FAQs

Who can apply for a grant through the Water Smart Grant Program?

Teachers, grades 4-6, teaching at a school in a Cal Water service area are eligible to apply for a grant for their classroom water project.

How do I find out if I'm in a Cal Water service area?

Lookup your school's address in our service area map to find out if you are in an eligible service area. Check now.

Can I submit more than one application?

Yes, you can submit multiple applications, but you can only be approved for one grant per program year.

I don't see my school listed but we are in a Cal Water service area. What should I do?

Please check your school address on the Cal Water service area map or Contact Us with your school information and we can verify your eligibility status.

Are teachers eligible to apply as a group?

Yes, up to four teachers may apply to work together on one project, with each teacher being eligible for their own project grant towards the singular project. In this instance four project grants could be awarded, one to each teacher.

How much are the grants?

Grants are normally $250 each. Applicants applying by the early registration deadline are eligible for grants of $500 each.

May I receive more than one grant?

No, a teacher can receive no more than one grant through the Water Smart Grant program per program year. This includes receipt of a group grant.

How are the grants distributed?

All grants are distributed as gift cards. If participating as a group, each participating teacher will receive an individual gift card.

Can persons outside of the classroom be involved in the project?

Yes. We encourage classrooms to engage their families and community.

How do I apply for the grant?

The application is simple and can be completed online. Head to our Application page, mark if you are applying as an individual teacher or group, select your school, fill out the application form, then review and accept the grant terms and conditions and submit.

If applying as a group, one teacher will fill out the application, listing all participating teachers and their contact information in the online submission form.

What is the application deadline?

Applications are accepted all year, although only one grant can be received per applicant per program year. For the purposes of determining when additional grant funds may be available, the program year is considered to run from July 1st through June 30th. 

Grants will only be distributed so long as annual funding remains, on a first come, first awarded basis.

Was my application received?

Upon completing the application process, you will receive a confirmation email. If you have applied and have not received a confirmation email, please contact us immediately.

I'm looking for a class speaker. Where can I find a water expert?

Try nearby universities, museums and nature centers. Local professors, retired naturalists/scientists, and naturalists from non-profit organizations and local nature centers can be amazing resources!

What additional resources are available for help with the project?

If you are looking for project tips and guidelines, handbooks are available on the Classroom Challenge Resources page. Although the Classroom Challenge is no longer active, its resources remain available and can provide possibilities to help with the direction of your grant project.

Does our project need to be approved in advance?

Yes, please await grant approval and the receipt of funds before starting any project. It is also important that you have your principal's approval for your participation in the program.

What should the project be about?

Sample topics include issues around water conservation and water quality, but projects are not limited to these areas. The project topic is up to yourself and your class. It must focus on caring for water, but the specific topic has no limit. Be creative! Originality is encouraged.

After applying, how long should I expect to wait before I hear back on my application status?

You should receive an immediate email informing you that your grant application has been received. You should then hear back within 30 days as to the status of your application.

If I am selected for a grant, when will the grant be distributed?

If selected, you will receive your grant within 30 days of grant approval.

After receiving funds, how long do I have to complete my classroom water project?

Once funds have been distributed, follow-up materials on your classroom project should be submitted to Cal Water within 30-90 days, depending on the necessary time indicated on your application. Your grant acceptance letter should detail out the due date of your follow-up materials, but if you have any questions, please contact us at TapIntoLearning@calwater.com.

After completing my project, what do I submit back to Cal Water?

Participating teachers must return a cover sheet and photos, all submitted online.

What is included in the follow-up materials?

• A teacher reflection (150-500 words)
• Up to five student quotes (150-500 words)
• Photos of the project and/or participating teacher.

Can the photos include students working on the project?

No, students should not be included in the submitted photos, for the protection of their privacy.

How many photos should we include in the follow-up materials?

Follow-up materials should include 3-5 photos.

How do I submit my follow-up materials?

Your follow-up materials must be submitted online here.

I have other questions not listed in the FAQ. What should I do?

Contact us for help.

I prefer to speak to someone. Is there someone that I can call for help?

We will soon have a number for your inquiries. When that number is available it will be posted here.