Friends of the Locust Fork River installing Kayak Ramp at Taylor Canoe Launch in Blountsville.
Funding & Partnerships for Waterway Recreation Development
The Alabama Waterway Enhancement Program empowers organizations to bring community water-recreation ideas to life. Whether your goal is to improve a launch site, purchase safety equipment, develop an educational program, or host a paddling or cleanup event, this program provides the support needed to make a meaningful impact.
The program prioritizes community-led ideas that bring local solutions to local challenges, ensuring water-recreation remains an accessible and integral part of community life. By funding public access improvements, equipment upgrades, and engaging events, the program promotes Alabama’s waterways while encouraging more people to enjoy the water. These efforts strengthen connections within the paddling community and provide opportunities for everyone to experience the beauty of Alabama’s rivers and streams.
To learn more about the impact of this program, explore the 2024 Waterway Enhancement Program Grant Recipients – Alabama Scenic River Trail.
Neely Henry Lake Assocation Public Kayak Launch on Neely Henry Lake in Rainbow City.
Freshwater Land Trust canoes purchased for outreach efforts in use on Trust property.
WEP Program & Award Process
The Alabama Waterway Enhancement Program welcomes applications from nonprofit organizations across Alabama, regardless of size or location. The program emphasizes inclusivity and accessibility, making it especially suitable for smaller community groups or those with limited grant-writing experience. It encourages community-led ideas that address local challenges and provide local solutions, ensuring that water recreation remains an accessible part of community life.
Key Details of the Program:
- Grant Amount: Up to $5,000 is available per project.
- Funding Type: Cost matching is not required. Projects may be funded by this program fully or partially.
- Award Timing: Funds are typically awarded in the late Spring.
- Project Timeline: All awarded funds and projects must be used within the grant cycle, with projects and final reports due in the Fall.
- Eligible Projects: Examples include launch site improvements, safety equipment purchases, community events, and water-based educational initiatives.
The application process has been designed to be clear and accessible, ensuring that groups of all experience levels can participate. For groups new to grant writing, the program offers an opportunity for feedback and additional support to assist you in learn strategies for securing funding and implementing successful projects. By building confidence and capacity, the program is designed to help smaller organizations feel prepared to seek funding from additional sources in the future.
This process reflects the program’s commitment to fostering community-led projects that get more people out on the water, strengthen connections, and enhance access to Alabama’s waterways.
For inspiration, explore the 2024 Waterway Enhancement Program Grant Recipients – Alabama Scenic River Trail to learn more about previously funded projects.
Application Cycle
The 2024 AL Waterway Enhancement Program application cycle has closed.
The 2025 cycle is expected to open in January 2025.