Program Overview
The Cooperative Funding Initiative (CFI) program supports partnerships between the District and local governments or private entities by cooperatively funding eligible projects that support the District’s strategic initiatives. This shared funding approach allows communities and the District to achieve more together than either could accomplish alone.
Beginning in fiscal year 2028, the CFI program will focus on funding projects that benefit first magnitude spring systems in our northern region and prioritized regional large-scale alternative water supply (AWS) projects. Funding for other types of projects will not be available.
Springs Protection Projects
The CFI program provides funding for eligible projects that protect and restore first magnitude springs in the District’s Northern Planning Region. Projects must receive 50 percent funding from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) and address water quality issues in a Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP).
Examples of eligible springs protection projects include:
- Studies and/or Master Plans for septic conversion (do not need to be funded by FDEP)
- Septic-to-sewer conversion projects
- Package plant decommissioning
Alternative Water Supply Projects
The CFI program is funding several large-scale regional alternative water supply (AWS) projects. The program has already funded more than $270 million for these projects and is scheduled to fund another $346 million. This is a record amount of funding by the District to help communities develop water resources other than groundwater to meet the demands of a growing population. Developing AWS is a key component of the District’s Regional Water Supply Plan (RWSP) strategy.
Contact Us to Apply
To begin the process of applying for CFI funding, contact a government affairs regional manager (GARM) in your area. They are available to answer questions and help decide if a project is potentially eligible. Applications will be accepted through Oct. 2, 2026.
Final CFI funding decisions are made by the District’s Governing Board. As representatives of their respective regions, Board members have a deep understanding of the unique resources, priorities and challenges within their areas.
State Funding Opportunities
The District encourages its partners to review other state funding opportunities for water management project funding. More information on programs is provided below.
FDEM Watershed Planning Grant Program
Water Resource Funding in Florida
FDEP Protecting Florida Together Grants