DNREC Seeking Community Water Project Proposals for Water Quality Improvement Grant Program

The Center for the Inland Bays was awarded a Community Water Quality Improvement Grant for the Pasture Point oyster reef located at
the James Farm Ecological Preserve in Ocean View and Indian River Bay. The project was completed in 2025. /Delaware DNREC photo

Grant Awards Are $25,000-$75,000 for Upcoming Cycle, With Deadline for Submissions Oct. 30

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control encourages Delaware nonprofit organizations, conservation districts, community organizations and homeowners' associations to submit project proposals to be considered for matching grant funds from DNREC's Community Water Quality Improvement Grants program. Submission deadline is Oct. 30.

Funding for grant award projects in this cycle is expected to range from $25,000 to $75,000. Projects recommended by DNREC staff for funding through a competitive grant process will be presented to the Delaware Water Infrastructure Advisory Council. Applicants may submit up to two project proposals per grant cycle. Project guidelines and the grant application can be found at the de.gov/envfinance webpage.

Community Water Quality Improvement Grants assist in implementing projects or programs that improve water quality on developed lands with specific watershed improvement plans and strategies. Programs and projects selected for these grants must demonstrate innovative and sustainable methods, techniques, and/or practices for water quality improvements, with cost effective and measurable results.

Eligible projects may include:

• Enhancement or restoration of water quality within an impaired watershed
• Community stormwater management improvements in existing developments in partnership with municipalities
• Non‐regulatory or voluntary plans involving pollution control strategies, watershed-based restoration plans, whole basin management preliminary assessments, or community‐based stormwater permits.

Past projects that received Community Water Quality Improvement Grant funding have included: a green roof installation; living shoreline installation and marsh enhancement to stop erosion; a stormwater retrofit project featuring a wetland and bioswale to manage stormwater runoff from impervious surfaces; stream bank restoration to reduce erosion and sedimentation; and green stormwater improvements on Conwell Street in Seaford.

Grant proposals must be no larger than 10 MB in size and should be emailed to [email protected], care of Michael Fleming with "Community Water Quality Improvement Grants" in the subject line. All grant proposals must be received by DNREC close of business (4:30 p.m. EDT) Friday, Oct. 30.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state's natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Environmental Finance team administers Delaware's Clean Water State Revolving Fund, making funding available to municipalities, the private sector, nonprofit organizations and individuals. The DNREC Division of Watershed Stewardship develops and implements innovative watershed assessment, monitoring and implementation activities. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, [email protected]; Nikki Lavoie, [email protected]

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