Small Grants and Scholarship Program
About the Program
The North Bay Watershed Association (NBWA) has worked diligently for more than twenty years on water resource issues that go beyond traditional boundaries to promote stewardship of the North Bay watersheds. The NBWA is proud to sponsor and support local organizations and individuals in our regional community through providing selective local small grants and scholarships.
The NBWA is always interested to learn about projects and initiatives that inform, engage, and enhance our north bay watershed communities. Importantly, our projects are encouraged to be developed, piloted, or implemented by a local proponent with a design plan to distribute derivative benefits to the entire region.
Application Period Closed for 2025
Thank you to everyone who applied for the 2025 Small Grants and Scholarship Program! We appreciate your interest and the incredible work you are doing to support our community and environment.
The application window is now closed, and we are reviewing submissions.
Please check back in January 2026 for updates on the next round of funding opportunities.
Small Grant Categories
Project and Educational Program Development Grants:
- For projects focused on achieving goals within a set timeframe
- For developing/implementing educational programs
- Application required
Board Initiated Grants:
The Board may make grants to deserving recipients on its own initiative and timeline.
- Application optional
- Eligible Recipients:
- Non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations
- Municipalities
- Tribes
- Public/Private Educational Institutions
- Projects/Programs benefiting NBWA residents
Scholarship Categories
Conference Access Scholarship (Carl Morrison Conference Scholarship):
- Up to $500 per scholarship
- Scholarships announced annually and awarded as applicable
- For NBWA-sponsored events, such as registration for a full day at NBWA’s biennial conference and closing reception
Watershed Education Scholarship:
- Up to $1,000 per scholarship
- Scholarships announced annually and awarded as applicable
- Open to any age
- Applicants must reside or work within the NBWA boundary (lands draining to the San Pablo Bay)
- For any educational institution or purpose
Overview
Our Scholarships and Small Grants Program is designed to foster innovation, engage youth, and support key priorities of the NBWA. By promoting collaboration among public agencies, encouraging community engagement, and supporting meaningful projects, we aim to deliver measurable environmental and community benefits.
Total FY 2024/25 Program Funding: $60,000
- Scholarships: $10,000
- Small Grants: $50,000
