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Grants Update
Week of March 13, 2026
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Check out the new "Federal Grant Funding Outlook for Special Districts in 2026"
resource for NSDA members! These slides are intended to provide an overview of FY 2026 funding, help structure your grant planning strategy, and highlight NSDA Grants resources.
We also invite you to complete the 2026 NSDA Grants Survey to help us better understand your familiarity with federal grants and your interest in pursuing these opportunities. Your responses will enable us to tailor resources and support to better meet your needs. Feedback from this survey will also shape the topics for upcoming NSDA Grants Brownbag sessions scheduled for April 16, July 16, & September 9!
The survey is open until March 31. Completion time: approximately 5-7 minutes
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FY 2026 IIJA Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK): Grid Resilience
WHAT DOES IT FUND? This component of the SPARK program supports projects that strengthen grid reliability and resilience through reconductoring and deploying other ATTs. These projects must expand the ability to transfer power between regions of the country of existing transmission or sub-transmission, improve system flexibility, and reduce the likelihood and consequences of disruptive events. Click here for more information.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Eligible applicants are domestic entities that are electric grid operators; electricity storage operators; electricity generators; transmission owners or operators; distribution providers; fuel suppliers; and any other relevant entity, as determined by the Secretary.
TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $427 million
WHEN IS IT DUE? April 2, 2026 (Concept Paper), May 20, 2026 (Full Application)
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FY 2026 IIJA Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK): Smart Grid
WHAT DOES IT FUND? This component of the SPARK program funds projects focused on deploying advanced grid technologies, which may include new devices, materials, engineering designs, or software tools. These projects must enhance the efficiency, reliability, and operational flexibility of the electric grid through smart grid technologies that enable real-time monitoring, control, and optimization of grid assets. Click here for more information.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Eligible applicants are domestic entities, including institutes of higher education, for-profit organizations, non-profit organizations, state and local government entities, and Indian tribes.
TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $614 million
WHEN IS IT DUE? April 2, 2026 (Concept Paper), May 20, 2026 (Full Application)
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FY 2026 IIJA Speed to Power through Accelerated Reconductoring and other Key Advanced Transmission Technology Upgrades (SPARK): Grid Innovation Program
WHAT DOES IT FUND? This component of the SPARK program supports high-impact, innovative projects that enhance grid reliability and resilience, with a focus on transmission systems that facilitate development of new large loads. This topic prioritizes large-scale, multi-jurisdictional demonstrations aimed at expanding the ability to transfer between transmission planning regions in the country. Click here for more information.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Eligible applicants are domestic entities, including states, combinations of two or more states, Indian tribes, units of local government, and public utility commissions.
TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $862 million
WHEN IS IT DUE? April 2, 2026 (Concept Paper), May 20, 2026 (Full Application)
| | Department of the Interior | | |
FY 2026 WaterSMART Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects
WHAT DOES IT FUND? This program funds the planning, design, and construction of water recycling projects that have a total project cost greater than or equal to $500 million. The program prioritizes projects that create a more reliable water supply in a cost-effective manner, reduce existing water diversions, address environmental and water quality concerns, and promote collaborative partnerships. Projects will address growing water demands and resource challenges by providing new, drought-resistant, local water supplies that stretch existing supplies and reduce water importation. Click here for more information.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Eligible applicants are states, tribes, municipalities, irrigation districts, water districts, wastewater districts, and any state, regional, or other organization with water or power delivery authority; state, regional, or local authorities, the members of which include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; and an agency established under State law for the joint exercise of powers, or a combination of entities described above. All applicants must be located in the Western United States; specifically: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $130 million
WHEN IS IT DUE? May 13, 2026
| | Department of the Interior | | |
FY 2026 Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program
WHAT DOES IT FUND? This program aims to improve the skill of water supply forecasts by enhancing snow monitoring using emerging technologies to complement existing monitoring techniques and networks. Projects must include deployment of aerial LiDAR snow surveys and incorporation of those data into water supply forecasts. Click here for more information.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Eligible applicants are state, county, city or township, special district, and federally recognized Native American tribal governments; independent school districts; private, public, and state-controlled institutions of higher education; Native American tribal organizations; nonprofit organizations; individuals; for-profit organizations; and small businesses. Applicants must be located in the western U.S., which includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $6.5 million
WHEN IS IT DUE? May 5, 2026
| | Department of Health and Human Services | | |
FY 2026 Assisted Outpatient Treatment Program (AOT)
WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program is to facilitate the implementation of Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) for adults with serious mental illness (SMI). Recipients are expected to implement the AOT program, working with civil courts, community partners, and other entities to support community-based treatment for adults. Click here for more information.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Eligible applicants are counties, cities, mental health systems (including mental health authorities), mental health courts, or any other entities with authority under the law of the State in which the applicant is located to implement, monitor, and oversee assisted outpatient programs. Only applicants that have not previously implemented an assisted outpatient treatment program are eligible.
TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $10 million
WHEN IS IT DUE? April 20, 2026
| | Department of Health and Human Services | | |
FY 2026 Children's Mental Health Initiative
WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program is to provide comprehensive community mental health services to children, youth, and young adults from birth through age 21 who have a serious emotional disturbance (SED), which may include efforts to identify and serve children at risk, and their families. Click here for more information.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Eligible applicants are state governments (including territories), governmental units within political subdivisions of a state (e.g., county, city, town), and any Indian tribe or tribal organization.
TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $43,353,763
WHEN IS IT DUE? April 20, 2026
| | Department of Health and Human Services | | |
FY 2026 Implementing Zero Suicide in Health Systems
WHAT DOES IT FUND? The purpose of this program is to provide resources to healthcare systems for implementing the Zero Suicide framework for adults who are at risk of suicide. Click here for more information.
WHO'S ELIGIBLE? Eligible applicants are community-based primary care or behavioral health care settings, emergency departments, State mental health agencies, public health agencies, United States territories, and Indian Tribes/tribal organizations.
TOTAL FUNDING AMOUNT? $16,110,545
WHEN IS IT DUE? April 20, 2026
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SAMHSA Announces More Than $69 Million in Funding Opportunities for Serious Mental Illness and Suicide Prevention Grant Programs
READ MORE
USDA Announces New Funding to Connect Farmers to Local Markets
READ MORE
| | The grant experts of the NSDA Grants Program are committed to helping special districts understand the federal funding landscape and adjust to the changing priorities. As always, our team is here to help you! If you have any questions about specific grants – whether on the pre-award or post-award side – we encourage you to connect with us during NSDA Office Hours or submit a project through the NSDA Project Idea Portal for advice on potential funding opportunities. Special districts may also access additional grant resources on the NSDA Website. If you have any questions, please contact nsdagrants@tfgnet.com. |
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