Rainwater Harvesting Grants
Many rainwater harvesting grants are available nationally and locally to help with the cost of tanks and installation, including options for farmers and landowners, community projects, local businesses, sports facilities and parks/gardens.​
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National Agricultural Rainwater Harvesting Grants
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There are several national grant options for agricultural rainwater harvesting items, including the Capital Grant and for larger rainwater harvesting projects, there is the Water Management Grant. As of summer 2024, the Farming Equipment & Technology Fund (FETF) grant did not open for round 2, it is currently unknown if it will reopen for the next round.
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Capital Grants 2024
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The Capital Grants are standalone government grants, suitable for farmers, landowners and land managers. It is particularly aimed at those who have or are planning to apply for a Sustainable Framing Incentive (SFI) agreement.
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Note that there are some additional requirements to be eligible for the Capital Grants, such as being located in an area targeted for the reduction of water pollution in agriculture and having support from a Catchment Sensitive Farming officer.
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The following map highlights areas where reducing water pollution is a priority:
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Select "Countryside Stewardship Targeting & Scoring Layers" > "water" > "Countryside Stewardship Water Quality Priority Areas" to view high and medium priority areas where grant applications will be prioritised:
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https://magic.defra.gov.uk/MagicMap.aspx
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Rainwater Harvesting Grant Items
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There are a total of 76 items which can be funded with the Capital Grant, including 4 rainwater harvesting items; Rainwater Goods (guttering and downpipes for farm buildings), Underground Water Tanks, Above-Ground Water Tanks and first flush rainwater diverters and downpipe filters. More information:
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RP16 - Rainwater goods: https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/rainwater-goods-rp16
RP17 - Storage tanks underground: https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/storage-tanks-underground-rp17
RP18 - Above ground tanks: https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/above-ground-tanks-rp18
RP19 - First flush rainwater diverters and downpipe filters: https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/first-flush-rainwater-diverters-and-downpipe-filters-rp19
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The Water Management Grant
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The Water Management Grant can be used against the cost of up to 40% of a larger rainwater harvesting system. The minimum amount that can be claimed is £35,000, which is 40% of £87,500. I.e. The minimum item cost including installation is £87,500.
The maximum that can be claimed in £500,000 per applicant, per round of funding.
Applications for Round 2, 2024 are by invite only.
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Local Rainwater Harvesting Grants - South West UK
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There are several rainwater harvesting grants available in each county in the South West. They are available for businesses, community projects and centres, local parks and gardens as well as community gardens. ​
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Dorset Rainwater Harvesting Grants
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Several grants are available in Dorset which can be used to fund new rainwater harvesting systems with an aim to improve sustainability and reduce mains water usage.​
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The Wessex Water Foundation Environment Fund
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The Wessex Water Foundation Environment Fund is available in all areas in Dorset as well as those in Somerset, Bristol and Wiltshire that are covered by Wessex Water. It is also available in the areas in Gloucestershire and Hampshire that are covered by Wessex Water.
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The Wessex Water Environment Fund can be used towards funding the costs of equipment, salaries and/or overheads for new projects that will improve the local environment, including new rainwater harvesting systems.
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The opening date for The Wessex Water Environment Fund is 21st April 2024 and applications close at midday on 19th May 2025.
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Bridport Community Connectors Grant​
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The Bridport Community Connectors Grant is part of a pilot scheme for 2022/2023, available in Bridport and Chippenham.​
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Applications are currently closed, we will update the information on this grant if it re-opens or gets rolled out across new areas.
​The fund is now closed. ​
Water Saving Community Fund - Bournemouth​
The Water Saving Community Fund is available for big and small projects throughout Bournemouth that help to save water in the local community. It can be used to fund rainwater harvesting systems that reduce mains water usage in community allotments and gardens, schools and other public buildings or facilities. For example, it can be used to fund rainwater harvesting systems that supply flushing water to public toilets.
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Amounts of up to £1000 or over £1000 can be claimed.
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All projects applying for grants of £1000 or under are reviewed monthly. Projects applying for grants of over £1000 are reviewed by a panel of 6 judges every 6 months, in April and October.​​
Wiltshire Rainwater Harvesting Grants
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​The Wessex Water Foundation Environment Fund
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The Wessex Water Foundation Environment Fund is available in the parts of Wiltshire that are covered by Wessex Water. Note: that this does not include Swindon.
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The Wessex Water Environment Fund can be used against the costs of equipment, salaries and/or overheads for new projects that will improve the local environment, including new rainwater harvesting systems.
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The opening date for The Wessex Water Environment Fund is 21st April 2024 and applications close at midday on 19th May 2025.
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Somerset Rainwater Harvesting Grants
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​The Wessex Water Foundation Environment Fund
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The Wessex Water Foundation Environment Fund is available in the areas in Somerset covered by Wessex Water. It is also available in Bristol, Dorset, Wiltshire and the areas covered by Wessex Water in Gloucestershire and Hampshire.
The Wessex Water Environment Fund can be used against the costs of equipment, salaries and/or overheads for new projects that will improve the local environment, including new rainwater harvesting systems.
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The opening date for The Wessex Water Environment Fund is 21st April 2024 and applications close at midday on 19th May 2025.
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Devon/Cornwall Rainwater Harvesting Grants
​There are 2 main grants in Devon and Cornwall that can be used to fund rainwater harvesting systems; the Neighbourhood Fund and the Water Saving Community Fund.
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Details on both grants: https://www.devon.gov.uk/fundingnews/fund/south-west-water-community-grants/
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Neighbourhood Fund​
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A total budget of £100,000 is available in Devon and Cornwall to help community facilities, groups, charities, schools, sports and recreation grounds and other not-for-profit organisations to fund projects that help to protect nature and the environment, improve wellbeing in the community, provide learning opportunities, bring people together and help to maintain community facilities.
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Grants of £1000 and £2000 can be applied for.
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Water-Saving Community Fund​
A total budget of £75,000 is available for projects that help to find new and inspiring ways to reduce mains water usage and benefit the local community, as well as involve people with water conservation.
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The grant can be used to fund rainwater harvesting systems and equipment that fulfil these criteria.
Grants of over £1000 are available for schools, registered charities, constituted not-for-profit organisations and CICs.
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For community groups, grants of under £1000 are also available.
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