Watershed Plan Development Grant

The Watershed Plan Development Grant is offered by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) to support the development and updating of watershed plans across the state. This funding opportunity is supported through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund set-aside for Source Water Protection. The program is designed to strengthen protection of drinking water sources by enabling stakeholders to create comprehensive watershed plans that align with federal guidance. These plans must incorporate the nine key elements outlined by the EPA for watershed planning and are intended to serve as foundational documents for future water quality improvement and protection efforts. The primary objective of this grant is to assist eligible organizations in preparing watershed plans that address pollutants affecting surface water sources used for drinking water. The scope of work includes identifying pollution sources, assessing watershed conditions, establishing measurable water quality goals, and recommending best management practices for both point and nonpoint source pollution. Plans must also demonstrate stakeholder engagement and provide actionable implementation strategies. While data analysis is part of the process, the emphasis is placed on interpreting data to guide practical solutions rather than conducting extensive new data collection. Funding under this program is allocated at a total of 200000 dollars for all selected proposals within the cycle, with no specified maximum award per applicant. Funds are distributed through a reimbursement model, with up to 90 percent of awarded funds available during the project period and the remaining 10 percent released upon final plan approval. The grant does not require a non-federal match, although applicants may include additional funding sources to demonstrate local commitment. Costs incurred prior to the execution of the grant agreement are not eligible for reimbursement, and certain expenses such as food, promotional items, and management fees are explicitly disallowed. Eligible applicants include a wide range of public and nonprofit entities within South Carolina, such as state agencies, local governments, public water systems, universities, councils of government, soil and water conservation districts, watershed organizations, and nonprofit organizations. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply independently but may participate as subcontractors if procured according to applicable guidelines. Projects must focus on watersheds within South Carolina that contribute to public drinking water supplies, including both surface water intakes and groundwater sources. The application process requires submission of a completed proposal form, a detailed budget form, and supporting materials including a geographic map of the targeted watershed area. Applications must be submitted electronically via email to the designated program inbox. Proposals are evaluated by a review committee based on criteria such as clarity, technical merit, alignment with drinking water protection goals, feasibility, stakeholder involvement, and budget justification. Selected applicants may be required to revise their workplans before final approval. The application deadline for this funding cycle is March 20, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time. The grant period is 24 months, during which grantees must produce a draft watershed plan 90 days prior to the end of the grant and a final version by the project completion date. Quarterly reporting and invoicing are required throughout the project period. While the solicitation does not explicitly state recurrence, similar funding opportunities may be issued periodically depending on available federal funding. Applicants are encouraged to engage with program staff prior to submission for guidance and feedback.

Ensure alignment with EPA nine elements; clearly define watershed scope; include stakeholder partnerships especially drinking water utilities; provide strong budget justification; demonstrate use of existing water quality data