The Bureau of Reclamation, through its Native American Affairs and International Affairs Office (NAIAO), is offering the Emergency Drought Relief for Tribes Program to help eligible Tribes address drought impacts. This program aims to assist Tribes in developing, managing, and protecting their water resources, focusing on mitigating the adverse effects of drought. The program’s goals include improving drought resiliency, reducing dependence on dwindling water sources, and addressing drinking water shortages.
Proposals should align with the following objectives: mitigating drought impacts, enhancing drought resiliency, increasing water delivery efficiency, and safeguarding water and related Tribal trust resources. These initiatives are critical for improving the overall well-being and sustainability of Tribes affected by drought.
The total estimated funding for the program is $9,000,000, with individual awards ranging from $50,000 to $2,000,000. The grant period spans from March 10, 2026, to March 10, 2028. The deadline for applications is October 14, 2025.
Eligibility is limited to Federally recognized Native American tribal governments and organizations located in the 17 Western States identified in the Reclamation Act of 1902. These states include Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
