[Bureau of Reclamation](https://www.usbr.gov/)

October 14, 2025 (4:00 p.m. MT)

$50,000–$2,000,000 per award | ~$9,000,000 total program funding

Supports federally recognized Tribes in 17 western states with near-term drought relief projects that mitigate impacts from Reclamation water operations.

No cost sharing required; only Tribes in specific western states are eligible.

--- ## Description This opportunity provides funding to federally recognized Indian Tribes and eligible Tribal organizations located in the 17 western states for near-term drought relief projects. The program, administered by the Bureau of Reclamation's Native American Affairs and International Affairs Office (NAIAO), aims to address the adverse impacts of drought on Tribes affected by the operation of Reclamation water projects. Supported activities must deliver tangible, near-term drought relief and align with one or more objectives: mitigating drought impacts, increasing drought resiliency, reducing reliance on declining water sources, increasing water delivery efficiency, mitigating loss of Tribal trust resources, or addressing drinking water shortages. --- ## Due Dates - **Application Deadline:** October 14, 2025, by 4:00 p.m. Mountain Time Late applications will not be considered. --- ## Funding Amount - **Award Range:** $50,000 (minimum) to $2,000,000 (maximum) per project - **Estimated Total Program Funding:** $9,000,000 - **Expected Number of Awards:** ~10 - **Project Period:** Typically up to 2 years (anticipated start March 10, 2026; end March 10, 2028) - **Cost Sharing/Match:** Not required --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible Applicants:** - Federally recognized Indian Tribes or Tribal organizations as defined in 25 U.S.C. 5304 - Located in one or more of the 17 western states defined by the Reclamation Act of 1902 (as amended): Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming - **Project Requirements:** - Must provide near-term drought relief for Tribes impacted by the operation of a Reclamation water project - Projects must address one or more of the following: drought mitigation, resiliency, water efficiency, loss of Tribal trust resources, or drinking water shortages - **Restrictions:** - Applicants with an enacted Indian Water Rights Settlement should identify this; some settlements may make applicants ineligible due to unique settlement terms --- ## Application Process 1. **Register Early:** - Obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) via [SAM.gov](https://sam.gov/) - Register your organization in SAM.gov and maintain active status - Register in [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/) (can take several weeks) 2. **Prepare Application:** - Complete required forms: SF-424, SF-424A, Project Abstract Summary, Project Narrative (max 10 pages), Budget Narrative, and SF-LLL (if applicable) - Detailed project and budget narratives are required (see [Budget Template](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Attachment%20A%20-%20Budget_Detail_and_Narrative_template_v2025_March.xlsx) and [Budget Guidance](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Attachment%20B%20-%20Budget_Narrative_Guidance_v2025_March.docx)) 3. **Submission:** - Submit electronically via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359950) by the deadline - Hard copy or email submissions may be allowed in limited, pre-approved circumstances—coordinate with the NOFO team in advance if needed 4. **Review Process:** - Applications will be reviewed for eligibility, technical merit, project need, anticipated benefits, and implementation plan - Top proposals undergo additional risk and managerial review before selection 5. **Award Notification:** - Notices of Federal Award will be sent electronically to selected applicants --- ## Additional Information - **Buy America Requirements:** Apply to infrastructure projects (see [Buy America Guidance](https://www.doi.gov/grants/BuyAmerica)) - **Environmental/Cultural Compliance:** NEPA, ESA, and NHPA compliance required before ground-disturbing activities - **Reporting:** Financial and performance reports required throughout and at project completion - **Indirect Costs:** May use the 15% de minimis rate or a negotiated rate (see 2 CFR 200.414) --- ## External Links - [Full Grants.gov Opportunity Details](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359950) - [Bureau of Reclamation IRA Programs](https://www.usbr.gov/inflation-reduction-act) - [Application Package (Grants.gov)](https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/jsf/workspace/createWorkspace.faces?activityID=CreateWorkspace&cleanSession=1&oppId=359950) - [Budget Detail & Narrative Template (XLSX)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Attachment%20A%20-%20Budget_Detail_and_Narrative_template_v2025_March.xlsx) - [Budget Narrative Guidance (DOCX)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Attachment%20B%20-%20Budget_Narrative_Guidance_v2025_March.docx) - [NOFO Full Text (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Foa_Content_of_R25AS00275_7.08.25.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | Notes | |--------------------------|--------------------------------------|----------------|-------------------------------------| | Christina Munoz (NOFO) | [bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov](mailto:bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov) | | Primary NOFO contact | | Courtney Mathews | cmathews@usbr.gov | 541-887-9107 | Native American Affairs Advisor | | Columbia-Pacific NW | mhernandezburke@usbr.gov | 208-215-0065 | Melinda Hernandez-Burke | | Missouri Basin/Texas RG | SSchieck@usbr.gov | 406-247-7832 | Shane Schieck | | California Great-Basin | kclancy@usbr.gov | 916-978-5194 | Kevin Clancy | | Lower Colorado Basin | jpope@usbr.gov | 623-428-7563 | Jessica Pope | | Upper Colorado Basin | erheaume@usbr.gov | 970-317-1487 | Ernie Rheaume | For technical support with Grants.gov: - Email: [support@grants.gov](mailto:support@grants.gov) - Phone: 1-800-518-4726 (24/7 except federal holidays) For SAM.gov registration issues: - [Federal Service Desk](https://www.fsd.gov/) | 866-606-8220 ---

Native American Affairs: Emergency Drought Relief for Tribes Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, Section 80004

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