At Rivers for Change, we are passionate about fostering meaningful connections between people and rivers through adventure, education, and conservation. One way we achieve this is through our Source to Sea Grant Program, distributing $1,000+ annually to projects and programs that integrate Source To Sea education and connect people to rivers. Our awards range between $200 – $700 for each grant project. We aim to support individuals and groups as they embark on projects that explore, protect, and advocate for rivers.
What is a Source to Sea Grant?
Our Source to Sea Grants provide financial support to initiatives that highlight the importance of watersheds in our ecosystems, communities, and cultures. Whether through expeditions, scientific research, community engagement, or creative storytelling, our goal is to inspire action and awareness about source to sea systems.
Who Can Apply?
If you have a project that aligns with our mission to protect rivers and engage people in river stewardship, we encourage you to apply.
Grants will be given to individuals, organizations and projects that are related to or whose work ties into Source To Sea principles. 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 our Source to Sea eligibility requirements will be considered.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including:
- Conservationists and environmental advocates
- Outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers
- Scientists and researchers
- Artists, writers, and filmmakers
- Educators and community organizers
Grant Amount
Our microgrants typically range from $200 to $1,000, depending on the scope and impact of the proposed project. Funding is available for a variety of projects, from small local initiatives to larger-scale, multi-river adventures. The decision to fund an applicant and the amount of money funded is the sole discretion of Rivers For Change.
Application Timeline
We will review applications twice a year for the funding year (generally with one grantee awarded each cycle). Here is a timeline for 2026 funding:
Fall/Winter Cycle
Application Window: September 1 – November 30
*Extended until December 31st, 2025
Decision Notification: By January 2
*Extended to January 9th, 2026
Onboarding: January
Project Timeline: Anywhere between January 2026 – December 2026
Spring/Summer Cycle
Application Window: January 1 – April 19th
Decision Notification: By May 1
Onboarding: May
Project Timeline: Anywhere between May 2026 – December 2026
Note: We encourage you to submit your grant application early in the project planning process to maximize the support you receive.
How to Apply
We aim for our application process to be simple and quick. The application process is outlined below:
- Submit a project proposal outlining your vision, goals, and anticipated outcomes.
- Describe how your project will raise awareness, connect people to rivers, and contribute to their conservation.
- Highlight how your project aligns with our priority areas, which include:
- Citizen Science
- Education
- Activism
- Storytelling
- River Conditions + Monitoring
- Pollution / Plastic Reporting
We’ve expanded on this priority areas below, be sure to take a look before submitting your application.
Being your Source to Sea Application
Priority Areas
1. Citizen Science
- Engage with environmental organizations that support citizen science initiatives.
- Explore potential collaborations with other science or environmental grant programs.
2. Education
- Incorporate educational components before, during, and after your project.
- Detail how your project will facilitate ongoing learning and awareness once completed.
3. Creative Avenues
- Utilize creative mediums (such as photography, writing, art, or film) to document your journey and portray river conservation narratives.
- Capture and express the beauty and significance of rivers, inspiring others through storytelling and visual representation.
4. Activism
- Focus on advocating for environmental policies that impact the watershed, raising awareness about critical issues affecting river ecosystems.
- Engage in community outreach efforts aimed at mobilizing action and fostering public dialogue around river conservation and protection.
- Outline how you will communicate your advocacy message and mobilize support for necessary policy changes.
5. River Conditions
- Document river conditions, including the impacts of dams, potential mercury contamination, fish habitats, and industrial activities like paper mills.
- Assess the overall health of various river locations, focusing on factors such as flow, erosion, and deforestation.
6. Pollution and Plastic Reporting
- Identify and document types of pollution and plastics observed in river environments.
- Propose methods for collecting data or recommend cleanup efforts.
- Map general locations of pollution along the river.
In order to be considered for funding your project must, in some way, address at least two distinct priorities from the six categories listed.
Evaluation
Source to Sea Alignment
- How well does the project incorporate Source to Sea education?
- Does it highlight river connections from headwaters to oceans?
Impact
- Does the project create beneficial impacts for participants and/or communities?
- 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 promote stewardship of the landscapes involved?
- Does the project address equity, accessibility, or inclusivity in river conservation?
Innovation and Creativity
- Does the project present a novel approach to river conservation, education, or community engagement?
- How does the project incorporate creative elements to raise awareness or inspire action?
Applications will now be reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis. You’ll receive feedback and decisions within three months of submission. Learn what other passionate river lovers did with their Source to Sea Grant.Apply
Past Recipients
