Call for Grant Applications – Supporting Research on Workforce Strategies in Water Utilities
Application Deadline:
November 21, 2024
About Organisation
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is a premier nonprofit research organization focused on advancing water science to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. As a 501(c)(3) educational organization, WRF funds, manages, and publishes research that supports the development and management of drinking water, wastewater, water reuse, and stormwater systems. Its mission is to enhance water quality and improve public water services by addressing challenges related to technology, operations, and system management. WRF’s research aids utilities and water professionals in developing innovative solutions for a resilient and sustainable water future. By collaborating with utilities, government agencies, and research institutions, WRF helps shape the future of water management and ensures that water systems can meet current and future demands. Its goal is to provide credible, science-based research and tools that support informed decision-making across the water industry.
About the Grant
The Water Research Foundation grant seeks to address one of the water sector’s key challenges: the aging workforce. Utilities are facing new realities, including digital transformation, growing competition for talent, and a need for fresh skillsets. Workforce development programs are critical to addressing these issues by attracting, training, and retaining professionals in the water and wastewater sectors. However, there is a gap in understanding how these programs are incorporated into utility structures and strategic planning. The grant aims to conduct research on current workforce programs across diverse utility types, geographies, and governance models. It will evaluate institutional barriers, highlight opportunities for growth, and provide recommendations for creating robust workforce development strategies. The goal is to inform water professionals and utilities about best practices for scaling workforce programs and justifying investment in talent development initiatives.
Who can Apply?
The grant is open to U.S.-based and international entities, including educational institutions, research organizations, government agencies, and for-profit consulting firms. Eligible applicants should demonstrate an ability to conduct in-depth research and collaborate with other stakeholders in the water sector. Proposals are expected to incorporate partnerships and case studies relevant to workforce development in water and wastewater utilities. Organizations applying should have a clear strategy to address workforce issues within the water industry, considering diversity in utility types, geographic regions, and organizational scales. Proposers should have experience in research, workforce planning, and project management, and must outline how their approach will meet the grant objectives. In particular, applicants need to demonstrate how their proposed research will provide actionable insights and contribute to broader sector-wide improvements in workforce development.
How to Apply?
Applicants must submit their proposals online in PDF format before the deadline. The submission system allows uploading of required documents, and it’s recommended not to wait until the last minute. The submission process is exclusively through the online platform.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submissions is Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 3:00 PM MT.
Last Date To Apply
For more information, please visit the here.
For Submission, please visit the here.
