Riverine Stewardship Program
Can you apply?
This grant is for California organizations working on river and aquatic ecosystem projects. Eligible applicants likely include nonprofits, public agencies, water districts, and tribal organizations with capacity to manage water quality and habitat restoration. Projects must benefit native species, improve aquatic habitats, or address urgent water supply and quality issues. Public-private partnerships are encouraged.
Projects should align with California's Water Resilience Portfolio priorities. Work supporting salmon, steelhead, or other native fish recovery qualifies. Green infrastructure solutions and groundwater storage projects are prioritized. The program reviews concept proposals monthly with invited full applications following review.
This grant is for California organizations working on river and aquatic ecosystem projects. Eligible applicants likely include nonprofits, public agencies, water districts, and tribal organizations with capacity to manage water quality and habitat restoration. Projects must benefit native species, improve aquatic habitats, or address urgent water supply and quality issues. Public-private partnerships are encouraged.
Projects should align with California's Water Resilience Portfolio priorities. Work supporting salmon, steelhead, or other native fish recovery qualifies. Green infrastructure solutions and groundwater storage projects are prioritized. The program reviews concept proposals monthly with invited full applications following review.
Program description
The Riverine Stewardship Program will prioritize funding for projects and programs that meet one or more of the following requirements: • Can be completed expeditiously and provide near-term benefits and alleviation of urgent problems related to water supply and water quality affecting native species and aquatic habitats. • Provide instream water quality benefits by improving aquatic habitats and restoring natural ecosystem functions through green infrastructure designs and solutions that increase water supplies, enhance water supply reliability, groundwater storage, or improve water quality. • Support public-private partnerships. • Align with the Water Resilience Portfolio Sections 3, 9,10,11, and/or 29. • Further support National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Endangered Species Management and Recovery Plan that support salmon, steelhead, and other native fish populations. • For programs and projects designed to increase water supplies, enhance water supply reliability, groundwater storage, or improve water quality. • Concept proposals will be reviewed monthly. Applicants will be invited to submit full applications following concept review.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for California organizations working on river and aquatic ecosystem projects. Eligible applicants likely include nonprofits, public agencies, water districts, and tribal organizations with capacity to manage water quality and habitat restoration. Projects must benefit native species, improve aquatic habitats, or address urgent water supply and quality issues. Public-private partnerships are encouraged.
Projects should align with California's Water Resilience Portfolio priorities. Work supporting salmon, steelhead, or other native fish recovery qualifies. Green infrastructure solutions and groundwater storage projects are prioritized. The program reviews concept proposals monthly with invited full applications following review.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Concept proposal (required for initial review)
- Full application (following concept approval)
- Project narrative describing water quality/habitat benefits
- Budget and timeline
- Letters of support or partnership agreements (if applicable)
Program contact
- 📧 RSP@water.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-820-3891
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-2023 | 3 | 2 | 67% |
| 2023-2024 | — | — | — |
| 2021-2022 | — | — | — |
| 2024-2025 | 2 | 1 | 50% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for the Riverine Stewardship Program?
California-based organizations including nonprofits, public agencies, water districts, tribal organizations, and public-private partnerships. Check with the Department of Water Resources for specific recipient type requirements.
What is the application timeline?
Concept proposals are reviewed monthly. Applicants submit concepts first, then invited to submit full applications. The deadline shown is November 13, 2025.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects improving water quality, restoring aquatic habitats, increasing water supplies, enhancing reliability, or supporting native fish recovery. Green infrastructure and habitat restoration work are prioritized.
How competitive is this funding?
With $6 million available statewide, competition is likely moderate to high. Strong alignment with Water Resilience Portfolio priorities strengthens competitiveness.
Is cost-sharing required?
No cost-sharing is required for this grant.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Submit a strong concept proposal first. Monthly reviews mean you can refine your idea before investing in a full application.
- Clearly connect your project to Water Resilience Portfolio sections 3, 9, 10, 11, or 29. Specific alignment boosts competitiveness.
- Emphasize near-term benefits and urgent problem resolution. The program prioritizes expeditious completion and immediate impact.
- Include ecological benefits to native species, particularly salmon or steelhead. Fish recovery support is a key funding driver.
- Consider partnership opportunities with public or private entities. Collaborative projects receive favorable review.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting a full application without testing the concept first through monthly review. Projects lacking clear connection to Water Resilience Portfolio priorities get lower scores. Overestimating timeline—emphasize realistic near-term delivery of benefits.
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