Are you working to design, fund, or launch an innovative water program? WaterNow is pleased to announce that a national Project Accelerator application cycle is open! Project Accelerator offers public drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater agencies the opportunity to jumpstart an innovative water project, and provides leadership and professional development opportunities for emerging water leaders. Selected Project Accelerators receive free, hands-on support and technical assistance (up to 250 hours over 6-12 months) to make meaningful progress toward more affordable, community-oriented solutions. This application cycle will provide particular consideration to projects that foster trust and collaboration between utilities and communities.  

Learn more and apply now to receive support. 

Applications are due by April 25, 2025

Applications for the 2025 program are now open!

Program Highlights

• With just 20 class participants, form a tight-knit group of trusted peer advisors
• Receive extensive training in communicating effectively, navigating conflict and diversity, managing self and others, and building effective teams
• Experience individual growth through self-assessment, executive coaching, and peer workshopping
• Gain the opportunity to step back and define your leadership style, assess your priorities, and design a path toward the leadership legacy you want to have in Colorado water
• Build and begin to test your own personal development plan with support from your coach
• Plus learn from and connect with the greater network of water professionals in Colorado through Leaders Unplugged sessions and paired mentorships with seasoned water leaders working in diverse fields

Check out the program FAQ sheet for answers to frequently asked questions.

Additional information on the program.

The Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART program is accepting applications for many of their grants such as the Small-Scale Water Efficiency Projects (SWEP): supports small-scale, on-the-ground water efficiency projects which seek to implement work identified in an applicant’s water planning efforts. 

• • Applications are due Tuesday, July 8, 2025. 
  • Applicants may request up to $125,000 for projects that cost $250,000 or less and can be completed in 2 years.  
  • Apply on grants.gov (NOFO No. R24AS00059) and learn more about SWEP grants and WaterNow’s support by downloading our SWEP Fact Sheet.  

Questions About a Grant? 

If you are planning to apply or have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility, program requirements, or the evaluation criteria, you should schedule a time to talk with the USBR program coordinators by clicking here and selecting the grant you want to speak about.