Deadline: 31-Dec-2025
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) Grants Program for fiscal year 2026, designed to strengthen water and waste management systems in rural areas across the United States.
This program supports qualified private nonprofit organizations in providing essential technical assistance and training to improve access to clean water, enhance waste disposal systems, and ensure the sustainability of rural infrastructure.
The program focuses on helping rural communities identify and evaluate solutions to challenges in obtaining, storing, treating, and distributing water, as well as managing wastewater collection and disposal. Through these grants, eligible organizations will assist communities in preparing applications for federal financial assistance, including loans and grants from the USDA’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) and other funding sources. The assistance will also include project feasibility analyses and guidance on improving operational efficiency, maintenance, and long-term sustainability of water and waste facilities.
Beyond infrastructure development, the TAT Grants Program also prioritizes addressing drinking water contamination, including hazards such as lead and emerging contaminants like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The goal is to help rural communities safeguard public health through cleaner, safer, and more resilient water systems.
For fiscal year 2026, funding availability will depend on congressional appropriations, with an estimated total of $35 million expected for awards. There is no minimum or maximum funding limit for individual grants. Awards are anticipated to be announced in June 2026, with project implementation running from October 1, 2026, to September 30, 2027. Existing grantees may also reapply for new federal awards by submitting fresh applications during the designated period.
Eligible applicants include private nonprofit organizations, including tribally owned nonprofits, that meet the eligibility requirements outlined in 7 CFR 1775.35. Applicants and their principals must not be debarred, suspended, or delinquent on any federal debts, and all applications will be screened through the federal Do Not Pay System to verify compliance. Organizations must also be properly registered and possess a Unique Entity Identifier within the System for Award Management (SAM) before funds can be awarded.
By investing in technical expertise and operational support, the USDA’s TAT Grants Program aims to empower rural communities to build cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable water and waste management systems, ultimately improving public health, environmental safety, and quality of life across underserved regions.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
