WRF Accepting Pre-Proposals for Transformative Research Projects That Advance the Science of Water

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is now accepting pre-proposals for novel, transformative research projects for funding through our Unsolicited Research Program. The Unsolicited Research Program funds projects that advance the science of water and increase our ability to protect and preserve water in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. WRF solicits proposals for this program every two years. Selection of research proposals is a competitive, two-step process: 1) all pre-proposals are reviewed, after which a short list of proposers is selected to submit full proposals, and 2) the full proposals are evaluated. The available funding amount for the program is $984,390 and a project may receive $25,000 – $175,000.

Pre-proposals are chosen based on technical and scientific merit, project originality, technical approach, significance and value of research, and project schedule and qualifications of key personnel/organizational capacity. Proposed projects may complement WRF’s Research Priority Program, address regional and local issues, involve the piloting of novel technologies, and address issues related to the protection of drinking water, wastewater, recycled water, and stormwater.

Pre-proposals are due March 31, 2022, by 3:00 PM MT. Finalists will be notified by June 13, 2022 and invited to submit a full proposal.

Learn more about the Unsolicited Research Program and submission guidelines.