The WaterSMART Drought Response Program is a grant opportunity from the Bureau of Reclamation designed to help states, tribes, and other groups improve their ability to manage water during droughts. This program provides funding for projects that increase water supply and reliability, such as building better water storage systems, finding new water sources, and creating plans to deal with droughts. The program supports a wide range of activities, from infrastructure improvements to developing tools for better water management.
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 strategies for dealing with droughts. If your organization is focused on increasing water supply reliability or developing drought contingency plans, you might qualify.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not being a state, tribe, or eligible entity involved in water management
- Lack of a cost-sharing plan
- Proposals not focused on drought resilience or water management improvements
What You May Need
- A detailed project proposal
- Evidence of cost-sharing or matching funds
- Plans for infrastructure improvements or water management strategies
- Documentation of eligibility as a state, tribe, or relevant entity
- Budget breakdown for the proposed project
- Timeline for project implementation
Cautions
- Ensure you have a clear cost-sharing plan as it is required.
- Projects must align with federal priorities and orders, such as those from the Trump administration.
- Make sure your proposal clearly demonstrates how it will improve drought resilience.
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Use of Funds
Funds from this grant can be used for a variety of projects aimed at improving water management and drought resilience. This includes building or upgrading water storage and distribution systems, finding new water sources, developing tools for better decision-making in water management, and creating comprehensive plans to prepare for and respond to 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
- Mar 5, 2026
Application Checklist
- Review the full grant announcement on the official source
- Confirm your organization's eligibility
- Check if registration on SAM.gov/Grants.gov is required
- Gather required documents (budgets, financials, etc.)
- Identify matching funds if cost-sharing is required
- Draft project narrative and work plan
- Get required internal approvals and signatures
- Submit application before the deadline