Technical Assistance and Training for Rural, Small and Tribal Municipalities and Wastewater Treatment Systems
This EPA grant funds nonprofits and universities to provide technical assistance and training for rural, small, and Tribal communities to improve wastewater systems, water quality, and compliance, but does not fund construction projects.
Funder: Environmental Protection Agency
Due Dates: July 31, 2026 (NOFO questions) | August 14, 2026 (Full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $3,000,000 per award; $25,500,000 total program funding; 12 awards expected; project periods 1–3 years.
Summary: Supports technical assistance and training for rural, small, and Tribal municipalities and wastewater systems to improve water quality, build capacity, and access infrastructure funding.
Key Information: Construction projects are not eligible; only nonprofits and IHEs may apply.
Description
This EPA opportunity provides funding for nonprofit organizations and institutions of higher education to deliver technical assistance and training to rural, small, and Tribal municipalities and wastewater treatment systems. The program’s aim is to help these communities address water challenges, build technical, managerial, and financial capacity, comply with Clean Water Act (CWA) requirements, and access water infrastructure funding. Activities must focus on technical assistance and training, not construction, and are intended to achieve measurable improvements in water quality, capacity, and compliance.
The program advances EPA’s Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative (Pillar 1: Clean Air, Land, and Water for Every American) and supports long-term environmental stewardship in underserved communities.
