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Grants / Natural resources

WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects

Bureau of Reclamation, Department of the Interior

Deadline
September 8, 2027This funding opportunity will have two application deadlines. The first application period will close Wednesday,…
Award size
$50,000 to $3 millionAbout 30 awards
Matching funds
RequiredYou must contribute some of the cost
Fit for small groups
Possible fit

In plain language

This grant helps pay for projects that improve water resource management, like water conservation, infrastructure, and river restoration. It is meant to help organizations in the Western United States and certain territories.

The money can pay for

  • Water conservation projects
  • Water infrastructure improvements
  • River and watershed restoration
  • Projects that balance community interests

Who can apply

Organizations in the Western United States or specific territories, including states, tribes, irrigation districts, and nonprofit conservation groups working with these entities.

Is it a fit for a small group?

Possible fit. This grant may be difficult for small community nonprofits to apply for because it requires partnerships with larger organizations and may need technical expertise.

Before you apply

  • Matching funds are required
  • Category B applicants need a letter of support from a Category A entity
  • Applicants must be located in the Western United States or specific territories
  • Federal applicants need an active registration at SAM.gov and a Grants.gov account. Registration can take several weeks, so start early.

This summary was written by GrantGather with AI, based on the official listing. It can contain mistakes. Check the official listing on Grants.gov before you apply.

From the official listing

The objective of the WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects funding opportunity is to invite eligible entities to apply for funding to implement projects per the authorizing language referenced above that benefit water resource management for multiple uses, including water conservation and efficiency projects, water infrastructure improvements, and river and watershed restoration. Projects that balance numerous community interests (agriculture, recreation, fisheries, power, etc.), were developed collaboratively, and provide significant watershed benefits will be prioritized under this funding opportunity. This program demonstrably advances Trump administration priorities, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 14154 (January 20, 2025): Unleashing American Energy (E.O. 14154) and Secretarial Order 3418, and aligns with other priorities and requirements, such as…

Read the full description

The objective of the WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects funding opportunity is to invite eligible entities to apply for funding to implement projects per the authorizing language referenced above that benefit water resource management for multiple uses, including water conservation and efficiency projects, water infrastructure improvements, and river and watershed restoration. Projects that balance numerous community interests (agriculture, recreation, fisheries, power, etc.), were developed collaboratively, and provide significant watershed benefits will be prioritized under this funding opportunity. This program demonstrably advances Trump administration priorities, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 14154 (January 20, 2025): Unleashing American Energy (E.O. 14154) and Secretarial Order 3418, and aligns with other priorities and requirements, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 14332 (August 7, 2025): Improving Oversight in Federal Grantmaking (E.O. 14332).

Opportunity number
R26AS00017
Posted
May 14, 2026
Total funding
$60 million
Eligible applicants
Others (see eligibility details)
Eligibility details
Applicants eligible to receive an award under this funding opportunity are described below.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; andOther organizations with water or power delivery authority.Category A applicants must be located in the Western United States or Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended and supplemented; specifically: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Category B Applicants: Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership with, and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A. All Category B applicants must be located in the United States, or the specific Territories identified above under Category A Applicants. Applicants applying under this category should include a letter of support or other documentation demonstrating that they are acting in partnership with and with the agreement of the Category A entity. Reclamation may request additional information to verify that the applicant meets this requirement. Category C Applicants:Watershed groups as defined in the Cooperative Watershed…
Assistance listing
15.507 WaterSMART (Sustain and Manage America’s Resources for Tomorrow)
Agency contact
Bureau of Reclamation
bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov
tbd
Open the official listing on Grants.gov

Nonprofits are eligible here through the “Others” category. Read the eligibility details carefully.