WaterSMART

Applied Science Grants

Through WaterSMART, Reclamation provides financial assistance on a competitive basis for Applied Science Grants. Through these grants, Reclamation provides funding to non-Federal entities for the development of tools and information to support water management for multiple uses. Eligible projects include the development of modeling and forecasting tools, hydrologic data platforms, and new data sets. See a full description of eligible project types.

Eligible applicants include States, tribes, irrigation and water districts, and other organizations with water or power delivery authority located in the Western United States and territories. Universities, nonprofit research organizations and nonprofit organizations located in the United States are also eligible if they partner with an entity with water delivery authority. See a full description of applicant eligibility.

Documents

• Applied Science Grants Fact Sheet

Contacts

For additional information on WaterSMART Applied Science Grants, please contact Ms. Stephanie Hellekson at 720-799-3158 or send an email to shellekson@usbr.gov.

 If you have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility or the evaluation criteria, click here and submit an inquiry request for the appropriate program.

You may complete this form to receive WaterSMART program notification from the Bureau of Reclamation.

Announcements

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• WaterSMART Applied Science Grants Webinar

  On Tuesday, April 28th, 2026, at 1:00pm MT, the Bureau of Reclamation will host an informational webinar to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for the Applied Science Grants Notice of Funding Opportunity. Use this link to join the webinar.

• Reclamation Publishes New Funding Opportunity: WaterSMART Applied Science Grants

  On March 5, 2026, the Bureau of Reclamation published a new funding opportunity to support projects that develop tools and information to support water management decisions and enhance hydrologic resilience.