natural_resources · DOI-BOR
WaterSMART Drought Response Program
Bureau of Reclamation · R26AS00016
Award Range
$25K – $1.5M
Total Program Funding
$13.5M
Expected Awards
20
Deadline
July 28, 2026
GRANTQUICK SUMMARYPlain-English Overview
WaterSMART Drought Response Program. Bureau of Reclamation. Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with States, Tribes, and other entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply and hydropower reliability. The WaterSMART Drought Response Program... $25,000-$1,500,000 per award; $13,500,000 total program funding; ~20 awards expected.
Who Should Apply
Other eligible entities
Who Should NOT Apply
Individuals and organizations outside the specified eligible types
Key Requirements (Plain English)
- •Applicants eligible to receive an award under this funding opportunity are described below
- •Cost sharing/matching required
💡 GrantQuick Tip
Budget for cost-sharing match. Demonstrate institutional commitment and matching funds clearly in your proposal.
Competitiveness: High — limited number of awards
What This Grant Funds
Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with States, Tribes, and other entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply and hydropower reliability. The WaterSMART Drought Response Program NOFO invites eligible applicants to submit proposals for projects designed to improve drought resilience by developing effective water management strategies and drought contingency plans. Funding under the Drought Response Program supports 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. WaterSMART Drought Response 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).
Attachments
NOFO Frequently Asked Questions.pdf
NOFO_Frequently_Asked_Questions.pdf
Foa_Content_of_R26AS00016_Final.pdf
Foa_Content_of_R26AS00016_Final.pdf
Attachment A - Budget_Detail_and_Narrative.xlsx
Attachment_A_-_Budget_Detail_and_Narrative.xlsx
Attachment B - Budget_Narrative_Guidance.pdf
Attachment_B_-_Budget_Narrative_Guidance.pdf
Attachment C - Drought Contingency Planning.pdf
Attachment_C_-_Drought_Contingency_Planning.pdf
Who Can Apply
Eligible Applicant Types
Funding Details
- Minimum Award
- $25K
- Maximum Award
- $1.5M
- Total Program Funding
- $13.5M
- Expected Number of Awards
- 20
- Cost Sharing Required?
- Yes
- Funding Instrument
- cooperative_agreement, grant
Key Dates
July 28, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)
Agency Contact
Alisha James bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov
bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.govReady to apply?
View the full NOFO and submit your application on Grants.gov