Rural Decentralized Water System Grant Program
This program funds nonprofits to create revolving loan and grant programs that help low- and moderate-income rural residents finance household water well and wastewater system projects.
Funder: Rural Utilities Service
Due Dates: September 30, 2026: Full application deadline
Funding Amounts: ~$11,000,000 total available | No minimum/maximum award; typical loan to individuals up to $15,000 at 1% interest, 20-year term; up to $1,000,000 for decentralized wastewater system subgrants
Summary: Supports nonprofits in establishing revolving funds and sub-grant programs to help low- and moderate-income rural households finance water well and decentralized wastewater systems.
Key Information: Matching/cost share required for revolving funds; nonprofits only; rural and Tribal areas eligible.
Description
This program provides grant funding to eligible nonprofit organizations to establish and maintain revolving loan funds and sub-grant programs. These funds are used to assist low- to moderate-income individuals in rural areas with the costs of constructing, refurbishing, rehabilitating, or replacing individually owned household water well systems and decentralized wastewater systems. The program aims to improve access to safe and reliable water and wastewater services for rural households where public infrastructure is not feasible, thereby supporting health and economic development in underserved communities.
