What This Grant Funds

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) administers the Watershed Educational Programs Grant to fund Meaningful Watershed Educational Experiences (MWEEs) for K-12 students. An MWEE is a structured outdoor learning sequence in which students investigate a local environmental issue, take action, and reflect on what they learned -- tied to Virginia's Chesapeake Bay pollution reduction commitments. The total annual pool is $250,000, with individual projects eligible for up to $45,000. There is no stated minimum, so smaller classroom-scale projects can also compete. Funded activities have included waterway monitoring, macroinvertebrate studies, stormwater investigation, and student-designed environmental action projects.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include school divisions, nonprofit organizations, higher education institutions, state agencies, soil and water conservation districts, and partnerships between these types of organizations. Individual teachers cannot apply on their own; applications must come from an eligible organization. Projects that serve students from lower-income communities or schools in Chesapeake Bay watershed subwatersheds tend to score well in the competitive review.

How to Apply

The 2026-27 deadline passed on March 5, 2026. The next cycle is expected in winter 2026-27. Watch the DCR environmental education funding page for the next RFP. Applications typically require a project description, student outcome goals, budget, and information on MWEE framework alignment. Past applicants recommend connecting with DCR environmental education staff early to get feedback on project design before submitting.

Funding Amount

Projects can receive up to $45,000 each. The total pool is $250,000, so typically five or more projects are funded per cycle. Awards are competitive. There is no required match, but projects with existing partnerships or in-kind contributions may score higher. Funds must be used within the grant period for project activities, equipment, materials, and staff time directly tied to the MWEE.

How Forward Education Products Qualify

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Virginia Watershed Educational Programs Grant (MWEE) in Virginia?

School divisions, nonprofits, higher education institutions, state agencies, soil and water conservation districts, and partnerships of these organizations. Individual teachers cannot apply alone.

How much funding is available through the Virginia Watershed Educational Programs Grant?

Up to $45,000 per project, from a $250,000 total annual pool. There is no minimum award, so smaller projects can apply. Awards are competitive.

Can Virginia Watershed Educational Programs Grant funds be used for STEM and coding tools?

Yes, if the tools support the MWEE framework -- specifically, student investigation of environmental issues using real data and evidence. Sensor kits and data collection equipment that help students study waterways or climate fit the program's goals.

How do Virginia schools apply for the Virginia Watershed Educational Programs Grant?

Watch the DCR environmental education funding page for the next cycle, expected in winter 2026-27. Your school division or a partnering nonprofit submits the application with a project description, student outcome goals, and a budget.

How can Forward Education help with Virginia Watershed Educational Programs Grant funding?

Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Virginia schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes the Virginia Watershed Educational Programs Grant funds. Contact us before submitting your application.