Program Name | Description | Eligible Entities | Eligible Entity Information | Project Type | Award Ceiling | Award Floor | Non-federal Cost Share | Application Deadline | Status | Informational Webinars | Government Level | Agency | Agency Contact | Agency Program Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RESTORE Colorado Program | Grants made through the RESTORE Colorado Program will focus on the voluntary restoration, enhancement, and expansion of high priority wildlife habitat throughout the state. Competitive projects may combine multiple restoration and management strategies that enhance climate resiliency, ecological function, and habitat connectivity. In 2026, NFWF expects to make awards to projects focusing on the following habitats and statewide priorities: Watershed resilience (wetlands, riparian and upland habitats including forests) Eastern Colorado grasslands Sagebrush rangelands Big game winter range and migration corridors Capacity building for conservation project development and delivery Urban areas All projects must occur entirely within the State of Colorado. | Nongovernmental Organizations State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Institutes of Higher Education | Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c)3 organizations, political subdivisions of the state, local and municipal governments, Native Nations and Indigenous-led organizations, and educational institutions. | Forest Management Watershed Health Capacity/Technical Assistance | $100,000 | 11/11/2025, 4:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | August 28, 10am MDT: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7565770745272648795 | Colorado | National Fish and Wildlife Foundation | General Inquiries and Application Support: Emma Wigger - Emma.Wigger@nfwf.org; Watershed Resilience Project Inquiries: Kirstin Neff - Kirstin.Neff@nfwf.org; Sagebrush, Grassland, and Migration Project Inquiries: Chris West - Chris.West@nfwf.org | https://www.nfwf.org/programs/restore-colorado-program/restore-colorado-program-2026-request-proposals | ||
| Southwest Rivers Headwaters Fund | The Southwest Rivers Headwaters Fund is dedicated to restoring, protecting, and enhancing aquatic and riparian species and their habitats in the headwaters of the Rio Grande and Colorado River watersheds. The goals of the Southwest Rivers Headwaters Fund include: - Process-based wetland, riparian and instream habitat restoration and enhancement - Riparian habitat restoration and enhancement - Instream restoration and enhancement - Increase water availability for species and their habitats and/or remove barriers to flow - Reintroduction and translocation of focal species - Protect focal species from invasives Additional priority activities in both the Rio Grande and Colorado River Focal Areas include: - Increase Capacity for Low-tech Process-based Restoration implementation in and among conservation organizations working in the southwest region. - Increase Capacity for Implementation of NRCS conservation programs. NRCS Coordination: Please ensure the project aligns with NRCS goals, priorities, and capacity needs by conferring with the NRCS State Conservationist and their staff in the state in which your project is located. | State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Nongovernmental Organizations Institutes of Higher Education Entities with Water Delivery Authority | Eligible applicants include: local, state, federal, and tribal governments and agencies (e.g., townships, cities, boroughs), special districts (e.g., conservation districts, planning districts, utility districts), non-profit 501(c) organizations, educational institutions. | Watershed Health Forest Management Capacity/Technical Assistance | $600,000 | $100,000 | 11/11/2025, 4:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | September 18, 10am MT: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/389217668830512727 | Federal Private | National Fish and Wildlife Foundation | Kirstin Neff - Kirstin.Neff@nfwf.org, (303) 222-6485; Ramsey Raslan - Ramsey.Raslan@nfwf.org, (771) 208-2102; Emma Wigger - Emma.Wigger@nfwf.org, (202) 888-1680 | https://www.nfwf.org/programs/southwest-rivers-headwaters-fund/southwest-rivers-headwaters-2026-request-proposals | |
| Rural Decentralized Water System Grant Program | This program provides grant funding to qualified nonprofits, including tribally owned nonprofits, to create a revolving loan fund or to award sub-grants to homeowners for supporting access to individually owned water and wastewater services in eligible rural areas. Grant funds may be used to help a nonprofit create a revolving loan fund for eligible individuals who own and occupy a home in an eligible rural area. The fund may be used to construct, refurbish, or service individually owned household water well and decentralized wastewater systems. Terms for the loans include one percent fixed interest rate, 20-year maximum term, and $15,000 maximum loan per household. The nonprofit may also award subgrants for the same purposes to eligible individuals meeting certain conditions. | Nongovernmental Organizations | • Rural areas and towns with populations of 50,000 or less • Tribal lands in rural areas • Colonias | Water Administration | 12/2/2025, 4:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | Federal | US Dept Agriculture | Eric Vigil, New Mexico Acting State Director, eric.vigil@usda.gov, (505) 761-4950; Sallie Clark, Colorado State Director, sallie.clark@usda.gov, (720) 544-2903; Lori Urban, Arizona State Director, lori.urban@usda.gov, (602) 280-8701. | https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/rural-decentralized-water-systems-grant-program | ||||
| Technical Assistance and Training Program | The Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) Grant Program helps rural communities improve their water and wastewater systems. It does this by giving money to qualified nonprofit organizations, which then provide free help and training to local communities. These nonprofits assist with finding solutions to water and waste problems, help prepare grant applications, and support the proper operation and maintenance of existing systems. Program goals are to 1. Find and assess solutions to water and waste problems. 2. Help communities apply for federal or other funding for water and waste projects. 3. Improve how rural systems are operated, maintained, and managed for long-term sustainability. 4. Address water contamination issues, including lead and emerging pollutants like PFAS. Funds from the TAT program can be used to cover costs of providing technical help or training to rural communities. This includes identifying and solving water and waste system problems, helping prepare loan or grant applications, and training system staff to better manage and maintain their facilities. However, the funds cannot be used for things like duplicating existing services, lobbying or political work, buying property or equipment, renovating offices, or doing construction or maintenance on facilities. | Nongovernmental Organizations | Open to NGOs | Capacity/Technical Assistance Water Administration | 1/1/2026, 4:59:00 AM (UTC) | Open | Federal | US Dept Agriculture | Eric Vigil, New Mexico Acting State Director, eric.vigil@usda.gov, (505) 761-4950; Sallie Clark, Colorado State Director, sallie.clark@usda.gov, (720) 544-2903; Lori Urban, Arizona State Director, lori.urban@usda.gov, (602) 280-8701. | https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/water-environmental-programs/water-waste-disposal-technical-assistance-training-grants | ||||
| Small Surface Water and Groundwater Storage Projects | The Small Storage Program's objective is to enhance water storage opportunities for future generations by funding small surface water and groundwater storage projects. The program funds up to a 25% Federal cost-share to plan, design, and construct surface and groundwater storage projects between 200 and 30,000 acre-feet that will increase water storage or move water to or from a storage project. Reclamation invites sponsors of small surface water and groundwater storage projects to request cost-shared funding for the planning, design, and/or construction of those projects. To be eligible, proposals must: Have water storage capacity between 200 acre-feet and 30,000 acre-feet; Increase yield to identified beneficiaries; Increase surface water or groundwater storage, or convey water to or from surface water or groundwater storage. NOTE that in order to be considered entities must submit a small storage feasibility study to Reclamation for review by February 13, 2026. | State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos Entities with Water Delivery Authority | Eligible recipients of the Small Storage Program funding must be located in the 17 western United States (Reclamation State) as identified in the Reclamation Act of 1902, as amended or Alaska or Hawaii. Eligible recipients include: State, regional, or local water authorities; Indian tribes or tribal organizations; or Other entities such as a water conservation or conservancy district, wastewater district, rural water district. | Water Administration | $30,000,000 | 4/17/2026, 10:00:00 PM (UTC) | Open | Informational webinars will be held in Summer and Fall 2025 at https://www.usbr.gov/smallstorage/ | Federal | Bureau of Reclamation | For questions regarding application and submission, contact the NOFO team at bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov. For questions regarding applicant and project eligibility, contact Austin Olah, aolah@usbr.gov or 303-445-3240. | https://www.usbr.gov/smallstorage/ | ||
| Arizona Drinking Water State Revolving Fund | This program helps public and private water systems across Arizona meet the objectives of the Safe Drinking Water Act by providing a permanent, independent source of low-cost financing. | Eligible borrowers Publicly-owned community water systems can apply for Arizona's DWSRF program; these include: • Cities • Towns • Special Districts • Tribal Entities • Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) regulated private community water systems • Non-profit non-community water systems that meet DWSRF requirements and are regulated by the ACC. A "community water system" serves 15 or more service connections used by year-round residents or that serves 25 or more year-round residents who use water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and cleaning. Community water systems may also serve all the businesses and other water users within their boundaries. Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) determines the classification of a public water system. Ineligible applicants for the DWSRF: • Federally owned systems • State owned systems* • County owned Systems* *these borrowers are typically ineligible, but in some cases, they may partner with an eligible borrower. Please contact us for more details. | Municipal/Industry Conservation | NA | NA | 12/31/2030, 7:00:00 AM (UTC) | Open | NA | Arizona | Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona | Grants Coordinator: Laurie Gehlsen wcgf@azwifa.gov | https://www.azwifa.gov/programs/funding-type/dwsrf | ||
| Colorado Drinking Water State Revolving Fund | The State Drinking Water Revolving Fund finances the design and construction of Colorado water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure. Disadvantaged Community Program: Reduced rates available depending on severity of Disadvantaged status (1.5% or 0.5%). Planning, Design & Engineering Grants and principal forgiveness may be available. Up to $10K Planning Grant with 20% local match for planning and design and up to $300K Design & Engineering Grant | Local Government, including Acequias Entities with Water Delivery Authority | Eligible entities: Cities, towns, counties, water and sanitation districts, water districts, and improvement districts. NOTE: The 2026 eligibility survey submission deadline was June 30, 2025. Entities that did not submit an eligibility survey by this date are not eligible for 2026 funding. Publicly owned and private nonprofit drinking water systems with improvements anticipated within the next 20 years should complete or update the survey on an annual basis and maintain a listing on the DWRF IUP Appendix A - Project Eligibility List. Non-response may result in automatic delisting. Systems or communities not identified on the list will not be able to secure funding through the DWRF until listed. Eligible construction activities include: rehabilitation, upgrades, improvements, or expansion of existing infrastructure; new infrastructure; and consolidation/decommissioning of systems. More specific eligible activities are outlined in the Capital Improvement Needs section of this survey. | Municipal/Industry Conservation | NA | NA | 12/31/2030, 7:00:00 AM (UTC) | Open | NA | Colorado | CO Dept of Public Health and Environment CO Department of Local Affairs | CDPHE Grants and Loans CDPHE.WQCD.Watergrants@state.co.us 303-692-2848 | https://www.cwrpda.com/drinking-water-revolving-fund | |
| Fish and Wildlife Resources Fund Grants | The Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) has been authorized by the State of Colorado to grant money to existing water supply facilities to help preserve a balance between development of the state’s resources and the protection of the state’s fish and wildlife resources. The grant money is awarded for mitigation of existing water diversion, delivery or storage facilities. | Local Government, including Acequias Entities with Water Delivery Authority | Operators of existing water diversion, delivery or storage facility projects and the CWCB. Entities that do not operate such facilities, such as certain municipalities, watershed groups, and others, are encouraged to contact CWCB staff to explore the opportunities for joint application with the CWCB. | Municipal/Industry Conservation Watershed Health | NA | NA | Open, Rolling | NA | Colorado | CO Water Conservation Board | Chris Sturm, 303-866-3441 x3236 | https://cwcb.colorado.gov/fish-and-wildlife-resources-fund-grants | ||
| Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program | The Watershed Protection and Flood Prevention Operations (WFPO) Program provides for cooperation between the Federal government and the States and their political subdivisions to address resource concerns due to erosion, floodwater, and sediment and provide for improved utilization of the land and water resources. The WFPO Program provides technical and financial assistance to States, local governments and Tribes to plan and implement authorized watershed project plans for the purpose of: • Flood Prevention • Watershed Protection • Public Recreation • Public Fish and Wildlife • Agricultural Water Management • Municipal and Industrial Water Supply • Water Quality Management • Watershed Structure Rehabilitation (There is a separate program that manages rehabilitation projects) | State Government Local Government, including Acequias Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos | States, local governments and Tribal organizations | Open, Rolling | Federal | Natural Resources Conservation Service US Dept Agriculture | Arizona: Monty Lane, 928-753-6183, monty.lane@usda.gov; New Mexico: Eli Gnann, 315-481-8598, elias.gnann@usda.gov; Colorado: Todd Boldt, 970-215-9897, todd.boldt@usda.gov | https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/watershed-protection-and-flood-prevention-operations-wfpo-program | ||||||
| Watershed Rehabilitation Program | The Watershed REHAB program provides assistance to local project sponsors to: rehabilitate aging dams that are reaching the end of their design lives; and/or build or augment existing water supplies based on current and future water supply demands. | Local Government, including Acequias Entities with Water Delivery Authority Federal Recognized Tribes/Pueblos | Local organizations - any State, political subdivision thereof, soil or water conservation district, flood prevention or control district, or combinations thereof, or any other agency having authority under State law to carry out, maintain and operate the works of improvement; or any irrigation or reservoir company, water users’ association, or similar organization having such authority and not being operated for profit that may be approved by the Secretary; or any Indian tribe or tribal organization, as defined in section 4 of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450b) [25 USCS § 450b], having authority under Federal, State, or Indian tribal law to carry out, maintain, and operate the works of improvement. | Water Administration Watershed Health | Up to $100,000/year, $300,000 total | Open, Rolling | Federal | Natural Resources Conservation Service US Dept Agriculture | Arizona: Monty Lane, 928-753-6183, monty.lane@usda.gov; New Mexico: Eli Gnann, 315-481-8598, elias.gnann@usda.gov; Colorado: Todd Boldt, 970-215-9897, todd.boldt@usda.gov | https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/watershed-rehabilitation |