Water Resources Research Institute Program 104(b) Research Grant Proposal Guidelines
The University of Arizona’s Water Resources Research Center invites proposals for research projects that address water-related issues of importance to Arizona and the Southwest. Grant funds are provided by the Water Resources Research Act, Section 104(b) program through the U.S. Geological Survey. The program provides support for research projects that explore new ideas to address water problems in Arizona and expand understanding of water and related phenomena. The entry of new research scientists, engineers, and technicians in water resources fields and the education of students through significant involvement in water research are primary program goals.
Research proposals will be considered from the physical, biological, social, and engineering sciences, including water management, water law, economics, and public health. Proposals must fall under one of the following Science Priorities:
- Water Scarcity and Availability
- Water Hazards
- Water Quality
- Water Policy, Planning, and Socioeconomics
- Watershed Function
- Water Technology and Innovation
- Workforce Development and Water Literacy
This year, the WRRC expects to award two (2) to four (4) grants of up to $10,000 in federal funds to support research projects. Projects requesting less than $10,000 in federal funding are encouraged.
Proposals must show faculty or research personnel at one of the three Arizona state universities as the Principal Investigator (PI) and include support for student involvement.
Funded projects will start September 1, 2026, contingent on federal budget approval. The project duration is 12 months. Note: It can take six weeks (or more) for the University of Arizona Office of Sponsored Projects to administer the award once received. Keep this in mind for when the funds can be spent down.
The deadline for proposals is 5:00 pm MST, Monday, March 16, 2026.
Funding Information:
Proposal budgets should request no more than about $10,000 in federal funding, and proposals for less than $10,000 in federal funding are encouraged. Federal funds should not be requested for the support of faculty or research staff, and subcontracts are discouraged.
A 1:1 match of non-federal to federal dollars is required. Federal dollars may not be used for matching funds. Indirect costs are not allowed in the federal cost category (Public law 101-397, Water Research Institutes Authorization). Note that waived indirect costs may be used to fulfill the matching requirement, i.e., you may show the indirect costs computed for both federal and non-federal funds as part of the match. Use Attachment B - Budget Template (Excel) and Attachment C - Budget Justification (fillable PDF)
Matching funds should include PI time to perform administrative/supervisory functions.
A cost sharing commitment letter, signed by your departmental chairman, dean, or authorized university representative, committing the unit to the cost share shown in your budget, must be sent to the WRRC no later than the proposal deadline.
Project funding is contingent on Congressional appropriation of Water Resources Research Institute Program funds.