WaterSMART Drought Response Program
About This Grant
Through WaterSMART, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with States, Tribes, and other entities as they plan for and implement actions to increase water supply and hydropower reliability. The WaterSMART Drought Response Program NOFO invites eligible applicants to submit proposals for projects designed to improve drought resilience by developing effective water management strategies and drought contingency plans. Funding under the Drought Response Program supports a range of initiatives including infrastructure improvements for increased water storage and distribution capabilities, water source diversification, decision-making tools for water management, and comprehensive planning to prepare for and respond to drought conditions. WaterSMART Drought Response Program demonstrably advances Trump administration priorities, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 14154 (January 20, 2025): Unleashing American Energy (E.O. 14154) and Secretarial Order 3418, and aligns with other priorities and requirements, such as those identified in Presidential Executive Order 14332 (August 7, 2025): Improving Oversight in Federal Grantmaking (E.O. 14332).
Grant Summary
WaterSMART Drought Response Program is a Bureau of Reclamation grant providing $25K to $1.5M. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
Focus Areas
Eligibility
Funder did not publish eligibility criteria — confirm directly with the funder before applying.
How to Apply
$25K–$1.5M
Rolling / Open
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for WaterSMART Drought Response Program from Bureau of Reclamation, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to Bureau of Reclamation before the deadline.
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WaterSMART Drought Response Program: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the WaterSMART Drought Response Program?
WaterSMART Drought Response Program is offered by Bureau of Reclamation and is generally open to eligible organizations. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the WaterSMART Drought Response Program provide?
WaterSMART Drought Response Program provides between $25K and $1.5M per award from Bureau of Reclamation. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the WaterSMART Drought Response Program deadline?
WaterSMART Drought Response Program accepts applications on a rolling or ongoing basis, so there is no single fixed deadline. Confirm current timing with the funder, Bureau of Reclamation, before you apply, and submit as early as possible because rolling programs can close once funds are committed.
How do you apply for the WaterSMART Drought Response Program?
To apply for WaterSMART Drought Response Program, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from Bureau of Reclamation.