The Iowa Water Center — in partnership with the US Geological Survey — is gearing up for the annual 104 (b) competitive grants program. The program consists of the following two funding opportunities.

Targeted Seed Grant Research Competition

This program is intended to address the most pressing water research needs in the state of Iowa. Following are three priority focus areas in which we are soliciting proposals for up to $40,000 per project:

  • Water related hazards and society – exploration of the intersections of land/water use, and water hazards, climate change, or drought response. Research emphasizing social and environmental justice regarding these topics is preferred.
  • Exploration and advancement of our understanding of harmful algae blooms (HABs). Proposals are sought that focus on innovations in monitoring the occurrence of HABs and algal toxins, research on factors that result in algal toxin production, and improvements in near-real time modeling and forecasting of toxin-producing blooms.
  • Emerging contaminants: research on the fate, persistence, transport, and impacts of contaminants on water resources and ecosystem dynamics. Research can include social and/or economic assessment of the spread, detection, impacts, solutions, and management. Contaminants include per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances, E. coli, and other physical, chemical, and biological contaminants.

Graduate Student Supplemental Research Competition

This program is designed to allow students to complete additional research objectives or products beyond the scope of a current water-related funded project. Funding of up to $5,000 for one year is available to graduate students nearing completion of their program of study or those with well-established, active research projects. (The readiness of the student to embark on additional research is subjective, and students should consult with their major professor before deciding to apply.) The proposed budget must include funds for publication costs. Students will be required to submit their research to peer-reviewed publications.

Funding Information

If chosen for funding, investigators will be required to provide documentation of committed matching funds. The U.S. Geological Survey requires a 1:1 nonfederal to federal funds match.

All awards will be subject to the availability of federal funds. We have not received official notification for the levels of federal support in the 2026 program.  As a result, the loss of the entire program, reductions in funding levels, and funding delays are possible.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include faculty, staff, and graduate students at Iowa’s accredited colleges and universities. Priority will be given to proposals that engage early career faculty and/or graduate and undergraduate students.

Project Period

Grants will support one-year projects. The start date has varied in recent years due to delays in funding from the U.S. Department of Interior. Funds are expected in late 2026 and is not known at this time.

Intent to Apply

Applicants must notify IWC via email (iowawatercenter@iastate.edu) of proposal submission intention by March 25, 2026, at 5 pm. The Letter of Intent should include the following items:

  1. Working Title of Project: Concise but descriptive.
  2. Principal Investigator(s): Provide name, academic rank, university, email address, and phone number of the principal investigators. Graduate students should list their advisor as a co-investigator.
  3. Congressional District of the university where the work is to be conducted.
  4. WRRI Science Priorities: Choose one category that most closely applies from the following:
  • Water Scarcity and Availability
  • Water-Related Hazards and Climate Variability
  • Water Quality
  • Water Policy, Planning, and Socioeconomics
  • Water Technology and Innovation
  • Workforce Development and Water Literacy
  • Watershed and Ecosystem Function

Please also include potential reviewers (up to six) and their contact information. Reviewers should be qualified to evaluate the scientific merit of the study design without conflict of interest to the applicant. Reviewers can be either within or outside the state of the applicant’s home institution.

Conflict of Interest for Reviewers

The following guidelines and situations are determined to be conflicts of interest, and therefore, individuals who fall into these categories should not be suggested as reviewers for proposals:

  • Individuals who serve on thesis, dissertation, or advising committee to the PI or Co-PI(s)
  • Individuals who have served as a co-author on publications with the PI or Co-PI(s) at least once in the past three years
  • Individuals who are colleagues with the PI or Co-PI(s) within the same department or similar unit for the past three years
  • Individuals who supervise or who have supervised the PI or Co-PI(s)
  • Individuals who have a direct or indirect financial interest in the proposal
  • Individuals who have a personal relationship with the PI or Co-PI(s)

Contact Information

Questions can be directed toward the Program Contact: Zita Quade

zquade@iastate.edu

(515) 210-5472