Funding Local Opportunities for Water (FLOW) Grant Program

The Funding Local Opportunities for Water (FLOW) Grant Program is administered by the Imperial Irrigation District (IID), a regional public agency responsible for water and power services within its service area in California. Established in recognition of the 125th anniversary of water delivery to the Imperial Valley, the program is designed as a one-time funding initiative to support water and agriculture-related infrastructure improvements. IID has allocated a total of 7.5 million dollars from its Water Department non-rate revenue to fund this program, emphasizing partnerships with local public entities to maximize the impact of available resources. The program is structured as a cost-share model, requiring applicants to contribute a portion of project funding to leverage IID’s investment. The primary purpose of the FLOW program is to advance projects that provide tangible public benefits while strengthening water infrastructure and supporting agricultural systems. Eligible activities must demonstrate a clear connection to water use or agricultural outcomes and must result in measurable community benefits. Importantly, funding is restricted to implementation activities, meaning that planning, feasibility studies, or preliminary analyses are not eligible. Projects must be ready for execution and demonstrate the ability to be completed within two years of entering into a grant agreement, ensuring timely and impactful use of funds. Funding under the program is structured as a 50-50 matching grant, requiring applicants to provide at least half of the total project or program cost through non-IID sources. These contributions must be financial and cannot consist of in-kind support, although they may include other grants or verified partnership funding. While IID anticipates a maximum award of up to 500,000 dollars per project, exceptions may be considered for larger initiatives that deliver significant regional benefits. Funds are distributed on a reimbursement basis, contingent upon demonstrated expenditures, milestone completion, or invoice submissions, though alternative arrangements may be approved under specific conditions. Eligibility for the program is limited strictly to local public entities within IID’s water service area, including cities, counties, schools, and special districts. Non-governmental organizations, as well as state and federal agencies, are explicitly excluded. Applicants must ensure that proposed projects are fully located within the service area, provide a clear water or agricultural nexus, and deliver public benefit. Additionally, all funded projects must comply with the California Environmental Quality Act, and documentation of compliance is required prior to fund disbursement. Projects must also demonstrate readiness, including necessary permits and environmental clearances, or provide evidence of near-term readiness. The application process requires submission of a completed and signed application form along with all required supporting documentation via email. Applications are reviewed by IID staff, who validate submissions for completeness and eligibility within five business days. Applicants are given an additional ten business days after the application deadline to provide any missing materials. There is no limit on the number of applications an entity may submit; however, applicants are encouraged to clearly prioritize their submissions if multiple proposals are included. All funding decisions are made at IID’s discretion and become final upon board approval. Evaluation of proposals is based on several prioritization criteria, including the level of cost-share contribution, the longevity and breadth of public benefit, project readiness, and the strength of the water or agricultural connection. Projects that demonstrate higher matching contributions, broader regional benefits, and immediate readiness for construction or implementation may receive higher priority. IID also considers the extent to which a project can deliver long-term value to the community and effectively utilize funding within the required timeframe. The application period for the FLOW program closes on July 15, 2026, with award announcements expected in October 2026. The solicitation process is conducted within a defined timeframe and is publicly advertised through IID’s communication channels. While the program is described as a one-time funding opportunity, all selected participants must enter into a formal agreement with IID before receiving funds. The program does not indicate any recurring funding cycle, reinforcing its unique, limited availability for eligible infrastructure projects within the service region.

Emphasize project readiness, demonstrate strong cost-share above 50 percent, highlight long-term and regional public benefits, and clearly show water or agricultural nexus