Past
Climate
Grant

WaterSMART Drought Response Grants (R26AS00016)

Deadline:
July 28, 2026
Total Funding
$13,500,000
Maximum Award
$1,500,000
Overview

To support a range of initiatives including infrastructure improvements for increased water storage and distribution capabilities, water source diversification, decision-making tools for water management, and comprehensive planning to prepare for and respond to drought conditions.

Funder

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Program

WaterSMART Drought Response Program

Resources

Applications Due

July 28, 2026

Total Funding

$13.5 million

Funding Source

Federal

Maximum Award

$1,500,000

Award Details

  • Funding Group I: Up to $500,000 in Federal funds, not to exceed 50% of project costs. Drought Contingency Planning applications are limited to applying under Funding Group I
  • Funding Group II: Up to $1,500,000 in Federal funds, not to exceed 50% of project costs.

Eligibility

  • Category A Applicants: States, Tribes, irrigation districts, and water districts; state, regional, or local authorities, the members of which include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; and other organizations with water or power delivery authority.
  • Category B Applicants: Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership with, and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A.

Eligible Activities

Projects designed to improve drought resilience by developing effective water management strategies and drought contingency plans.

Duration

Anticipated project start date: July 28, 2027 and anticipated project end date October 3, 2030.

Notable Requirements

A 50% cost share is required. For example, an application for $1.5 million would require a $750,000 applicant cost-share. The review criteria include 20 points for advancing presidential and Department of Interior priorities, including primary project elements that develop, demonstrate, and or implement artificial intelligence technologies. Category B applicants should include a letter from the Category A partner.

Preferences

Severity of Drought Conditions and Impacts (15 points); Project Benefits (20 points); Planning and Support (10 points); Readiness to Proceed and Project Implementation (15 points); Nexus to Reclamation (5 points); Presidential and Department of Interior Priorities (20 points); Construction Priority (10 points); and Cost Share Priority (5 points) for 100 total possible points.

How to Apply

Apply through Grants.gov.

DroughtWater

Technical Assistance Available

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