Watershed Resilience Conservation Implementation
🏛 Department of Water Resources (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for workforce development organizations in California that are current HRCC grantees. Applicants must be existing recipients of the High Road to Construction Careers Resilient Workforce Fund program.
Round One funding supports regions to maintain service levels during the transition to Round Two. All eligible HRCC regions receive predetermined allocations based on prior spending rates. Applicants must apply for the exact allocation amount specified in the RFA.
Funding supports training and apprenticeship programs in construction trades. Priority populations include women, veterans, and justice-involved individuals entering the industry.
Round Two will be a separate competitive solicitation issued in 2026-27 with approximately $19 million available to regions with demonstrated hiring demand.
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Program description
The purpose of this program is to fund the implementation of practical water conservation projects that reduce water demand and improve efficiency at the watershed scale. The program supports grantees in carrying out actions such as irrigation efficiency upgrades, leak detection and repair, water-efficient landscaping conversions, metering and monitoring improvements, and other measures that directly reduce water consumption. A concept proposal will be required ahead of a full applications. We anticipate accepting concepts in 2027.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- Nonprofits
- Public Authority
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Tribal Nation
- Workforce Development Program
Demographic focus
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Application Access Form (to request Cal-E-Grants portal access)
- Cal-E-Grants application submission
- Documentation of regional labor market demand
- Prior participant data and reporting records
- Proof of HRCC RWF program participation
Program contact
- 📧 financialassistance@water.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-651-9613
FAQ
Who is eligible to apply for HRCC 2026 Round One?
Only current HRCC grantees are eligible. You must be an existing recipient of the HRCC Resilient Workforce Fund program.
What is the deadline for Round One applications?
The deadline is May 6, 2026. Round Two will have a separate solicitation in the 2026-27 State Fiscal Year.
What activities does HRCC 2026 fund?
Funding supports apprenticeship and training programs in construction trades, with emphasis on serving women, veterans, and justice-involved individuals.
How much funding will each region receive in Round One?
Allocations are predetermined based on each region's prior HRCC RWF spending rate through December 2025. You must apply for the exact amount shown in the RFA Table One.
Will there be opportunities beyond Round One?
Yes. Round Two is a separate competitive process opening in 2026-27 with approximately $19 million for regions with demonstrated hiring demand.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Request application access through the Application Access form before applying. You cannot submit without approved access to Cal-E-Grants.
- Apply for the exact allocation amount listed in Table One of the RFA. Requests for different amounts may result in ineligibility.
- Document your region's hiring demand and labor market alignment. This data will be critical for Round Two competitiveness.
- Highlight past performance on participant data collection and reporting timelines. Compliance history strongly influences Round Two evaluation.
- Demonstrate your track record serving priority populations: women, veterans, and justice-involved individuals entering construction trades.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Failing to request application access before the deadline prevents submission. Applying for an amount different from your region's predetermined allocation in Table One makes you ineligible. Submitting late or incomplete participant data from prior HRCC grants signals weak compliance and reduces Round Two competitiveness.
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