Water Research Foundation Offers $250,000 Research Grant to Measure the Return on Investment of Internships, Apprenticeships and Development Programs
The Water Research Foundation is offering a $250,000 research grant to examine the return on investment of internships, apprenticeships, and workforce development programs in the utility sector. Eligible researchers and institutions can submit their proposals until September 14, 2026.
Overview
The Water Research Foundation (WRF) has launched a Research Priority Program opportunity seeking research proposals under project 5414, titled “Return on Investment for Internships, Apprenticeships, and Development Programs.” The primary goal is to help water and wastewater utilities evaluate the financial and organizational value of employee development initiatives. With a total funding amount of $250,000 available, the project aims to quantify return on investment, assess effectiveness in critical roles, and develop practical business case frameworks and decision-support tools for utility management.
Benefits
- Access to $250,000 in project funding to support comprehensive research activities.
- Opportunities to collaborate with participating utilities such as Ann Arbor Water, the City of Decatur, King County Wastewater Treatment Division, Orange County Utilities, and Resource Renew.
- Creation of practical tools and frameworks to help utilities measure employee retention, turnover, recruitment costs, and internal career advancement.
Eligibility
This funding opportunity is relevant for researchers, academic institutions, water and wastewater utilities, workforce development specialists, and organizations with expertise in human resources, talent development, organizational performance, and utility workforce management. Applicants should consult the official RFP and 2026 Research Priority Program guidelines to verify definitive institutional requirements and participation criteria.
How to Apply
Interested applicants must prepare their proposals by following the official Water Research Foundation documentation, including instructions for budget preparation, the proposal budget form, current and pending forms, co-funding support forms, and certification and assurance documents. Submissions must be finalized and submitted through the official portal before the closing time.
Deadline
The application deadline is September 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Mountain Time (US & Canada). Applicants are advised to begin preparations early due to the required supporting documents and financial information.