From the State Water Resources Control Board:
The Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience drinking water program, known as SAFER, was created to ensure Californians who lack safe and affordable drinking water receive it as quickly as possible.
The SAFER drinking water program is rolling out a new Outreach and Engagement Strategy intended to increase early community engagement; keep local drinking water projects on track; identify potential risks, issues, or delays; build local capacity and create a path towards equitable and resilient water governance.
We are partnering with local experts to make this happen. The strategy involves three types of outreach and engagement partners:
- Funding Partners: Enter into a funding agreement with the State Water Board and fund Community Partners for outreach and engagement activities
- Community Partners: Implement outreach and engagement, community education, and community capacity building activities
- Technical Assistance Providers: Provide administrative, technical, operational, legal, managerial, and/or community engagement support to failing water systems
Read the overview on our website to learn more about the SAFER Outreach and Engagement Strategy and the partnership roles.
3 ways to get involved:
- Apply to be a Funding Partner
Solicitation for Funding Partner statements of qualifications will be accepted from March 1- April 15, 2022. To apply, review guidelines and instructions outlined in Appendix C of the Fund Expenditure Policy here. In the statement of qualifications, select “Community Engagement” category and describe experience subcontracting and managing grants. Include “Outreach Funding Partner SOQ” in your application email subject line.
- Apply to be a Technical Assistance Provider
Solicitation for Technical Assistance Provider statements of qualifications will be accepted and selected on an ongoing basis. To apply, review guidelines and instructions outlined in Appendix C of the Fund Expenditure Policy here.
- Please share with your networks!
Help share these opportunities with organizations and groups who may be interested in partnering to advance safe and affordable drinking water for all.
For more information
If you would like an extension on your Funding Partner application, or have any other questions, please contact us at SAFER@waterboards.ca.gov or call 916-445-5615.
