Deadline: 20-May-2026
The Water Research Foundation is offering up to $200,000 for research on sustainable alternatives to water shutoffs for nonpayment. The project will examine billing practices, customer payment behavior, and strategies to maintain service continuity and utility financial stability, producing actionable insights for water utilities.
Program Overview
The Water Research Foundation seeks proposals to explore equitable and sustainable alternatives to water shutoffs for nonpayment. The project focuses on:
- Evaluating alternative strategies that maintain service continuity without resorting to shutoffs.
- Assessing the impact of billing practices on customer debt, payment behavior, and utility revenue.
- Analyzing the effectiveness of penalties, incentives, and third-party resources in reducing arrearages.
- Developing case studies on implementation strategies, challenges, and lessons learned.
This initiative falls under the Research Priority Program, supporting high-impact research that addresses urgent challenges in drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems.
Who Should Apply?
The program is open to research teams and organizations with expertise in:
- Water utility management and operations
- Financial sustainability in service delivery
- Customer behavior and social equity considerations
- Academic or industry research with a strong methodological foundation
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to deliver scientifically rigorous research with practical utility applications.
Funding Details
- Maximum Grant Amount: $200,000
- Purpose: Support a single research project on alternatives to water shutoffs
- Scope: The project should produce actionable recommendations for utilities while maintaining financial stability and service continuity
- Program: Research Priority Program, Water Research Foundation
How to Apply
- Prepare Proposal – Clearly define objectives, methodology, expected outcomes, and utility relevance.
- Follow Guidelines – Use the specific formatting and submission requirements provided in the RFP.
- Submit Online – Proposals must be submitted via the Water Research Foundation’s designated portal before the deadline.
- Budget Compliance – Ensure total project costs do not exceed $200,000; proposals over the limit will be rejected.
- Review Process – Proposals are assessed on scientific rigor, relevance to utility needs, and potential for actionable outcomes.
Key Considerations for Applicants
- Demonstrate a clear link between alternative strategies and improved payment behavior.
- Address financial sustainability and operational feasibility for utilities.
- Include case study design to highlight real-world implementation lessons.
- Consider equity and inclusivity, particularly for customers in low-income communities.
FAQs
1. Who can apply for this funding?
Research teams, academic institutions, and organizations with expertise in water utility management, customer behavior, and financial sustainability.
2. What is the maximum funding available?
Up to $200,000 per project.
3. Are proposals over the funding limit considered?
No, proposals exceeding $200,000 will not be reviewed.
4. What is the focus of the research?
Finding sustainable alternatives to water shutoffs for nonpayment while maintaining service continuity and utility financial stability.
5. Is there a specific submission format?
Yes, proposals must follow the formatting and submission guidelines in the RFP.
6. How are proposals evaluated?
Based on scientific rigor, relevance to utility needs, feasibility, and potential for actionable outcomes.
7. Can this research involve multiple utilities?
Yes, projects that provide insights across different utility sizes and customer demographics are encouraged.
Conclusion
This funding opportunity by the Water Research Foundation supports research that balances customer equity and utility financial stability. By exploring sustainable alternatives to shutoffs, the initiative aims to create actionable insights that improve water service delivery while minimizing service disruptions for vulnerable communities.
For more information, visit Water Research Foundation.