Feasibility Study Grants

The Feasibility Study Grants program is administered by the Oregon Water Resources Department, a state agency responsible for managing Oregon’s water resources to ensure long-term sustainability, economic stability, and environmental protection. This program is designed to support early-stage analysis of water-related projects by funding feasibility studies that evaluate whether proposed solutions are viable, cost-effective, and beneficial to communities and ecosystems. The program reflects the state’s broader commitment to addressing water supply challenges through strategic planning and informed decision-making. The primary purpose of the Feasibility Study Grants program is to fund investigations into projects that address Oregon’s water supply needs. Eligible study areas include water conservation, water reuse, aquifer recharge, aquifer storage and recovery, streamflow restoration or protection, and water storage solutions. These studies are intended to help applicants determine whether a project should move forward to design and implementation phases. Funding is specifically limited to feasibility-level work and does not support construction or implementation activities. Funding through this program is competitive and requires applicants to provide a cost-share match. Standard applicants must provide at least a 25 percent match, while incorporated cities have reduced match requirements based on population size, ranging from 3 percent to 25 percent. The program also imposes financial constraints on applications, including a maximum grant request of 50 percent of the total study cost and a cap of $500,000 per project request. Administrative costs are limited to 10 percent of the total grant request, and all expenditures must align with allowable cost guidelines established by the department. Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities such as local governments, Indian Tribes, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. This inclusive eligibility structure allows both public and private stakeholders to participate in evaluating water solutions that may benefit communities across Oregon. Applicants must demonstrate the technical and organizational capacity to carry out the proposed study and provide detailed documentation of matching funds, study tasks, and anticipated outcomes. The application process requires submission of a comprehensive application form that includes detailed sections on study objectives, location, tasks, budget, and community engagement. Applicants must also provide supporting documentation such as site maps, landowner agreements where applicable, and proof of matching funds. Applications may be submitted electronically or via mail, and all required components must be completed for the application to be considered. Pre-application conferences are encouraged to help applicants refine their proposals before submission. Applications are evaluated based on completeness, alignment with program goals, feasibility of the proposed study, and the applicant’s ability to carry out the work. Additional considerations include community engagement, environmental and economic impacts, and the clarity of the study’s objectives and methodology. Successful applicants enter into a grant agreement outlining project tasks and reporting requirements, and funds are disbursed based on progress and compliance with program guidelines. The most recent completed funding cycle occurred in 2025, with applications due by March 12, 2025 at 5 PM. Awards were announced in September 2025, distributing over one million dollars across five projects. However, the program has announced that it will not open a 2025-2026 funding cycle due to funding constraints. Future cycles are anticipated but not scheduled, and interested applicants are encouraged to prepare in advance and monitor updates. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the program’s Grants Analyst via email or phone.

Ensure all required attachments are complete; clearly align study goals with water supply needs; secure and document matching funds thoroughly