RESOURCES RESEARCH ACT PROGRAM NATIONAL COMPETITIVE GRANTS FY2026 (104g General)
🏛 Geological Survey (DOI-USGS1)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 7, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for Water Resources Research Institutes established under the Water Resources Research Act of 1984. Only these Institutes at universities in the 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, and Guam are eligible to apply.
Research on health effects involving human subjects is ineligible. Oceanography research is not eligible, though estuarine research is allowed. Applicants must have met all prior reporting requirements on USGS awards.
Federal employees may collaborate as Co-PIs but cannot serve as the principal investigator. Federal employees and agencies cannot receive federal funds or provide matching funds under this award.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
This Program Announcement is issued under the provisions of section 104 of the Water Resources Research Act of 1984 (Public Law 98-242), as amended by Public Laws 101-397, 104-147, 106-374, 109-471, and 117–58. Section 104 of the Water Resources Research Act directs the Secretary of the Interior to administer program grants to Institutes established under the provisions of section 104(a) of the Act. Water Resources Research Institutes have been established in each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. The Institute in Guam also serves the Federated States of Micronesia and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Institute in Hawaii also serves American Samoa. The addresses of the 54 Institutes are available at https://water.usgs.gov/wrri/index.php. Responsibility for administration of the Water Resources Research Act Program has been delegated to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424 Supplement (for non-construction)
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Cost-sharing documentation
- USGS Federal Agency Certification (if federal employees involved)
Program contact
- 👤 Geological Survey
- 📧 sara_roser@ios.doi.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 can apply for this grant?
Only Water Resources Research Institutes established at universities in the 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, and Guam. Institutes at universities in Hawaii, Guam serve additional jurisdictions.
What types of research are ineligible?
Health effects research involving human subjects, oceanography research, and research failing to meet program objectives. Estuarine research is acceptable.
Can federal employees be involved?
Federal employees may collaborate as Co-PIs but cannot serve as the principal investigator. They cannot receive federal funds or provide cost-sharing.
What is the typical award amount?
Up to $120,000 per award. Total program funding is approximately $462,500, supporting multiple projects.
When is the deadline?
The fixed deadline for FY2026 is November 12, 2026. Check the USGS website for future year deadlines.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Verify your institution is an official Water Resources Research Institute before investing application effort. Check the USGS WRRI directory online.
- Ensure all prior USGS grant reporting is current and complete. Unreported awards disqualify you.
- Include federal collaborators as Co-PIs, not principal investigators. Clarify they won't receive or provide funds.
- Focus research on water resources topics that align with WRRI program objectives. Avoid health or oceanography angles.
- Budget must include cost-sharing. Show in-kind and cash contributions from your institution.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applying without confirming your university operates an official Water Resources Research Institute. Submitting with outstanding reporting requirements from prior USGS awards. Proposing health effects or oceanography research that falls outside program scope.
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