The Anderson Water Council Grants are offered by the Anderson County Watershed Protection Council to fund projects that protect or restore water quality in the Savannah River watershed, particularly in impacted areas of Anderson County and nearby portions of the watershed. The Council's mission is to assist Savannah Riverkeeper and Upstate Forever in identifying, prioritizing, and funding projects that empower citizens to take action on existing and emerging threats to water resources and to restore water quality. This grant program directly aligns with the Council's goals by seeking proposals for projects that address these critical water quality issues and foster community involvement.
The target beneficiaries include not-for-profit charitable corporations or trusts in South Carolina or Georgia whose mission aligns with the Water Council's goals, the Georgia and South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Forestry Commissions, Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism, educators, municipalities, school systems in the impacted area, and any agency, commission, or instrumentality of such a municipality. The primary impact goal is to improve water quality in the Savannah River watershed and increase citizen awareness and participation in water quality issues.
The program prioritizes funding projects that empower local communities to collect and share water quality data publicly, protect or restore water quality in the surrounding watershed, and increase citizen awareness and participation. Priority is also given to grant proposals closest to the spill site. The focus is on actionable projects that lead to tangible improvements in water quality and community engagement.
Expected outcomes include restored water quality in impacted areas of the Savannah River watershed, increased public data on water quality, and a more informed and active citizenry regarding water resource protection. Measurable results could include reductions in specific pollutants, the establishment of new water quality monitoring programs, and increased participation in educational and outreach initiatives. The grants aim to create a lasting positive impact through community empowerment and direct intervention in water quality issues.
