The Water Improvement for the Nation (WIIN) Grant

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Ikaika Alapa’i, M.A.

Deputy Director of Operations, PI

Grant Description

• Reduces lead in drinking water at child care and educational facilities�
• Funds projects that address the causes of elevated lead levels�
• Ensures children have access to safe drinking water�
• Supports remediation to decrease lead hazards�
• Covers replacement of water pipes and fixtures�
• Reimbursable costs may include plumbing, faucets, fountains, filling stations, and lead service lines�
• Applies to devices used for drinking, cooking, and preparing infant formula or food�
• Remediation must be completed by a licensed plumber, except for filter installations

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Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria.

• Operating and has an active child care license at the time of the request.
• Have failed their most recent lead test (lead levels of 15 parts per billion (ppb) or more).

TRI staff will verify a failed lead test(s). All reimbursements in this Grant are strictly for costs incurred directly by the Child Care Provider/Program. Costs incurred by a third party on behalf of the Child Care Provider are not eligible for reimbursement.

Reimbursement for eligible projects completed on or after January 1, 2023, may be available for active programs if they have receipts and meet all eligibility requirements.

Grant Priorities

1. Programs for Young Children: Serving children six and under.
2. Older Facilities: Buildings and homes constructed before 2014, which are more likely to contain lead pipes, fixtures, or solder.
3. Historic Child Care Buildings: Long-standing or historic buildings utilized for child care services.
4. Child Care in Low-Income Communities: Programs located where schools have at least 50% of students who receive free or reduced lunch, Head Start or Early Head Start programs, or those meeting similar criteria.

Funding Amounts

Program Type 

Maximum Funding Amounts

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Examples of what funds can be used for:

1. Remediation Product Installation
2. Parts and labor for:
1. Internal plumbing
2. Faucets
3. Water fountains
4. Water filler stations
5. Lead service lines/connectors
6. Other lead-free apparatuses
3. Point-of-Use (POU) Filter Installation
• Filters must be certified to remove lead under NSF/ANSI Standards 53 and 42
• Installation may be completed without a licensed plumber
4. Bottled Water Payment
• Payment is allowed up to three months.
• Allowable only if no other potable (drinkable) water source is available.

Grant Process:

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Once announced, applications must be submitted through the secure portal or by mail to TRI to be considered for funding.

1. Phase 1: Application. Complete and submit the application to TRI, including a bid for the project. The application period opens tentatively on February 2, 2026. TRI will review applications on a first-come, first-served basis; therefore, applying early is crucial.

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1. Phase 2: Project Approval & Agreement. If your application is approved, TRI will notify you. You must then submit a Grant Agreement and the WOU W9 form.

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1. Phase 3: Active Project. Once approved, you can begin your project. It's essential to save all receipts for qualifying reimbursable expenses. All remediation work, except for filter installations, must be performed by a licensed plumber.

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1. Phase 4: Payment & Reimbursement. Upon project completion, submit the Payment Request Form and copies of all original receipts to TRI. Payment may take up to 30 days to process after receipt of the completed payment request form.TRI will award payment for approved expenses up to the maximum allowed amount.

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How to Apply:

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Once the grant is live, applicants can submit their applications electronically at:

https://wou.edu/tri/financial-supports

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Questions:

TRI WIIN Grant Team

(503) 838-8008

wiin@wou.edu

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