Grant Opportunities
To stay informed about potential grant opportunities through the IRWM Program, check the SDIRWM website regularly, attend a RAC meeting (dates for 2023 posted here), or join the San Diego IRWM Program mailing list by e-mailing sdirwm@woodardcurran.com.
Proposition 1
On November 4, 2014, California voters approved Proposition 1, the Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014. DWR's Proposition 1 website is located here: https://water.ca.gov/Work-With-Us/Grants-And-Loans/IRWM-Grant-Programs/Proposition-1
Under Proposition 1, DWR posted separate Guidelines for each round of funding and the IRWM Plan updates. These guidelines can be viewed by clicking on the links below:
Proposition 1-Round 2 Implementation Grant
The San Diego IRWM Region's Proposition 1-Round 2 Implementation Grant was successful! The San Diego IRWM program was awarded approximately $16 million in funding for six priority projects in the Region.
These projects were selected through a rigorous process as indicated in the 2019 IRWM Plan Update, which included project submittal to the online project database, independent scoring using RAC-approved scoring criteria, consideration of the RAC-appointed Project Selection Workgroup, and interviews with local project sponsors.
The Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) for the 2022 Proposition 1 Implementation Grant can be downloaded by clicking here.
The San Diego IRWM Region's Proposition 1-Round 2 Grant Program application can be downloaded by clicking here.
Proposition 1-Round 1 Implementation Grant
The San Diego IRWM Region's Propostion 1-Round 1 Implementation Grant was successful! The San Diego IRWM program was awarded $15.3 million in 2020 from the Department of Water Resources for its 2019 Proposition 1 Round 1 Implementation Grant. These projects were selected through a rigorous process outlined in the 2019 IRWM Plan Update that included project submittal to the online project database, independent scoring using RAC-approved scoring criteria, consideration of the RAC-appointed Project Selection Workgroup, and interviews with local project sponsors. An overview of the seven projects that were selected for inclusion in the Round 1 grant application can be viewed by clicking here.The Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) for the 2019 Proposition 1 Implementation Grant can be downloaded by clicking here.
The San Diego IRWM Region's 2019 Proposition 1 Implementation Grant Application can be downloaded by clicking here.
Proposition 1 - Disadvantaged Community Involvement Grant
The San Diego IRWM Region's Propostion 1-Disadvantaged Community Involvement Grant was successful! The San Diego IRWM program was awarded $5.5 million from the Department of Water Resources. This grant funds planning activities for 9 priority projects by public agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in the San Diego IRWM Region. An overview of the nine projects that were selected for inclusion in the Disadvantaged Community Involvement grant application can be viewed by clicking here.The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Proposition 1 Disadvantaged Community Involvement Grant can be downloaded by clicking here.
Proposition 1 - Planning Grant Success!
DWR issued a Proposition 1 IRWM Planning Grant solicitation in 2016; The San Diego IRWM Region applied for and received $250,000 to fund updates to its 2013 IRWM Plan and develop a Storm Water Capture Feasibility Study. These updates will be compliant with the 2016 Proposition 1 IRWM Guidelines, and allow the Region to continue to be eligible for IRWM grant funding.The Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) for the 2016 IRWM Planning Grant can be downloaded by clicking here.
The San Diego IRWM Region's 2016 IRWM Planning Grant Application can be viewed on DWR's IRWM website or by clicking here.
Proposition 84
Funding for the 2010-2015 IRWM grant program was provided by Proposition 84 - the Safe Drinking Water, Water Quality and Supply, Flood Control, River and Coastal Protection Act (2006).
The Proposition 84 grant cycles will provide at least $71 million to San Diego over the next few years. Grant solicitations were issued by the Claifornia Department of Water Resources (DWR)
in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2015. Proposition 84 IRWM funding was exhausted following the 2015 solicitation.
DWR's Proposition 84 website is located here: http://www.water.ca.gov/irwm/grants/prop84index.cfm
Under Proposition 84, DWR posted separate Guidelines for each round of funding and the IRWM Plan updates. These guidelines can be viewed by clicking on the links below:
- 2010 Proposition 84 and 1E Guidelines
- 2012 Proposition 84 and 1E Guidelines
- 2014 Proposition 84 Drought Round Guidelines
- 2015 Proposition 84 Guidelines
Proposition 84 - Final Round Success!
The San Diego IRWM Region's Proposition 84 - Round 4 Implementation Grant was successful! The Region was awarded approximately $31 million to fund 13 high priority projects.
These projects were selected through a rigorous process outlined in the 2013 IRWM Plan Update that included project submittal to the online project database, independent scoring using RAC-approved scoring criteria, consideration of the RAC-appointed Project Selection Workgroup, and interviews
with local project sponsors. An overview of the projects that were selected for inclusion in the Round 4 (Final Round) grant application can be
viewed by clicking here.
The Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) for the 2015 Proposition 84 Implementation Grant can be downloaded by clicking here.
The San Diego IRWM Region's 2015 Proposition 84 Implementation Grant Application can be viewed on DWR's IRWM website or by clicking here.
Proposition 84 - Drought Solicitation Grant Success!
The San Diego IRWM Region's Proposition 84 - Drought Solicitation Implementation Grant application was successful!!! DWR released the Final Awards in November, 2014. The San Diego Region was recommended
to received the full $15.1 million to fund 7 water supply projects. An overview of the projects that were selected for inclusion in the Drought Solicitation grant application can be
viewed by clicking here.
The Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) for the 2014 Proposition 84 Implementation Grant (Drought Round) can be downloaded by clicking here.
The San Diego IRWM Region's 2014 Proposition 84 Implementation Grant Application can be viewed on DWR's IRWM website or by downloading a zip folder available here.
Proposition 84 - Round 2 Implementation Grant Success!
The San Diego IRWM Region's Proposition 84 - Round 2 Implementation Grant application was successful!!! DWR released the Final Awards in February, 2014. The San Diego Region was recommended
to received the full $10.5 million to fund 7 projects. An overview of the projects that were selected for inclusion in the Round 2 grant application can be
viewed by clicking here.
The Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) for the 2013 Proposition 84 - Round 2 Implementation Grant can be downloaded by clicking here.
The San Diego IRWM Region's 2014 Proposition 84 Implementation Grant Application can be viewed on DWR's IRWM website or by clicking here.
Proposition 84 - Round 1 Implementation Grant Success!
The San Diego Region's Proposition 84-Round 1 Implementation Grant application was successful!! DWR released the Final Recommendations on Implementation Grant Awards in August 2011. The San Diego Region was recommended to receive the full proposal request of $7.9 million. An overview of the projects that were selected to receive Proposition 84 Implementation Grant funding can be viewed by clicking here.
The Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) for the 2010 Proposition 84 - Round 1 Implementation Grant can be downloaded by clicking here.
The San Diego IRWM Region's 2011 Proposition 84 - Round 1 Implementation Grant Application can be viewed on DWR's IRWM website or by clicking here.
Region Acceptance Process
The Region Acceptance Process (RAP) is used to evaluate and accept an IRWM Region into the ongoing IRWM grant program. DWR released the Final RAP Guidelines on March 11, 2009. The San Diego Region submitted a RAP Application to DWR on April 29, 2009:
- San Diego IRWM RAP Application - Main (7 MB pdf)
- San Diego IRWM RAP Application - Attachments (13 MB pdf)
DWR Accepts the San Diego Region Application!
DWR announced its draft RAP recommendations on September 1, 2009, and the San Diego Region was approved without any conditions! This is a significant hurdle for the San Diego Region and a testament to on-going coordination with the South Orange County and Upper Santa Margarita Regions through the Tri-County Funding Area Coordinating Committee (for integrated water resources planning in shared watersheds).
Statewide RAP Applications and DWR's review summaries are available here
Proposition 1E
Stormwater Flood Management (SWFM) funding from Proposition 1E - the Disaster Preparedness and Flood Prevention Bond Act of 2006 - is administered through the State's IRWM Program. SWFM grants are designed for projects that manage stormwater runoff to reduce flooding. Projects must be consistent with applicable Basin Plans, not part of the State Plan of Flood Control, and yield multiple benefits which may include groundwater recharge, water quality improvements, ecosystem restoration benefits, and reduction of instream erosion and sedimentation. In 2010, DWR issued a Proposition 1E-Round 1 solicitation. DWR is currently in the process of issuing a Proposition 1E-Round 2 solicitation (see below).
Applicants seeking to apply for SWFM funding will need to have engaged in the IRWM Planning process, and have submitted the project to the Region's online project database. As each new grant cycle arises, there will be an opportunity to update or submit new projects for consideration.
Proposition 1E-Round 2 Schedule - The latest schedule released by DWR for Proposition 1E includes:
- Draft Proposition 1E-Round 2 Implementation Grant Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP), July 2012
- Final Proposition 1E-Round 2 Implementation Grant PSP, estimated October 2012
- Applications (prepared by individual project sponsors) Due to DWR in December 2012
Proposition 50
The IRWM planning process evolved out of Proposition 50, the Water Security, Clean Drinking Water, Coastal and Beach Protection Act (2002). Through Chapter 8 of Proposition 50, approximately $180 million in grants was available statewide in 2007 to fund projects identified in adopted IRWM Plans. During the first cycle of Proposition Chapter 8 funding, seven IRWM Regions across the state were recommended to each receive $25 million.
Proposition 50 Implementation Grant Success!
The San Diego Region's Proposition 50 Chapter 8 implementation grant application was successful!! DWR has recommended that the Region receive $25 million to implement the IRWM projects presented in the Region's grant proposal with a few minor changes. The San Diego County Water Authority is currently working with DWR to implement a contract to receive the funding on behalf of the Region. An overview of the projects that were awarded Proposition 50 IRWM Grant funding can be viewed by clicking here.