The Arizona Water Protection Fund (AWPF) is a state-managed competitive grant program overseen by the Arizona Department of Water Resources. This program aims to fund initiatives that enhance the quality and availability of water throughout Arizona, focusing specifically on projects that protect, maintain, and restore river and riparian ecosystems. These projects often benefit fish and wildlife populations that rely on these critical water resources and aim to bolster water supply across the state.
The FY 2026 grant cycle will begin accepting applications on May 14, 2025, and close on August 15, 2025. The total available funding for this cycle is $750,000. While there is no minimum or maximum award amount specified, administrative costs are capped at 5% of the requested AWPF funds, and projects are reimbursed based on actual expenditures documented with appropriate receipts, invoices, reports, and data.
Eligible applicants include individuals, nonprofits, academic institutions, tribal governments, school districts, city and county governments, and private sector organizations within Arizona. Although federal agencies are ineligible to apply directly, the program does support projects located on federal lands.
Applications are not accepted on a rolling basis, but the program is recurring with an anticipated reopening in May 2026. Applicants are encouraged to provide matching funds, even though they are not required, as such contributions can enhance the competitiveness of their proposals.
For assistance or further inquiries, applicants can contact Reuben Teran, the program's Executive Director, at rteran@azwater.gov or by calling 602-771-8528. All correspondence and application materials should be directed to the Arizona Department of Water Resources, Arizona Water Protection Fund, at 1110 W. Washington Street, Suite #310, Phoenix, AZ 85007.
