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Grant Opportunities

Funding available for FID growers. Deadline to apply is January 15, 2026.

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The Fresno Irrigation District was selected for another round of funding through two USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) programs - the EQIP-WaterSMART Initiative and Groundwater Recharge Pilot Program. Find details about the funding available for growers and step-by-step instructions for applying below.​

NRCS Funding Opportunity Webinar

FID in collaboration with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) held an informational webinar on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, for those interested in learning more about the NRCS grant opportunities exclusively for FID growers.

EQIP - WaterSMART Initiative

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through partnership with US Department of Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) is offering funding to growers to improve water conservation and irrigation water use efficiency. Prioritized projects aim to reduce groundwater withdrawals and improve irrigation efficiency. The deadline to apply for EQIP WaterSMART funding is January 15, 2026.

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Program Informational Flyer

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This grant opportunity is unique from regular EQIP funding. The WaterSMART funding pool awarded to Fresno Irrigation District is confined to eligible farms within the district boundaries. This means growers compete for funding within a much smaller applicant pool.

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Funding opportunities include:​

  • Flow Meter*

  • Soil moisture sensors

  • Microirrigation system

  • Irrigation ditch lining

  • Irrigation pipeline

  • Irrigation reservoir

  • Irrigation water management

  • Mulching

  • Cover crop

  • Reduced tillage or no-till

  • Well decommissioning

  • Windbreaks and hedgerows

*FID strongly encourages growers to use this grant opportunity to help fund well meters with telemetry and soil moisture sensors. These items may be included alongside selected practices when submitting the application, allowing growers to receive financial assistance for meter-related costs. To be eligible for financial assistance, growers must follow FID's specified Well Meter Requirements.​

Note: Applications can include a number of different practices listed above.

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​​Program Background:

The Fresno Irrigation District is one of four agencies in Fresno and Madera counties selected to receive funding for its growers through the EQIP WaterSMART Initiative. This program partners funds from the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART funding pool for conservation planning and improvement with the well-established EQIP program run by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Funding is intended to improve water conservation and irrigation water use efficiency on eligible farms within FID’s boundaries through farm-scale projects.​​​

Groundwater Recharge Pilot Program:

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), as part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), launched a groundwater recharge pilot program. ​FID growers are encouraged to apply for funding to conduct groundwater recharge on their land under the pilot program. ​ Applications received in Winter of 2026 are for recharge to be completed in Fall 2026-Winter 2027. The deadline to apply is January 15, 2026.

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Program Overview

​​​​​Funding opportunities:

  • Basin: $4,186.79-$4,474.70 per acre-foot of storage

  • Trench: $4.21 per cubic yard excavated

  • On-Farm Recharge:

    • $121.33-$200.14 per acre, per year​​​​​

​Contact the Fresno Service Center at (559) 276-7494 for further information.

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Program background:

This pilot program comes after the NRCS recognized groundwater depletion as a significant resource concern, resulting in the California NRCS developing two interim practice standards for groundwater recharge. This new groundwater recharge program is under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to evaluate the following Interim Conservation Practice Standards:

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FID is one of five irrigation districts involved in this pilot project. FID is committed to furthering the path to sustainability, and is thrilled to announce this opportunity for its growers. We strongly encourages members of our district to apply.

To apply:

  1. Download and fill out Application Form 1200 here: Form 1200 and Form 1200 Continuation Page.

  2. Submit your Form 1200 to the NRCS Fresno Field Office, 4625 W Jennifer Ave. #125, Fresno, CA 93722.

  3. Make sure you are enrolled in the Farm Service Agency. This is a prerequisite to apply for funding. Contact Fresno County’s FSA office at 559-276-7494 to enroll. 

    • ​​Important: Enrollment with the Farm Service Agency may take some time. If you haven’t enrolled yet, start the process early to ensure eligibility before the application deadline.

 

NOTE: If applying for the Groundwater Recharge Pilot Program, you must complete the following before starting the application process:

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  1. Contact FID’s Watermaster David Burrow at dburrow@fresnoirrigation.com or at (559) 233-7161 to confirm whether your land is eligible to receive flood water. Please complete this step before completing your application.

  2. A pre-screening form must also be completed before submitting your application. This form helps determine if a grower is eligible to proceed with the NRCS groundwater recharge pilot program application. FID staff will complete and submit the pre-screening form to NRCS on behalf of the landowner, prior to the final application submittal.

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There is a single application process for both programs. Growers may include multiple practices from both the WaterSMART section and the groundwater recharge program in one application.

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