women-owned, and small business entities. All applicants must comply with applicable federal and state regulations. For additional information or technical assistance, applicants may contact Jim Sullivan at [email protected].

Applicants should use models like DURMM v.2 for quantifying reductions, include clear maintenance plans, and align proposals with TMDL and watershed strategies.