WaterSMART Drought Response Program
🏛 Bureau of Reclamation
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 15, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for water management organizations addressing drought in western U.S. states served by the Bureau of Reclamation. Eligible applicants include state and local government agencies, irrigation districts, water utilities, tribes, and nonprofits working on water conservation and drought resilience. Funding supports projects that reduce water demand, improve water use efficiency, or strengthen water security in drought-prone regions. Geographic scope covers reclamation areas in 17 western states.
Projects must align with drought response priorities. Activities include water conservation infrastructure, drought planning, demand management, and watershed restoration. Applicants must demonstrate local need and technical capacity. Cost-sharing requirements typically apply.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
Not the right fit? Find grants for your organization in 5 questions →
Program description
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).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Federal Application for Grant Assistance)
- Project Narrative and Description
- Environmental Assessment or NEPA documentation
- Detailed Budget and Budget Justification
- Letters of Support from project partners
- Water Conservation Plan or Drought Response Strategy
Program contact
- 👤 Bureau of Reclamation
- 📧 bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov
- 📞 tbd
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.514 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$65,000,000
-
$45,639,176
-
$40,000,000
-
$9,995,000
-
$9,503,500
-
$9,500,000
-
$9,411,120
-
$9,094,200
-
$8,516,328
-
$7,673,594
Top States by Funding
- CA 63 awards $172.7M
- NM 8 awards $86.9M
- UT 10 awards $73.0M
- TX 6 awards $23.7M
- OK 3 awards $16.9M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.514). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2023 | $109,986,996 | |
| 2025 est. | $40,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
State and local governments, water districts, tribes, and nonprofit water organizations in western reclamation states can apply. Some programs require applicant partnerships with federal or state agencies.
What types of projects are eligible?
Water conservation infrastructure, drought preparedness plans, irrigation efficiency upgrades, water reuse systems, and watershed management projects. Projects must reduce water consumption or improve drought resilience.
Is this a rolling deadline?
Yes, it's a rolling application process. Applications are typically reviewed as submitted. Check the Bureau of Reclamation website for specific funding cycles and target dates.
How competitive is this funding?
Very competitive. The program receives many applications. Strong applications demonstrate clear drought need, measurable water savings, local buy-in, and realistic budgets.
What funding amounts are typical?
Awards typically range from $500,000 to several million dollars. Exact amounts vary by project type and year. Many projects require cost-sharing (25-50%).
💡 Tips for applicants
- Start with a strong problem statement showing local drought impacts and why your project matters now.
- Use specific water savings data. Include baseline water use, projected reductions, and how you'll measure results.
- Build a partnership strategy. Federal agencies favor projects with diverse stakeholder support and committed funding partners.
- Develop a realistic budget with detailed cost breakdown. Include environmental and engineering reports if applicable.
- Align your project with Western Water and Drought Resilience priorities. Reference relevant state water plans or federal initiatives.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak problem statements that don't clearly show drought necessity. Unrealistic water savings projections without supporting data. Missing cost-share commitments or unclear funding partnerships.
Similar grants
- OPEN WaterSMART Enhancing Water Resources Projects — Bureau of Reclamation
- OPEN WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects — Bureau of Reclamation
- OPEN WaterSMART Cooperative Watershed Management Program — Bureau of Reclamation
- OPEN Title XVI Water Reclamation and Reuse Projects — Bureau of Reclamation
- ROLLING Prop 4 – Wildfire and Forest Resilience — San Diego River Conservancy (California)