Water Resources Research Act Non-Competitive Coordination
🏛 Geological Survey (DOI-USGS1)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for water research institutions and university-based water resource programs. Eligible applicants are colleges and universities authorized to conduct water resource research. Preference goes to USGS-designated state water institutes and those with established research infrastructure.
Geographic scope includes all 50 states, with funding allocated by state. Applicants must demonstrate capacity for multi-year, applied water resource research. Activities supported include research on water availability, quality, use, and related environmental issues.
This is a non-competitive program, meaning selected institutions receive automatic funding based on criteria. Research must address regional or national water challenges. Indirect costs follow federal reimbursement rates.
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Program description
Water Resource Research Act (WRRA) coordination award to support efforts toward water resources research.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project Narrative or Research Plan
- Budget and Budget Justification
- Institutional Credentials and Authorized Official Signature
- Statement of Research Capacity
- Letters of Support from State Agencies (recommended)
Program contact
- 👤 Geological Survey
- 📧 sroser@usgs.gov
- 📞 916-278-9331
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.805 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$8,121,607
-
$8,103,137
-
$4,194,875
-
$2,095,671
-
$1,379,574
-
$1,300,000
-
$948,793
-
$903,537
-
$833,330
-
$833,330
Top States by Funding
- MA 3 awards $9.3M
- SC 2 awards $8.8M
- IL 3 awards $5.4M
- NV 4 awards $3.2M
- AZ 4 awards $2.7M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.805). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2018 | $6,200,000 | |
| 2019 | $8,310,913 | |
| 2020 | $11,293,638 | |
| 2021 | $11,901,883 | |
| 2022 | $14,777,840 | |
| 2023 | $18,986,763 | |
| 2024 | $17,882,001 | |
| 2025 est. | $17,500,000 |
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply?
Colleges and universities with water resource research programs. Institutions must be authorized to conduct water research and have USGS designation.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is September 30, 2026. Applications open May 12, 2026. Plan for 4-5 months of preparation.
What types of research activities are funded?
Water availability, quality, use, and protection research. Regional and national water challenges are priority areas.
Is this grant competitive?
No, it is non-competitive. Designated institutions receive funding automatically if they meet criteria. Competition is minimal compared to typical federal grants.
What is the typical funding range?
Allocations vary by state and institution type. Most awards range from $50,000 to $300,000 annually. Contact USGS directly for your institution's typical award level.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact your state water institute or USGS liaison early. They can clarify your institution's eligibility and expected award level.
- Align your research priorities with USGS and state water resource priorities. Local relevance strengthens your proposal.
- Document your existing research infrastructure and team expertise. The grant favors established, credible research programs.
- Submit a clear, focused research plan with measurable outcomes. Use plain language that policymakers can understand.
- Include letters of support from state water authorities or agencies. Partner engagement demonstrates regional impact and relevance.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting weak research plans without clear policy or management applications. Failing to align with state or USGS water priorities listed on their website. Underestimating the importance of demonstrating institutional research capacity and infrastructure.
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