Water Grants
Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program
Deadline: Rolling (monthly reviews starting January 15, 2025, until funds are depleted). Amount:
● Tier 1: Up to $150,000 (1 year).
● Tier 2: Up to $250,000 (1–2 years).
● Tier 3: Up to $350,000 (2 years).
Match: Not required.
Eligibility: Nonprofits, higher education institutions, local governments, Native American organizations, tribal governments, or intertribal consortia.
Link: https://thrivingcommunitiesregion9.org/grant-overview/
Summary: This EPA Region 9 program funds projects to assess, plan, or develop solutions for environmental justice and community resilience. Focus areas include public outreach, planning, and implementation of environmental initiatives.
Allowable Activities
Air quality and asthma
Fence line air quality monitoring
Monitoring of effluent discharges from industrial facilities
Water quality and sampling
Small cleanup projects
Improving food access to reduce vehicle miles traveled
Stormwater issues and green infrastructure
Lead and asbestos contamination
Pesticides and other toxic substances
Healthy homes that are energy/water use efficient and not subject to indoor air pollution
Illegal dumping activities, such as education, outreach, and small-scale clean-ups Emergency preparedness and disaster resiliency
Environmental job training for occupations that reduce greenhouse gases and other air pollutants
Environmental justice training for youth
Please note this list is intended for example purposes.
SRF Programs
Deadline: Ongoing
Amount: Varies Depending on Project
Match: Low Cost Loan with PF option
Link: https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/
Purpose: Funding for Drinkingwater, Wastewater, and Stormwater projects.
USBR: WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants (WEEG) Program Deadline: TBD
Amount: Up to $5 million per project
Match: 50% non-federal cost share required
Eligibility: States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority in the Western United States, as well as partnering nonprofit conservation organizations.
Link: USBR WaterSMART WEEG Program | Grants.gov Listing
Summary: The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants (WEEG) program offers funding to help entities conserve water, increase water efficiency, and boost renewable energy production. The program seeks to address water shortages, mitigate future conflicts over water resources, and contribute to water supply sustainability in the Western United States.
Key Program Goals:
● Water Conservation and Efficiency: Support projects that conserve and use water more efficiently, benefiting both municipal and agricultural water systems.
● Renewable Energy Production: Increase the production of renewable energy in conjunction with water management infrastructure, such as hydropower or solar-powered systems.
● Drought and Conflict Mitigation: Fund projects that reduce the risk of future water conflicts in areas prone to water shortages.
● Sustainable Water Supply: Contribute to the long-term sustainability of water supplies in the Western United States through improved water management practices.
Eligible Projects:
● Advanced Metering Systems: Install water meters and automation systems, such as SCADA, to monitor and control water usage.
● Irrigation Efficiency: Convert open canals to pipelines, upgrade irrigation systems, and implement other technologies that enhance water efficiency.
● Renewable Energy Projects: Install renewable energy systems, such as hydropower or solar, to power water infrastructure projects.
● Water Recycling and Reuse: Fund systems that recycle and reuse water to reduce the overall demand on fresh water supplies.
California State Water Resources Control Board: Facilities Planning Grant Program Deadline: Rolling
Amount: The grant amount will be established in the financing agreement.
i. The grant will be based on the reasonable, estimated construction cost1 for the project unless the final construction cost for the project is known at the time the financing agreement is executed. ii. The grant will be established as 35 percent of the reasonable, estimated construction cost for the project or the final construction cost for the project, if known at the time the financing agreement is executed, up to the maximum established by the State Water Board in the CWSRF IUP or as otherwise limited by the State Water Board.
iii. The grant amount will not be increased or decreased after it is established in the financing agreement, provided the project is completed.
Match: 50%, unless Severely Disadvantaged
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/grants_loans/water_recycling/facilitiesplan.html# :~:text=Facilities%20Planning%20Grant%20Program,state%20and%2F%20or%20local%20supplies.
The Water Recycling Funding Program (WRFP) provides grants to assist public agencies with facilities planning studies to determine the feasibility of using recycled water to offset the use of fresh/ potable water from the state and/ or local supplies.
USBR Environmental Water Resources Projects (EWRP)
Estimated Deadline: TBD
Amount: Up to $5 million per project
Match: 75% non-federal cost share required
Eligibility: States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority in the Western United States
Link: USBR Environmental Water Resources Projects Program
Summary: The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) Environmental Water Resources Projects (EWRP) program provides funding for projects that improve the environmental health of rivers, streams, and other water bodies in the Western United States. The program focuses on projects that enhance water resources, restore aquatic ecosystems, and promote long-term water sustainability in regions experiencing water scarcity or quality challenges.
Key Program Goals:
● Environmental Restoration: Fund projects that restore the health of aquatic ecosystems, including habitat restoration for native species.
● Water Supply and Quality: Improve water quality and reliability for environmental and community benefits.
● Sustainability and Climate Resilience: Support projects that help water systems adapt to climate change and other environmental stressors.
Eligible Projects:
● Aquatic Habitat Restoration: Restoration of aquatic and riparian habitats to benefit fish, wildlife, and plant species.
● Water Conservation and Efficiency: Projects that reduce water usage and improve water quality for environmental purposes.
● Climate Change Adaptation: Projects that enhance the resilience of water systems to climate variability and long-term environmental changes.
USBR WaterSMART Applied Science Grants Program
Estimated Deadline: TBD
Amount: Up to $200,000 per project
Match: 50% non-federal cost share required
Eligibility: States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, universities, nonprofits, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority in the Western United States
Link: USBR WaterSMART Applied Science Grants Program
Summary: The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) WaterSMART Applied Science Grants Program provides funding to develop tools and information that improve water management. The program supports projects that enhance water supply reliability, water quality, and overall water resource management through the application of scientific research and data-driven decision-making tools.
Key Program Goals:
○ Improving Water Supply Reliability: Develop and apply scientific tools and models to enhance water management and improve the efficiency of water delivery systems.
○ Enhancing Water Quality: Support projects that assess and improve water quality, benefiting ecosystems and water users.
○ Supporting Climate Change Adaptation: Fund projects that help communities adapt to climate change by improving their ability to manage and predict water availability.
○ Data-Driven Decision Making: Provide tools and information to assist water managers in making more informed decisions.
● Eligible Projects:
○ Water Modeling and Forecasting: Projects that use models or forecasting tools to predict water supply and improve management.
○ Water Quality Assessment: Projects focused on monitoring and improving water quality through scientific tools.
○ Climate Change Adaptation Tools: Developing models or decision-support tools to address climate variability and long-term water sustainability.
○ Data Sharing and Collaboration: Projects that create platforms for sharing water management data among agencies, researchers, and stakeholders.
USBR: Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects
Estimated Deadline: TBD
Amount: Varies based on project scope
Match: Typically requires a 75% non-federal cost share
Eligibility: States, Indian tribes, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority
Link: USBR Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects
Summary: This program provides funding for large-scale water recycling projects that improve water sustainability and address water supply challenges in the Western United States. The projects are aimed at expanding the capacity for water reuse and conservation.
USBR: Title XVI Congressionally Authorized Projects (FY23/FY24)
Estimated Deadline: TBD
Amount: Varies based on project scope
Match: Typically requires a 75% non-federal cost share
Eligibility: States, Indian tribes, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority
Link: USBR Title XVI Congressionally Authorized Projects
Summary: This program provides funding for congressionally authorized water recycling and reuse projects that increase water supply reliability, reduce water demand, and enhance water quality in the Western United States.
USBR WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program
Estimated Deadline: TBD
Amount: Varies depending on project scope and available funding
Match: 50% non-federal cost share required
Eligibility: States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, nonprofit organizations, and other entities with water or power delivery authority in the Western United States
Link: USBR WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program
Summary: The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program provides funding for projects that improve the health of aquatic ecosystems. The program supports efforts to restore aquatic habitats, enhance water quality, and protect native species while improving water management and reducing conflicts over water resources.
Key Program Goals:
● Aquatic Habitat Restoration: Restore degraded aquatic ecosystems, including rivers, streams, wetlands, and riparian zones, to support biodiversity and ecological health.
● Water Quality Enhancement: Improve water quality in aquatic ecosystems by reducing pollutants and addressing factors that degrade habitat conditions.
● Native Species Protection: Fund projects that protect and enhance habitat for native aquatic species, including threatened and endangered species.
● Sustainable Water Management: Promote integrated water management practices that balance ecosystem health with water supply reliability.
Eligible Projects:
● Habitat Restoration: Projects to restore natural flow regimes, reconnect floodplains, and re establish native vegetation in riparian areas.
● Fish Passage Improvements: Implement fish ladders, remove barriers, or restore stream connectivity to improve fish migration routes.
● Water Quality Improvement: Fund projects that reduce nutrient loading, erosion, or sedimentation in aquatic ecosystems.
● Invasive Species Management: Remove invasive species that threaten native aquatic habitats and reintroduce native species where appropriate.
Important Considerations:
● Applicants must provide a 50% non-federal match.
● Projects must demonstrate measurable benefits to aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and habitat conditions.
● Collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including local governments, non-profits, and other agencies, is encouraged to maximize project impacts.
USBR: WaterSmart Small-Scale WEE Grant:
Estimated Deadline: TBD
Amount: up to $100,000
Match: Yes 50%
Link: https://www.usbr.gov/watersmart/swep/index.html
Through the WaterSMART Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects Reclamation provides 50/50 cost share funding to irrigation and water districts, tribes, states and other entities with water or power delivery authority for small water efficiency improvements that have been identified through previous planning efforts. Projects eligible for funding include installation of flow measurement or automation in a specific part of a water delivery system, lining of a section of a canal to address seepage, or other similar projects that are limited in scope.
USBR: Planning and Project Design Grants
Deadline: Summer 2025.
Amount: Varies depending on project scope
Match: 50% non-federal cost share required
Eligibility: States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority in the Western United States
Link: USBR Planning and Project Design Grants Program
Summary: The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) Planning and Project Design Grants provide funding for the development of comprehensive project designs, feasibility studies, and preliminary planning activities for water resource management and infrastructure improvement projects. These grants help ensure that projects are well-planned, efficient, and sustainable, and are crucial for advancing larger scale infrastructure efforts to improve water supply reliability and environmental outcomes. Key Program Goals:
● Project Planning and Design: Support the detailed planning and design of water infrastructure projects to improve water supply, water quality, and drought resilience.
● Feasibility Studies: Fund technical and economic feasibility studies to assess the viability of water management projects.
● Sustainable Water Management: Encourage the development of projects that enhance water sustainability and resilience to climate change.
Eligible Projects:
● Preliminary Engineering: Design and feasibility studies for new or upgraded water infrastructure projects.
● Water Management Strategies: Planning for projects that improve water storage, conveyance, conservation, and reuse.
● Ecosystem Restoration Planning: Design of projects aimed at restoring aquatic ecosystems and improving water quality for environmental purposes.
USBR: Title XVI WIIN Act Projects
Deadline: TBD
Amount: Varies based on project scope
Match: Typically requires a 75% non-federal cost share
Eligibility: States, Indian tribes, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority
Link: USBR Title XVI WIIN Act Projects
Summary: Funding is available for water reuse and recycling projects authorized under the WIIN Act, which support the development of sustainable water supplies in drought-prone areas.
USBR Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP) Phase I
Deadline: TBD
Amount: Up to $200,000 per applicant, with funding distributed over a 2-year period
Match: No match required for Phase I
Eligibility: Watershed groups, including states, Indian tribes, local and special districts, nonprofit organizations, and other groups that represent a variety of stakeholders
Link: USBR Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I
Summary: The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) Cooperative Watershed Management Program (CWMP) Phase I provides funding to support the creation and development of locally led watershed groups. These groups are focused on improving water management and resolving conflicts in watersheds across the Western United States.
Key Program Goals:
● Watershed Group Development: Support the formation of new watershed groups or expand the capacity of existing ones.
● Stakeholder Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between diverse stakeholders, including federal, state, tribal, and local entities, to address water resource challenges.
● Water Management Solutions: Promote the development of projects and plans that improve water management and resolve water-related conflicts.
● Sustainable Watershed Management: Foster long-term solutions for watershed health and sustainability.
Eligible Activities:
● Watershed Group Formation: Support the creation of new watershed groups or enhance existing groups.
● Stakeholder Outreach: Provide resources for engaging and collaborating with local, state, and federal stakeholders.
● Watershed Management Planning: Develop watershed management plans or carry out activities that lead to project planning and implementation.
USBR: WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants (WEEG) Program Deadline: Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Amount: Up to $5 million per project
Match: 50% non-federal cost share required
Eligibility: States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority in the Western United States, as well as partnering nonprofit conservation organizations.
Link: USBR WaterSMART WEEG Program | Grants.gov Listing
Summary: The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) WaterSMART Water and Energy Efficiency Grants (WEEG) program offers funding to help entities conserve water, increase water efficiency, and boost renewable energy production. The program seeks to address water shortages, mitigate future conflicts over water resources, and contribute to water supply sustainability in the Western United States.
Key Program Goals:
● Water Conservation and Efficiency: Support projects that conserve and use water more efficiently, benefiting both municipal and agricultural water systems.
● Renewable Energy Production: Increase the production of renewable energy in conjunction with water management infrastructure, such as hydropower or solar-powered systems.
● Drought and Conflict Mitigation: Fund projects that reduce the risk of future water conflicts in areas prone to water shortages.
● Sustainable Water Supply: Contribute to the long-term sustainability of water supplies in the Western United States through improved water management practices.
Eligible Projects:
● Advanced Metering Systems: Install water meters and automation systems, such as SCADA, to monitor and control water usage.
● Irrigation Efficiency: Convert open canals to pipelines, upgrade irrigation systems, and implement other technologies that enhance water efficiency.
● Renewable Energy Projects: Install renewable energy systems, such as hydropower or solar, to power water infrastructure projects.
● Water Recycling and Reuse: Fund systems that recycle and reuse water to reduce the overall demand on fresh water supplies.
USBR: Drought Resiliency Projects
Estimated Deadline: TBD
Amount: Up to $5 million per project
Match: 50% non-federal cost share required
Eligibility: States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority in the Western United States or Alaska
Link: USBR Drought Resiliency Projects
Summary: The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) Drought Resiliency Projects grant program offers funding to help communities in the Western United States and Alaska build resilience to drought. The program focuses on long-term infrastructure improvements to enhance water supply reliability, increase drought preparedness, and reduce the need for emergency drought response actions.
Key Program Goals:
○ Enhance Water Supply Reliability: Improve water storage, conveyance, and distribution systems to boost water supply reliability during droughts.
○ Boost Drought Preparedness: Help communities prepare for future droughts by reducing their vulnerability to water shortages.
○ Promote Infrastructure Resilience: Fund projects that strengthen infrastructure, ensuring it can withstand and recover from drought impacts.
Eligible Projects:
○ Water Management: Upgrading water storage, conveyance, and distribution systems.
○ Water Conservation: Implementing irrigation efficiency measures and reducing water losses.
○ Water Supply Augmentation: Developing new water sources like groundwater storage and water reuse systems.
○ Infrastructure Resilience: Enhancing infrastructure to ensure long-term water supply sustainability.
USBR: WIIN Act Desalination Construction Projects (FY23/FY24)
Deadline: TBD
Amount: Varies based on project scope
Match: Typically requires a 75% non-federal cost share
Eligibility: States, Indian tribes, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority
Link: USBR WIIN Act Desalination Construction Projects
Summary: This funding opportunity supports desalination projects to create new water supplies in areas facing water scarcity, enhancing the sustainability of water resources in the Western United States.