WaterSMART Drought Response Program
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The Bureau of Reclamation is offering grants through the WaterSMART Drought Response Program to enhance drought resilience in the Western United States and Territories. Eligible applicants include states, tribes, irrigation districts, and nonprofit conservation organizations that partner with these entities, with a requirement for a 50% non-Federal cost share. This program supports infrastructure improvements and water management strategies, aiming to develop effective drought contingency plans and decision-making tools. A total of $13.5 million is available for funding, with individual awards ranging from $25,000 to $1.5 million, and applications are due by July 28, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. MDT. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Alisha James at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov.
Eligible Applicants
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; and Other organizations with water or power delivery authority. Category A applicants must be located in the Western United States or Territories; 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. Category B applicants should include with their application a letter from the Category A partner stating that the Category A partner: Is acting in partnership with the applicant;Agrees to the submittal and content of the application; andIntends to participate in the project in some way, for example, by providing input, feedback, or other support for the project. Partners do not necessarily need to contribute cost share funding. All Category B applicants must be located in the United States or the specific Territories identified above. Ineligible Applicants - Those not eligible include, but are not limited to, the following entities:Federal Governmental entitiesIndividuals Institutes of higher education PLEASE NOTE: Applicants in Puerto Rico and Alaska and Category B applicants are not eligible to apply for Drought Contingency Plans as applicant eligibility is defined in the Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1999, as amended.