Assistance to State Water Resources Research Institutes

Open Opportunities (1)

Live Grants.gov opportunities funded under this program — you can apply now.

FY2026 Water Resources Research Act Non-Competitive Coordination Deadline: Sep 30, 2026

Program Funding

Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.

Latest annual funding (estimated)

$17.5M FY2025

$6.2M

FY17

$6.2M

FY18

$8.3M

FY19

$11.3M

FY20

$11.9M

FY21

$14.8M

FY22

$19M

FY23

$17.9M

FY24

$17.5M

FY25*

* estimated

Who has received this funding

Organizations awarded under CFDA 15.805 (USAspending.gov).

University Of Massachusetts $8,121,607
Clemson University $8,103,137
University Of Illinois $4,194,875
University Of Hawaii 2 awards $2,283,111
University Of Guam $2,095,671
Nevada System Of Higher Education $1,300,000
University System Of New Hampshire $948,793
University Of Arizona $833,330
New Mexico State University $833,330

Funded Projects

Examples of what this program has supported.

FY2024 Received 54 base grant proposals and 68 (19 general, 11 AIS, and 38 PFAS) competitive proposals. For FY24, 7 general, 6 AIS, and 9 PFAS proposals were funded. Proposals submitted address our understanding of changes in the quantity and quality of water resources, development of methods for better estimation of water supply, both surface and groundwater, including estimation of the physical and/or economic supply of water and with socioeconomic considerations. Each of these are 3-year awards.

FY2025 Expect to receive 54 base grant proposals and 70 (20 general, 10 AIS, and 40 PFAS) competitive proposals. For FY25, 6 general, 4 AIS, and 9 PFAS proposals are expected to be funded. Proposals submitted should address our understanding of changes in the quantity and quality of water resources, development of methods for better estimation of water supply, both surface and groundwater, including estimation of the physical and/or economic supply of water and with socioeconomic considerations. Each of these will be 3-year awards.

Program Objective

To provide financial support to Water Resources Research Institutes located at designated State universities in each of the 50 States, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Federated States of Micronesia for research, information transfer and student training on one or more aspects of priority water problems.

Eligibility

Eligible Applicants

State governments
U.S. territories (incl. universities)

One University Water Research Institute is authorized in each State and other jurisdictions specified in Section 104. Other colleges and universities within a State are encouraged to participate in the program in cooperation with the designated Institute.

Beneficiaries

Researchers at qualified universities and colleges in the State through the designated Institute for the State.

How to Apply

Application Procedure

This program is subject to the provisions of 2 CFR Part 200 and Department of the Interior regulations 2 CFR Part 1402 and 43 CFR Part 12. Application form Standard Form (SF) 424 must be used. The application requirements as contained in the announcement package and the above regulations must be used for this program. Applications may be made only through the internet site http://www.grants.gov.

Award Procedure

Formula Grant Program: Geological Survey approves or rejects, in part or as a whole, the program submitted by each State Institute. The State Institutes are notified of any amendments necessary to obtain Geological Survey approval. Competitive Grant Program: Geological Survey conducts a formal review and selection procedure and approves or reject applications as a whole. Notification of an award is by receipt of a grant or cooperative agreement from a U.S. Geological Survey contracting officer.

90 days.

Program details & compliance

Use of Funds

Allowed Uses

This program has two parts: a mandatory formula grant program and a competitive project grant program. The mandatory grant program provides the State Institutes with funds to support a State and regional program of water resources research and information transfer. This may include basic or applied research, setting up conferences to discuss research needs or results, conduct of research, information dissemination, and training of students as a byproduct of research. In general the funds are used to study regional, State, or local water problems, but the results may often have national significance. The competitive project grant program supports research focused on water problems of a regional or interstate nature and which relate to program priorities identified jointly by the State Institutes and the Geological Survey. Federal funds cannot be used for (1) formal instructional activities and general education, and (2) the cost of permanent buildings, either directly or indirectly.

Required Documentation

Proposed Research and Information Transfer Program application responsive to instructions issued by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Matching Requirements

Matching requirements are 1:1 to this assistance listing.

Reporting & Compliance

Audit Required

Yes

Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts

Subpart B — General Provisions
Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
Subpart E — Cost Principles
Subpart F — Audit Requirements

Formula

42 U.S.C. 10303(c) and (g)