Funding opportunities from the Kansas Water Institute
The Kansas Water Institute is proud to support innovative research faculty from different universities in Kansas. Using funds awarded by USGS from the Water Resources Research Act, KWI supports projects that focus on high-priority water topics identified by the Kansas state water plan.
Water Resources Research Act, Section 104(b)
We are accepting proposals for research grants under the Water Resources Research Act, Section 104(b). Funded by the U.S. Geological Survey, the Section 104(b) major goals are to foster research on water and related issues of importance to the state and region and to encourage students and early career scientists to enter the field of water resources.
This year, KWI expects to fund up to four (4) grants up to $50,000 each. Projects are funded for up to 24 months.
- Graduate and undergraduate training is encouraged.
- Refereed scientific research publications are an expected output of this program.
- Proposals are requested for research that explores new ideas to address water problems in Kansas and to expand understanding of water and related phenomena within the Kansas context.
- Faculty and research staff at the state universities (including KSU, KU, WSU, ESU, PSU, and FHSU) may submit proposals.
- Researchers in the social, biological, physical and engineering sciences, as well as fields such as water management, water law, and economics are invited to apply.
Funded projects will commence by January 2027, contingent on federal budget approval.
Equipment Grants
KWI has awarded funds to faculty to advance water-related research, teaching, or engagement. Successful departments/colleges or units provided a minimum 25% match on top of the requested funds.
On the search for water research equipment? While this RFP is closed, we welcome your input and questions. Get in touch with us!
Student Support
The Kansas Water Institute is dedicated to supporting the work of our next generation of water scientists. If you are an undergraduate or graduate student interested in pursuing this field of study, and you have questions about your path forward, get in touch with us!
Water Fellows Program
For more information, please contact KWI.
The KWI Undergraduate Research Fellows Program is a two-semester program that supports K-State Students who are conducting a water-related research project with a K-State faculty member during Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.
The KWI Water Fellows Program is designed to students with their undergraduate research experiences. Participating students qualify for a $1,000 per semester Duane and Terry Townley Family Scholarship. The application portal for 2026-27 will open in April 2026. Please check back for more details.
The K-State Kansas Water Institute (KWI) Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (KWI Water Fellows Program) is a two-semester program that supports K-State students who are conducting a water-related research project with a K-State faculty member during Fall 2026 and Spring 2027.
The KWI Water Fellows Program is designed to support students who are early on in their undergraduate research experiences. Participating students qualify for a $1,000 per semester scholarship (Duane and Terry Townley Family Scholarship). Applications for the KWI Water Fellows Program will be accepted in Spring 2025.
ELIGIBILITY
- A minimum 2.5 GPA from K-State
- Must have a current water-related research project with a K-State faculty
- Junior or Senior with an expected graduation date of Spring 2027 or later
- No citizenship requirement – International students are welcome to apply
Note: Students who receive a research stipend from a laboratory or group or those who will receive scholarship support during Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 may be ineligible for the additional $1,000 of scholarship money offered by the KWI Water Fellows Program. Students are encouraged to verify the conditions of their employment and/or financial aid when applying for this program.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Maintain full-time student status (enrolled in 12 credit hours minimum) during Fall 2026 and Spring 2027. KWI Water Fellows will conduct their proposed research projects with faculty mentors during these semesters.
Participate in one undergraduate research fellow engagement activity each semester. These engagement experiences are hosted by KWI and offer opportunities to network with other students and faculty, expand research skills, explore internship and other professional development opportunities, and develop communication portfolios around your research.
Present your research to the scientific community
Students can choose from the following:
1) Present your research at an approved KWI event or at the Governor’s Conference on the Future of Water in Kansas (November 2026).
2) Submit a comprehensive research paper at the end of Spring 2027.
Additional requirements
Submit a thank you letter to the donor(s) who supported your scholarship.
Complete the KWI Water Fellows program exit survey in Spring 2027.
SCHOLARSHIP/FUNDING
All students qualify for academic scholarships up to $1,000 per semester (Duane and Terry Townley Family Scholarship). Scholarships are disbursed through K-State Student Financial Services, once at the beginning of each semester.
*Important Financial Aid Implications: If you are receiving financial aid, your package may be adjusted so you do not exceed your financial need or cost of attendance. It is the student’s responsibility to verify with K-State Financial Student Services to ensure you can accept this scholarship. Applicants do not need to qualify for or be receiving financial aid to be eligible for the K-State KWI scholarship.
THE APPLICATION PORTAL FOR 2026-2027 IS NOT YET OPEN.
CONTACT
Susan Metzger
Director, Kansas Water Institute
smetzger@ksu.edu