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

Three funding solicitations, or Requests for Projects, have been released through the Merced MLRP. All solicitations are currently closed, and additional information about them is provided below.

Requests for Projects (RFPs) and Application Forms

Project Development Funding (CLOSED)

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 were 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 was available. Projects must be fully implemented by March 30, 2027.

RFP in English (Application starts on page 8):

RFP in Spanish: