The WaterSMART Drought Response Program is a grant opportunity from the Bureau of Reclamation aimed at helping states, tribes, and other groups improve their ability to handle droughts. This includes projects that enhance water storage and distribution, diversify water sources, and develop tools for better water management. The goal is to make water supplies more reliable and prepare for drought conditions.
Who it's for: This grant is for states, tribes, and other entities that are involved in water management and are looking to improve their drought resilience. If your organization is involved in planning or implementing projects that can increase water supply reliability or hydropower reliability, you might be eligible.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being a state, tribe, or eligible entity
- Proposals not related to water management or drought resilience
- Lack of cost-sharing or matching funds
- Incomplete application
What You May Need
- Detailed project proposal
- Evidence of cost-sharing or matching funds
- Organizational eligibility documentation
- Drought contingency plan
- Project budget
- Timeline for project implementation
- Letters of support from partners
Cautions
- Ensure you meet the cost-sharing requirement
- Align your project with federal priorities
- Be aware of the specific eligibility requirements
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
This grant is for states, tribes, and other entities that are involved in water management and are looking to improve their drought resilience. If your organization is involved in planning or implementing projects that can increase water supply reliability or hydropower reliability, you might be eligible.
Overview
This grant is for states, tribes, and other entities that are involved in water management and are looking to improve their drought resilience. If your organization is involved in planning or implementing projects that can increase water supply reliability or hydropower reliability, you might be eligible.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being a state, tribe, or eligible entity
- Proposals not related to water management or drought resilience
- Lack of cost-sharing or matching funds
- Incomplete application
Use of Funds
Funds can be used for infrastructure improvements to increase water storage and distribution, diversifying water sources, developing decision-making tools for water management, and comprehensive planning for drought conditions.
Total Program Funding
$13,500,000
Expected Awards
20
Cost Sharing
Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Mar 5, 2026
- Archive Date
- Oct 3, 2031
- Last Updated
- May 13, 2026
- Est. Application Due (AI estimate)
- Spring 2024
- Est. Award Date (AI estimate)
- Summer 2024
Application Checklist
- Verify eligibility as a state, tribe, or eligible entity
- Prepare a detailed project proposal
- Secure cost-sharing or matching funds
- Gather organizational eligibility documentation
- Develop a drought contingency plan
- Create a project budget
- Draft a timeline for project implementation
- Obtain letters of support from partners
- Submit application by the deadline