The Water Environment Federation (WEF) today announced a $1 million grant program that will provide strategic funding to its community of Member Associations, supporting organizational growth, innovation, and long-term sector impact. 

NEW ORLEANS, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Water Environment Federation (WEF) today announced the new Federation Impact Grant Program, a $1 million investment designed to strengthen WEF’s network of Member Associations (MAs) through funding over a three-year period that supports innovation, organizational resilience, leadership development, and community impact. 

Unveiled during WEFTEC 2026, the grant program is funded through proceeds from the sale of WEF’s former headquarters building, which WEF’s member associations were instrumental in securing years ago. The headquarters was made possible thanks to the vision, commitment, and funding from WEF Member Associations and their volunteer leaders.  

“This is a truly full-circle moment for our federation,” said Keith Hobson, WEF President. “Generations of Member Association leaders helped build the foundation that allowed WEF to grow and thrive. Today, we reinvest the value created through that shared commitment back into the Member Associations themselves so they can continue to make local impact. It’s both a recognition of their legacy and an investment in the future.” 

The Federation Impact Grant Program will provide funding through four grant categories: 

Foundational MA Investment Fund
$450,000 to support core organizational needs, infrastructure and technology improvements, membership growth initiatives, student engagement, volunteer development, and participation in WEF programs. 

MA-Led Innovation and Pilot Program Fund
$350,000 to support new ideas and pilot projects that advance strategic priorities such as workforce development, community engagement, the circular water economy, and other innovative approaches that strengthen the water sector. 

Centennial Legacy Support Fund
$100,000 to help Member Associations preserve and celebrate their history, document their contributions to the water profession, and participate in activities associated with WEF’s upcoming Centennial anniversary. 

MA Emergency and Resilience Reserve 
$100,000 to help Member Associations navigate unforeseen challenges and maintain continuity during unexpected events or disruptions. 

WEF developed the program to strengthen the long-term health of the federation while empowering local leaders to address the unique needs of their members, communities, and regions. 

“Our Member Associations have always been the backbone of WEF,” Hobson said. ” It’s incredibly meaningful to take the proceeds from the sale of our headquarters and invest them back into the organizations that helped secure it years ago. Through this investment, we hope to honor their legacy and equip our Member Associations to meet the opportunities and challenges ahead in decades to come.” 

Detailed application materials, eligibility requirements, funding guidelines, and evaluation criteria will be released when the application period opens on Nov. 1. 

Contact: Trinity Foreman, Director of Communications, tforeman@wef.org 

About the Water Environment Federation 
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is a not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization providing water professionals with the latest in education and training. WEF is leading the transformation to the Circular Water Economy: reducing waste, recovering resources, and regenerating ecosystems. Founded in 1928, WEF’s mission is to inspire its 31,000 members and 75 affiliated member organizations and the water community in pursuit of human and environmental wellbeing. WEFTEC, WEF’s premiere event, is the largest annual water quality exhibition in North America attracting a diverse, global audience. More than 20,000 registrants and 1,000 exhibitors convene at WEFTEC to experience innovative solutions and gain expert insights that positively impact the future of water. For more information, visit wef.org. 

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SOURCE Water Environment Federation