Applications Invited for the Water Research Foundation Tailored Collaboration (TC) Program

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About the Organization

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, water reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

About the Grant

The Tailored Collaboration (TC) Program provides an opportunity for subscribing utilities to partner with WRF on research projects that address issues of interest to a significant subgroup of WRF subscribers. The program supports research projects that may address local or regional concerns but are broadly applicable to WRF subscribers. Projects often address innovative ideas that have not been the focus of other WRF programs or that expand upon existing research to determine application potential at a utility.

The unique benefit of this program is that not only are utilities' research funds leveraged, but projects are further enhanced by WRF's independent review process (via a Project Advisory Committee [PAC]), professional project management, and a broad network for sharing research outcomes and deliverables. Applicants may conduct the research themselves, select their contractor, or use WRF's competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process to engage a research organization.

The total funds available for the 2025 TC Program is $1,617,294. Applicants can apply for a 1:1 match of up to $150,000 of WRF funds. The TC Program uses a two-step application process, including pre-proposals and full proposals.

Stage 1: WRF issues an annual call for pre-proposals. Submitted ideas are reviewed by the Tailored Collaboration Review Committee (TCRC) and comments are provided to applicants.

Stage 2: Stage 1 applicants are invited to submit full proposals to compete for funding. The full proposals are evaluated and approved by the TCRC.

Program details:

• WRF provides a 1:1 match, up to $150,000, for every $1 in cash that a subscriber or group of subscribers provides toward the project.
• Each project must be sponsored by a WRF subscribing utility; however, funds from all categories of WRF subscribers are eligible for the cash match.
• Cash match is required in order to submit a proposal to the program.
• There is no minimum in-kind contribution required.

Selection criteria:

• Topic Breadth and Applicability
• Originality
• Technical Approach
• Budget
• Management Plan
• Qualifications of Key Personnel

Partnering on critical research: Through the Tailored Collaboration Program, WRF partners directly with utility subscribers on research and innovation. Under this program, a subscriber or group of subscribers can obtain up to $150,000 in matching funds for a research idea that they have developed. These ideas may be more specialized or regional in nature than those funded through WRF’s other research programs, but still have the potential for broader applicability. Each year, 20% of WRF’s budget is allocated to the Tailored Collaboration Program.

How to Apply

The TC Program uses a two-step application process, including pre-proposals and full proposals. Pre-proposals are due by Monday, June 2, 2025, at 3 p.m. Mountain time.

Pre-proposals must be submitted online at https://forms.waterrf.org/250333638527155

For more information please check the Link

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Tags Innovations and Technology Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Water Research Others