Eligibility
Who can apply for a grant through Cal Water H2O's Challenge's Grants 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?
Scan our list of eligible schools.
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.
Can I apply for a grant if my class is participating in the Cal Water H2O Challenge Classroom Challenge?
This depends.
If you are applying before you have registered for the Cal Water H2O Challenge Classroom Challenge, you are eligible, but if you are chosen for an early enrollment grant within the Classroom Challenge, your $100 grant from the Grants Program will be subtracted from any additional enrollment grant.
If you are applying after registering for the Cal Water H2O Challenge Classroom Challenge, you will only be eligible if you have not been chosen for an enrollment grant with the classroom program.
If you have already received any enrollment grant from the Classroom Challenge within this program year, then your class is not eligible for a Program Grant.
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.
Basics
The Application
How do I apply for the grant?
The application is simple and can be completed online. Head to our Application page, select your school, fill out the application form, then review and accept the grant terms and conditions and submit.
The Project
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 these resources are for the Classroom Challenge competition, they do 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.
Timing
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.
Follow-Up Materials
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.
Other Questions
I have other questions not listed in the FAQ. What should I do?
Contact us for help.