The Clean Water Act Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Grant, administered by the State Water Resources Control Board, supports efforts to reduce and mitigate nonpoint source pollution to the waters of California. This federal grant program is authorized under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act and is contingent on receiving funding from the United States Environmental Protection Agency. The program aims to address water quality issues related to pollutants such as sediment, pesticides, and nutrients through various project implementations.
The primary objective of the grant is to improve water quality in impaired waters, though limited funding may also be directed to protect high-quality waters or to address pollution issues stemming from wildfires. Implementation projects make up the majority of funded activities. These projects include, but are not limited to, livestock fencing to limit nutrient discharges, agricultural best management practices, sediment dredging in contaminated waters, habitat restoration, and rural road repairs to minimize erosion. Occasionally, planning projects may also receive funding.
Eligible applicants for this grant include nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and tribal governments. Projects should typically be part of a larger watershed improvement plan, except in cases where the grant is used solely for planning. Additionally, most applications must demonstrate quantifiable pollutant load reductions. To align with funding priorities, applicants must address program preferences, which are designated watershed or pollutant combinations as specified by the Regional Water Quality Control Board in the grant guidelines.
The total estimated funding available for this opportunity is $4,500,000, with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000. While a 25% matching contribution is generally required, economically disadvantaged communities may request a waiver for this requirement during the application process. The reimbursement-based funding method requires that invoices be submitted within 45 days of the end of each reporting period.
Applications for this grant are due by December 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Awards are expected to be announced in July 2026, and the grant period will run from October 2025 through October 2030. No letters of intent are required. Interested applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the full grant guidelines before submission. For additional inquiries, applicants can contact Bryce Leuschen at 1-916-319-9078 or via email at bryce.leuschen@waterboards.ca.gov.
