WaterSMART Applied Science Grants
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The Bureau of Reclamation is offering WaterSMART Applied Science Grants aimed at supporting non-Federal entities in applied science projects that enhance hydrologic data access and water management tools. The primary objective is to improve water supply reliability and management through cost-sharing initiatives, with projects focusing on developing hydrologic information, modeling, forecasting capabilities, and nature-based solutions. This funding opportunity is critical for water managers in the Western United States and U.S. Territories, with a total program funding of $10 million and individual awards ranging from $1 to $400,000. Interested applicants must submit their proposals electronically via Grants.gov by February 10, 2026, and can contact Nathan Moeller at nmoeller@usbr.gov for further information.
Eligible Applicants
Category A: States, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, water districts; state, regional, or local authorities whose members include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; and other organizations with water or power delivery authority.All Category A applicants must be located in the Western United States or United States Territories, including 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 Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.Category B: Universities, nonprofit research institutions, nonprofit organizations, and federally-funded research and development centers that are acting in partnership and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A.All Category B applicants must be in the United States or the specific Territories identified above.