Grants and Loans

We offer a number of grant and loan programs that support integrated watershed management activities addressing environmental stewardship, water supply reliability, flood risk, groundwater sustainability, drought, and more. Public agencies are eligible for most of our grant and loan programs, but other applicants may also be eligible, depending upon the program.  Visit the Grants Best Practices and Tips for Success page for information and resources that can help you better succeed in the grant process. Our latest grant program announcements are found below, followed by additional grant program details.  

Open Solicitations

These programs are accepting applications for funding.

  • Small Community Drought Relief Program: This program offers $200 million in funding to support small communities facing water supply challenges due to the current drought. Funding is available on a first come, first serve bases until all funds have been expended.
  • Riverine Stewardship Program: This Program offers $15 Million in funding to plan and implement projects that will reduce flooding, improve water quality, and restore streams, creeks, and rivers to enhance the environment for fish, wildlife, and people. The funding will be delivered through the Riverine Stewardship Program and its two subprograms: the Urban Streams Restoration Program (USRP) and the San Joaquin Fish Population Enhancement Program. To apply for grants through these programs project proponents must submit a concept proposal and submit a full application if invited to do so by the RSP team. Funding is available on a first come, first serve basis until all funds have been expended.

  • Instream Flow Water Purchase Program: The California Department of Water Resources, in coordination with the California Natural Resources Agency, will be accepting proposals for the Instream Flow Water Purchase Program. To ensure the greatest environmental benefit, promote the recovery of species, and improve upon existing flow conditions, the Instream Flow Water Purchase Program’s focus shall be on funding the acquisition of instream flows in the Sacramento-San Joaquin watershed provided January through June, with priority for flows provided in dry and critically dry water year types. Eligible applicants include individuals, non-profit groups, and public local entities that meet minimum qualifications set forth in these Guidelines. Under the program, the state will fund contracts, acquisition of water rights or land tied to water rights, or other projects that measurably enhance beneficial instream flows. Starting May 19, 2023, proposals will be accepted until funds are expended. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and applicants are urged to submit before 5:00 p.m. PST on October 1, 2023. Approximately up to $125 million of Prop. 68 funding and up to $235 million of general fund water resilience funding from previous budget cycles will be available for award. 
  • Statewide Flood Emergency Response Grant Program: This grant is designed to provide funding for local flood emergency responders to improve their capacity to respond to flood emergencies.  Eligible activities include planning, mapping, training, exercises, the development of emergency management tools, communications and communications equipment, the purchase of flood fighting materials and equipment, the development or improvement of emergency response facilities, and more.

Grants and Loans

We offer a number of grant and loan programs that support integrated water management activities addressing environmental stewardship, water supply reliability, public safety, and economic stability. Public agencies are eligible for most of our grant and loan programs, but other applicants may also be eligible, depending upon the program. Our latest grant program announcements are found below, followed by additional grant program details. 

Alphabetical List of Grant Programs

Resources

CA Grants Portal

 

The California Grants Portal – your one destination to find all state grant and loan opportunities provided on a first-come or competitive basis. Visit grants.ca.gov to find funding opportunities for you and your community.

View DWR's Forecasted Grants

View DWR's Active Grants

DWR celebrated a $7.9 million grant awarded to the Yolo Subbasin Groundwater Agency

As part of ongoing efforts to invest in water resilience programs in communities across California, DWR celebrated a $7.9 million grant awarded to the Yolo Subbasin Groundwater Agency to support groundwater recharge, sustainability planning, and water management.

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