Eligible: Education, Local Government, Nonprofits, Tribes, Utilities

Apply by Oct 5, 2026

Apply now
Active

$250,000 - $7,800,000

Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant

From US Environmental Protection Agency

The Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant program supports expanding career opportunities in the drinking water and wastewater utility sector and elevating public awareness about jobs in the water workforce. Efforts should aim for measurable results and clearly show tangible benefits for water systems and communities. Eligible activities include apprenticeship and internship programs, education programs designed for elementary, secondary, and higher education students, regional industry collaborations, and training programs designed to support decentralized workforce.

  • Overview

    • Type

      Grant

    • Title

      Innovative Water Infrastructure Workforce Development Grant

    • Source

      US Environmental Protection Agency

    • Federal or State

      Federal

    • Total Amount

      $10,800,000

    • Number of Awards

      15

    • Award Range

      $250,000 - $7,800,000

    • Cost Share

      No

    • Status

      Active

  • Eligibility

    • Audience

      Education, Local Government, Nonprofits, Tribes, Utilities

    • Sector

      Climate, Environmental Justice, Land & Water Management, Resilience

    • Activity

      Education & Outreach

    • Eligibility

      Eligible Entities

      • Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs)
      • Nonprofit organizations
      • Public works departments and agencies

      Eligible Activities

      • Apprenticeship and internship programs
      • Education programs designed for elementary, secondary, and higher education students
      • Regional industry collaborations
      • Training programs designed to support decentralized workforce
    • Location

      National

  • Application Process

    • Application Link

      Apply Now

    • Pre-Application?

      No

    • Requirements

      Each application must address the following three elements

      • Project Areas – Applications must address one of the program Eligible Activity areas listed above
      • Geographic Area: EPA is asking applicants to specifically provide information on how they intend to expand awareness to individuals from rural, small, and tribal communities
      • Innovative Approach

  • Important Dates

    • Application Open Date

      Aug 19, 2026

    • Application Close Date

      Oct 5, 2026

    • Open Date

      Aug 19, 2026

    • Publish Date

      Aug 27, 2026

  • Resources & Contacts

    • Contact

      Technical/Eligibility Contact: Hana Abate, WaterWorkforceNOFO@epa.gov

    • Technical Assistance Contact

      support@grants.gov, 1-800-518-4726

    • Resources

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