WaterSMART: Applied Science Grants

The Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART: Applied Science Grants (NOFO R25AS00280) offers $6 million, with 20 awards up to $400,000 each, to improve hydrologic data access, water management tools, and forecasting capabilities. Eligible applicants include states, tribes, water districts, universities, and non-profits partnering with Category A entities, all located in the Western U.S. or specified Territories. A 50% non-Federal cost share is required. Projects must use mature technologies to support water management objectives like increased water yield, supply reliability, and drought management. Applications are due by July 8, 2026, and April 13, 2027, and must be submitted via Grants.gov. Selection prioritizes addressing water management challenges, project benefits, implementation plans, dissemination of results, and alignment with Presidential and Department of Interior priorities.

The Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART: Applied Science Grants (NOFO R25AS00280) offers $6 million, with 20 awards up to $400,000 each, to improve water management through enhanced hydrologic data access, tool development, and forecasting capabilities. Eligible applicants include states, tribes, water districts (Category A), and partnering universities/nonprofits (Category B), primarily in the Western U.S. A mandatory 50% non-Federal cost share is required. Projects must use mature technologies to support objectives like water supply reliability, drought management, and watershed health. Ineligible activities include new technology research, planning studies, and construction. Applications are due July 8, 2026, and April 13, 2027, via Grants.gov, requiring SAM.gov registration. Evaluation criteria prioritize addressing water management challenges, project benefits, implementation, dissemination of results, alignment with Presidential priorities, and exceeding the minimum cost share.

The Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART: Applied Science Grants NOFO (R25AS00280) offers $6 million for projects improving hydrologic data access, water management tools, and forecasting capabilities. Up to 20 awards, ranging from $0 to $400,000, are available, with funding split between FY 2024 and FY 2025. Eligible applicants include states, tribes, water districts (Category A), and universities or non-profits partnering with Category A entities (Category B), all located in the Western US or specific territories. A 50% non-Federal cost share is required. Projects must use mature technologies, benefit water managers in specified regions, and support objectives like increased water yield and drought management. Ineligible activities include new technology research, planning studies, and construction. Applications are due July 8, 2026, and April 13, 2027, through Grants.gov. The review process evaluates water management challenges, project benefits, implementation plans, dissemination of results, alignment with Presidential/DOI priorities, and cost share.

The Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART: Applied Science Grants NOFO (R25AS00280) offers $6 million in funding for projects that improve hydrologic data access, water management tools, and forecasting capabilities. Eligible applicants include states, tribes, water districts (Category A), and universities or nonprofits partnering with Category A entities (Category B) in the Western U.S. and specific territories. A 50% non-Federal cost share is required. The program aims to enhance water supply reliability, drought management, and watershed health through mature technologies, not new research. Applications are due July 8, 2026 (first period) and April 13, 2027 (second period), and must include specific forms, a project narrative, and budget narrative. Merit review criteria focus on water management challenges, project benefits, implementation, dissemination, Presidential priorities, and cost share. Awards are cooperative agreements or grants with substantial Federal involvement, and pre-award costs are allowed at the applicant's risk.

The Bureau of Reclamation's WaterSMART: Applied Science Grants (NOFO R25AS00280) offers $6 million in funding, with up to $400,000 per award, for projects enhancing water supply reliability through improved hydrologic data, water management tools, and forecasting capabilities. Eligible applicants include states, tribes, water districts, and partnering universities or non-profits in the Western U.S. A mandatory 50% non-Federal cost share is required. Projects must use mature technologies to address water management challenges like supply shortfalls, drought, and water conflicts. Applications are due by July 8, 2026 (first period) and April 13, 2027 (second period), submitted via Grants.gov. Evaluation criteria prioritize addressing water management challenges, project benefits, implementation plans, dissemination of results, alignment with Presidential and DOI priorities, and exceeding the minimum cost share.