One way Rivers For Change supports Source To Sea principles is through our Source To Sea Grants program, distributing $1,000+ annually to projects and programs that integrate Source To Sea education and connect people to rivers. We’re looking for passionate river lovers who want to help others understand the importance of learning about source to sea.

Eligibility

Grants will be given to individuals, organizations and projects that are related to or whose work ties into Source To Sea principles and meets eligibility requirements below.  Potential funded projects include Source To Sea educational expeditions, river research, environmental adventures, community events, photo & film projects, recreational programs, etc.  Programs & projects do not need to be water based.  On land programs that meet eligibility requirements will be considered.

Funding

These microgrants are split between a total annual budget of $1,000.  The decision to fund an applicant and the amount of money funded is the sole discretion of Rivers For Change.

Timeline

The application window is open until all grants have been made for the year. Applications can be made at any time but will be reviewed from Oct-Dec each year.

Evaluation

We understand that Source To Sea education & awareness comes in many forms and we encourage all to apply.  We will thoroughly review each application as it is submitted using the following evaluation guidelines and priority areas.

Source To Sea principles

  • How well does the program or project tie into source to sea education.

Impact

  • Does the program or project positively benefit participants?
  • Does it create opportunities for learning or new experiences?
  • Is the impact measurable?
  • Does the program connect people with rivers?

Values

  • Does the program or project integrate new or diverse groups with rivers?
  • Does it encourage responsible use of the outdoors?

Priority Areas

In order to be considered for funding your project must, in some way, address at least two distinct priorities from the list below.

Citizen Science

  • Data Collection
  • Can you connect with an environmental group that supports such science?
  • Would it be possible to connect with other science or environmental related grant programs?

Education

  • Addressing education before the start of your project
  • Addressing education during your project
  • How can your project continue to educate once complete

Activism

  • Forms of community outreach and increasing awareness

Photography / Journalism

  • Express outstanding environmental/conservation priorities at a regional or national level
  • How will your project message this and disseminate a product

River Conditions

  • Documenting such conditions as dams, potential mercury poisoning, fish habitats, irrigation, paper mills, etc
  • Documenting the general state of different locations on the river for flow, erosion, deforestation, etc.

Pollution / Plastic Reporting

  • Documenting the type of pollution / plastics seen
  • How would you collect or recommend cleanup
  • Documenting the general locations on the river

Apply

Applications are now open for 2024! If you’d like to be considered for a 2024 project (to be reviewed Oct -Dec 2023) you may submit a grant application.

Apply Now

Past Recipients

Learn what other passionate river lovers did with their Source to Sea Grant.

View Past Grant Recipients