Place-Based Water Planning Grants

The Place-Based Water Planning Grants program is administered by the Oregon Water Resources Department, a state agency responsible for managing Oregon’s water resources under statutory authority outlined in Oregon Revised Statutes 537.872 and 537.873. The program is designed to support locally driven, collaborative water planning efforts that address both current and future water needs across ecological, economic, and community systems. These grants are part of a broader statewide initiative to promote integrated water resource management through coordinated planning, stakeholder engagement, and long-term implementation strategies. The primary purpose of the grant program is to fund place-based initiatives that bring together diverse stakeholders to develop, implement, and update integrated water resource plans. These plans are intended to provide a comprehensive understanding of water availability, quality, and ecosystem needs within a defined hydrologic area. The program emphasizes a collaborative approach that includes public bodies, Tribal governments, nonprofits, and individuals working together to address regional water challenges. Funding supports multiple phases of planning, including readiness assessment, plan development, coordination of implementation, and plan updates. Funding is structured across three primary grant types for the 2026 cycle: Planning Readiness Evaluation and Preparation grants, Plan Development grants, and Post-Plan Coordination grants. Each grant type supports a distinct phase of planning and has specific funding caps and match requirements. Preparation grants offer up to 100000 dollars with a 10 percent match requirement, while Plan Development grants provide up to 450000 dollars and Post-Plan Coordination grants offer up to 150000 dollars, both requiring a 25 percent match. Funds are intended to support activities such as stakeholder engagement, technical analysis, facilitation, and coordination rather than direct infrastructure or construction projects. Eligibility for the program is broad and inclusive. Applicants may include public bodies, Indian Tribes, nonprofit organizations, and individuals as defined under Oregon statute. The program encourages participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including local governments, community organizations, environmental groups, and private sector participants. This inclusive eligibility structure reflects the program’s emphasis on collaborative governance and balanced representation of water interests across planning regions. The application process for the 2026 funding cycle requires submission through an online platform by July 2, 2026 at 5 p.m. Following submission, applications undergo a structured review process that includes notification to county and Tribal governments, a public comment period, and evaluation by an application review team. Final funding decisions are made by the Oregon Water Resources Department in October, with grant agreements finalized between November and December. Applicants are expected to follow guidance outlined in the Place-Based Water Planning Handbook, which details planning requirements, evaluation criteria, and expectations for achieving state recognition. Evaluation of applications is based on several key factors, including the applicant’s ability to engage diverse stakeholders, the need for planning in the proposed area, the proposed approach to public participation, and alignment with state strategic priorities. The program places strong emphasis on transparency, inclusivity, and the integration of environmental justice considerations. Successful applicants must demonstrate readiness to conduct collaborative planning and the capacity to manage complex, multi-year processes. The program operates on a recurring funding cycle and is aligned with Oregon’s Integrated Water Resources Strategy. It supports long-term planning efforts that may span multiple years, particularly for plan development activities. The Place-Based Water Planning Handbook serves as a critical resource for applicants, providing detailed guidance on planning phases, required outputs, and pathways to state recognition. Additional support is available through technical assistance, webinars, and program contacts, including a designated program representative for inquiries.

Emphasize collaborative stakeholder engagement, demonstrate readiness for planning, align with state water strategy priorities, and clearly define planning scope and community need