If the watershed project has a project manager, he or she is ultimately responsible for the success of these technical and administrative tasks, as well as for leading efforts to secure funding. To acquire this unique combination of knowledge and skills, the project manager should have access to a network of other watershed project managers through professional conferences and ongoing training. Obtain Funding Few watershed projects come complete with sufficient federal and state funding for all phases of the project. Most of the activities discussed in this document require funding and often are funded by multiple sources. One way to organize the search for funds is to divide activities listed in the watershed action plan into categories, then to seek the type of funds that match each category.
Fund raising is a time-consuming activity.
Each type and source of funds has its own application criteria, procedures, and deadlines. Project managers must allow sufficient time and resources for acquiring funds and in-kind assistance. Early in the project, or as part of the watershed action plan, it may be helpful to establish a schedule for obtaining funds and in-kind support for the entire project. A complete discussion of funding mechanisms and their requirements would have to be state-specific and therefore is beyond the scope of this report. Some broadly available funding sources are listed below.