OWRD Seeking Applications Grants and Loans Project
OWRD Seeking Applications Grants and Loans Projects
The Oregon Water Resources Department (OWRD) is seeking applications for Water Project Grants and Loans (WPGL) projects. The agency is now accepting applications through its new online grant platform. The new system is designed to streamline the application process, improve accessibility, and make it easier to track and manage awards.
The Water Project Grants and Loans program provides grants for projects to evaluate, plan, and develop instream and out-of-stream water supply projects. This funding opportunity invests in projects that meet water supply needs and result in public economic, environmental, and social/cultural public benefits. Projects require a 25% cost match.
- Eligible Projects: Water conservation, reuse, above-ground storage, below-ground storage, streamflow protection or restoration, water distribution, conveyance or delivery systems, and other water resource development projects that result in economic, environmental, and social/cultural public benefits.
- Anticipated Funding Available: Approximately $2 million
- Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, by 5 p.m.
- How to Apply: Apply online through the grant platform
- View a video introduction to the grant platform – please note the video says grantees will be able to receive payments via ACH by entering the information in their profile. OWRD will not be using this feature of the platform.
- View application instructions
Questions about the new platform or need assistance? Attend a drop-in session with grant staff by registering for a session below:
- Registration Link: Monday November 10, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Registration Link: Wednesday November 19, 2025 from 9 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Registration Link: Tuesday December 2, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Application Scoring: Applications are scored using 18 questions to assess the project’s public economic, environmental, and social/cultural public benefits. View the Scoring Criteria document to learn more.
Pre-Application Conference: The OWRD encourages all applicants to request a pre-application conference before applying. Staff will review draft applications and provide feedback. Please note – applicants must complete the sections identified in the grant pre-application conference document before requesting a pre-application conference and email a request at least two weeks prior to the desired pre-application conference date.