NIDIS Coping with Drought Research Competition
What Is the Coping with Drought Research Competition?
Since 2007, the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) has funded more than 60 innovative drought research projects through the Coping with Drought research competition. Research through the Coping with Drought competition assesses impacts of drought on agriculture, ecosystems, and water resources and develops decision support tools for regional, state, and local use. This research contributes to the understanding of how communities become aware of drought threats and how they can improve preparation and planning. The projects incorporate consultation with stakeholders, and focus on information that is most useful for decision-making to reduce vulnerability; models and tools that bring this information to decision makers; and strategies for improving NIDIS’ engagement with communities in preparedness.
This competition will focus on research to improve our understanding, early warning, and management of drought risk in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems to inform more deliberate and expanded decision-making that supports sustainable, healthy, and resilient ecosystems.
- Pending the availability of funds in FY 2022, NIDIS anticipates a funding allocation of up to $2.0 million.
- Proposals may request funding of up to $600,000 to be expended over two years in the form of Cooperative Agreements. A total of 6–7 projects may be funded.
- Letters of Intent should be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on August 9, 2021.
- Full applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 18, 2021.
View frequently asked questions about this competition.
This competition will focus on the implementation of actions—together with research on those actions—to build tribal drought resilience contained in existing plans and strategies. Plans may include, but are not limited to, drought contingency plans; drought, water, or natural resource plans; agricultural resource management plans; or climate adaptation plans.
- Pending the availability of funds in FY 2022, NIDIS anticipates a funding allocation of approximately $1.5 million.
- Proposals may request funding of up to $500,000 to be expended over two years in the form of Cooperative Agreements. A total of 6–7 projects may be funded.
- Letters of Intent should be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on August 9, 2021.
- Full applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on October 18, 2021.
View frequently asked questions about this competition.
Previous Coping with Drought Competitions
The Coping with Drought competition is typically offered every one to two years. Themes may differ for each competition and are informed by needs and emerging issues identified by a broad range of stakeholders across the United States. Explore featured NIDIS-supported research from previous Coping with Drought competitions below.
Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 NIDIS Coping with Drought Competition
For the FY 2020 Coping with Drought competition, NIDIS funded five 2-year projects that aim to improve our understanding and use of drought indicators, thresholds and triggers, and drought impact reporting to inform decision-making to prepare for and respond to drought. NIDIS encouraged applicants to focus on industry and economic sectors beyond agriculture (e.g., tourism and recreation, navigation, water utilities, manufacturing, ecosystem services, and public health).
FY 2020 Coping with Drought Projects
Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 NIDIS Coping with Drought Competition
For FY 2019, the Coping with Drought research competition focused on projects within the NIDIS Regional Drought Early Warning Systems (DEWS). Individual topics to be addressed included business and decision calendars, water markets, and drought triggers and indicators.
Featured FY 2019 Coping with Drought Projects
Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 NIDIS Coping with Drought Competition
For FY 2018, the Coping with Drought research competition focused on science communication and understanding behavioral changes due to forecasts, decision calendars, improved and varied communication techniques, and innovative collaborations in water-scarce and water-stressed environments.
Featured FY 2018 Coping with Drought Projects
Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 NIDIS Coping with Drought Competition
In FY 2016, the Coping with Drought research competition focused on advancing specific NIDIS regional Drought Early Warning Systems (DEWS), targeting specific communities and sectors within these areas. The four targeted regions and their associated focus areas include the Missouri River Basin (agricultural and/or water supply focus); Midwest along the Mississippi River (transportation, agricultural, and/or water supply focus); Colorado River Basin (water supply, recreation, tourism, and/or energy focus); and California (water, agricultural, and/or wildfire focus).
Featured FY 2016 Coping with Drought Projects
Fiscal Year (FY) 2007–2015 NIDIS Coping with Drought Competitions
The Coping with Drought research competition began in 2007. Explore featured NIDIS-supported research projects from FY 2007 – FY 2015.