Arizona Water Protection Fund (AWPF)

The Arizona Water Protection Fund is a state-administered competitive grant program established by the Arizona legislature to support the restoration, conservation, and enhancement of the state’s water resources. Administered by the Arizona Department of Water Resources and overseen by the Arizona Water Protection Fund Commission, the program is designed to fund projects that improve water quality and quantity, protect riparian ecosystems, and increase water availability. The fund reflects a coordinated statewide effort to sustain river and riparian systems that are critical for ecological health, biodiversity, and long-term water resilience in Arizona. The program supports three primary funding categories: capital projects, research projects, and water conservation initiatives. Capital projects focus on on-the-ground restoration or enhancement activities such as erosion control, habitat restoration, watershed improvements, and floodplain rehabilitation. Research projects, which are limited to a small portion of total annual funding, must follow the scientific method and contribute to advancing knowledge related to riparian and river systems. Water conservation projects must be located outside designated Active Management Areas and are intended to promote efficient water use tied to ecological outcomes. Funding is provided on a reimbursement basis, meaning awardees must initially cover project costs and then submit documentation such as invoices, reports, and deliverables for reimbursement. Administrative costs are capped at five percent of the requested funds. While matching funds are not required, applicants who demonstrate additional financial or in-kind support may receive stronger consideration during evaluation. Projects must comply with strict eligibility requirements, including legal access to the project site, proof of water availability if applicable, and adherence to environmental and regulatory standards. Eligible applicants include individuals, nonprofit organizations, for-profit entities, and local, state, and tribal government agencies within Arizona. Federal agencies are not eligible to receive funding directly, though projects located on federal lands may qualify if submitted by an eligible entity. Applications must demonstrate clear benefits to Arizona’s water resources, include measurable objectives, and align with the program’s priorities such as improving watershed health, supporting biodiversity, and increasing water supply. Applications are submitted electronically through the Euna Grants (eCivis) system and must include a comprehensive set of materials such as an executive summary, project overview, scope of work, detailed budget, maps, and supporting documentation. Applicants are encouraged to participate in optional workshops and pre-application consultations to strengthen their proposals. Evaluation is conducted by staff and may include input from other agencies, with final funding decisions made by the Commission based on technical merit, feasibility, and alignment with program priorities. The FY 2027 grant cycle opens in May 2026 with application materials available by May 22, 2026. The submission portal becomes available no later than June 19, 2026, and applications are due by August 14, 2026 at 11:59 PM Arizona time. Following submission, applications undergo a public comment period, staff review, and optional applicant presentations before final selections are made in November 2026. Applicants are notified of funding decisions in December 2026, and contract development begins shortly thereafter. The program operates on an annual cycle, with future funding opportunities expected in subsequent fiscal years.

Prioritize measurable water resource benefits, demonstrate strong partnerships or matching support, ensure all required documentation is complete, and align closely with evaluation criteria emphasizing feasibility and long-term maintenance