Research Priority Program Grant

About this grant

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) Research Priority Program is a strategic, subscriber-driven research funding initiative that funds high-priority research projects across the water and wastewater sector. The program enables WRF to direct resources toward the most pressing challenges facing water utilities, including topics such as PFAS treatment, biosolids management, climate change adaptation, disinfection byproducts, energy optimization, intelligent water systems, microbes and pathogens, resource recovery, stormwater, and water reuse. The program is distinct from WRF's other funding mechanisms (such as the Unsolicited Research and Tailored Collaboration Programs) in that it is strategically managed by WRF to address identified research priorities rather than responding to unsolicited investigator ideas. Funded projects span laboratory, pilot, and full-scale investigations, and typically result in guidance documents, tools, and peer-reviewed findings made available to water utility subscribers and the broader industry. A press release from May 2024 noted that 26 new research projects totaling $5.9 million were funded through the Research Priority Program in that cycle, and a September 2023 announcement described 22 new projects totaling $4.9 million. The program seeks volunteer utility participants and research teams to collaborate on funded studies. The program addresses critical water quality and operational challenges faced by drinking water utilities, wastewater utilities, and stormwater managers. Research outputs are intended to be directly applicable to utility operations, regulatory compliance, and long-term infrastructure planning.

Eligibility

Eligibility details are not fully described on this page. Based on context, the program is primarily oriented toward research institutions, universities, and technical organizations that can serve as principal investigators, with water utilities typically participating as volunteer collaborators or project advisory committee members. WRF subscribers appear to have preferential access and participation opportunities. There is no explicit geographic restriction stated, though the program primarily serves the North American water sector. Specific applicant eligibility, organizational type requirements, and any restrictions on prior recipients are not detailed on this page.

How it's scored

Specific evaluation criteria and scoring weightings are not described on this page. Projects appear to be selected based on strategic alignment with WRF's identified research priorities, which are shaped by subscriber input and WRF's research committees and leadership. The program is managed internally by WRF staff research principals and project managers who oversee topic areas and guide project selection.

Key requirements

• ✓Research must address WRF-identified priorities in water quality and management
• ✓Collaborative approach with WRF subscribers and broader water sector stakeholders
• ✓Focus on water, wastewater, or stormwater challenges

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for Research Priority Program?

Eligibility covers organisations in US; university, research-institution, nonprofit, consortium. See the eligibility criteria above for the full conditions.

Relevant sectors

About this sector

Water funding covers supply, sanitation, wastewater treatment, water efficiency, catchment management and flood risk. A large share is public procurement for infrastructure and services, alongside grants for innovation and access in underserved areas. Bidders and applicants are typically assessed on technical capacity, operating experience and community impact.