Funding Opportunities

The Merced MLRP includes multiple funding opportunities for projects that help reduce reliance on groundwater while providing community health, economic well-being, water supply, habitat, and/or renewable energy benefits. To be considered, projects must provide a public benefit for at least ten years, and align with the broader MLRP Program goals as well as with regional land repurposing and Groundwater Sustainability Strategies in the Merced Subbasin.

Information on Project Solicitations

Planning funding is available NOW for development projects that plan to transition irrigated agricultural land to less water-intensive use(s) and create additional benefits for rural communities, economies, and/or ecosystems. The funding is intended for individuals or organizations that have project ideas but need additional time or capacity to develop them. These funds are exclusively for project planning, design, and permitting—not the implementation of projects. Download the RFP from the link provided below.

Applications accepted on a rolling basis—due by January 30, 2026

Click here to see a workshop recording that reviews the project solicitation, application process, eligible project types, and technical assistance resources. Please contact us for a free consultation about project ideas. Applicants are strongly encouraged to reach out to the Merced MLRP team before submitting an application.

Request Assistance

Technical Assistance Guide for Applicants

Current

Closed

Requests for Projects (RFPs) and Application Forms

Project Development Funding: Open NOW

On October 24, 2025 the Merced MLRP released an RFP for project planning, design, and permitting. Projects must not be implemented prior to March 30, 2027, but should achieve “shovel-ready” status by that date through MLRP funding.

Applications accepted on a rolling basis—due by January 30, 2026.

RFP in English (Application starts on page 8):

RFP in Spanish:

Implementation Project Funding (CLOSED)

On May 23, 2025 the Merced MLRP re-opened the RFP for Implementation Projects that was originally released on November 15, 2024. $1M total is available. Projects must be fully implemented by March 30, 2027.

RFP in English (Application starts on page 8):

RFP in Spanish: