WaterSMART Applied Science Grant

The Applied Science Grants support projects to develop hydrologic information, decision support tools, and tools to improve modeling and forecasting capabilities to increase water supply reliability.

New Project Type – Nature-based Solutions Decision Tools:  Eligible project can develop, improve, or adapt tools to improve nature-based solutions decision making.These solutions can use natural features and processes to combat climate change, improve water quality, restore, and protect wetlands, stabilize shorelines, and reduce flood risk.  Nature-based solutions can be applied at a watershed or landscape scale or at a site-specific scale.  Projects may include decision support tools to assist in the application of a nature-based solution that supports a range of environmental improvements, including but not limited to biodiversity, water quality, and flood mitigation.  Applied Science Grants with primarily ecological benefits may be eligible for up to 75 percent Federal cost-share contribution.

Applicants may request up to $400,000 for projects to be completed within two years. A 50% non-federal cost share is required.

Eligible applicants include, as Category A applicants: States, Tribes, irrigation districts, water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority.  Category B applicants are eligible so long as they partner with a Category A applicant, including: Universities, nonprofit research institutes, federally funded research and development centers, and nonprofit conservation organizations.

The Bureau of Reclamation will host a webinar on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. MDT to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for the Applied Science Grants funding opportunity.  Join the live event or use the same link to watch a recording after the completion of the live event.  You may also click here to schedule time to talk to a Reclamation program coordinator.