Environment Fund – Water Quality Improvement Strand – Nonprofits

Environment Fund – Water Quality Improvement Strand is a grant competition that supports nonprofits in improving water quality and connecting people with the water environment to drive behavioural change. The grant, which awards up to £30,000 and covers up to 85% of the total project, opens on January 7, 2026 and closes on February 18, 2026.

About The Environment Fund – Water Quality Improvement Strand Grant

The grant is sponsored by the Northern Ireland Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) to support nonprofit organisations and councils in improving water quality. The grant provides funding of £5,000-£30,000 to nonprofits operating in Northern Ireland. The award covers only 85% of the total project budget, and awarding the grant is subject to the approval of the committee.

Funding Size

The funding covers only up to 85% of the total project budget, and this is subject to the approval of the committee. 

• Typical grant amount: £5,000 – £30,000
• Maximum award: £30,000
• Project duration supported: Not specified.

Read Also: Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust – Charity Commissions

Who Can Apply to the Environment Fund – Water Quality Improvement Strand Grant

• • Eligible organisation types: Nonprofits 

• Registration requirements: 

• • Apply with a project plan for water improvement.
  • Nonprofits in Northern Ireland.
  • Evidence to show the full grant will be exhausted by the end of February 2027

• Geographic eligibility: Northern Ireland

• Sector or thematic focus:

• Water quality improvements
• Community engagement for aquatic or marine conservation, protection and improvement
• Local Pollution Prevention campaigns
• Nature-based solutions for climate change.

Application Process

• View the guidelines and download the application form on the official website.
• Discuss your project proposal with the NIEA catchment officer
• Submit the application form by email to: catchmentplanning@daera-ni.gov.uk by February 18, 2026, at 23.59h.

Read Also: Cochrane Foundation’s Community Capital Grants – Nonprofits

Required Materials

• Project proposal 
• Budget proposal 
• Summary of how the project will benefit the community.

Key Dates

• Application open: January 7, 2026
• Application deadline: February 18, 2026, at 23.59h
• Notification timeline: Projects should start in Spring 2026 and conclude in February 2027.

Selection Notes

• • The award is competitive, as funding is limited 
  • Covers up to 85% of the total project budget.

• Priority focus areas: 

• Water quality improvements
• Water environment and behaviour change
•  Improvement of aquatic habitats
• Nature-based solutions for climate change.
• Exclusions: The creation of buildings.

Official Source of the Environment Fund – Water Quality Improvement Strand Grant

• Official Application Page: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/environment-fund-water-quality-improvement-strand