Grants & Funding

Conservation Assistance Grants (CAG)

Projects should include conservation practices or best management practices (BMPs) that solve a specific natural resource issue (such as erosion, weed control, overgrazing, etc.).

• Marion SWCD will pay up to 50% of the project cost, to a maximum of $7,500. Marion SWCD reimburses applicants for actual costs once the project is completed to the appropriate specifications. In addition, there is a $22,500 maximum payout per entity in any five consecutive fiscal year period. All CAG funds may be considered income and the applicant will receive a 1099 tax form.
• Landowners are required to provide a minimum of 50% of the project funds, which can be provided as labor costs, materials, cash, or financial assistance from other sources.
• Preference will be given to applications that meet district focus and priorities. For more information contact a district technician.
• Funded projects may serve as demonstration projects for other landowners. Some project sites are used for tours showcasing conservation practices, featured in presentations and articles for outreach purposes.

Partner Grants

Marion SWCD is embarking on a 3-year pilot program to offer grant funding to eligible partner entities to achieve our Mission to “protect, conserve, and improve the quality of soil and water in Marion County through planning, technical assistance and education.”  The funds will benefit the residents of Marion SWCD, and will address conservation education, outreach, technical assistance, project implementation, and capacity support within our district. 

Partner Grant Applications will be accepted through our Online Grant Portal between December 18, 2023 and February 15, 2024. For more information regarding the Partner Grants including project types and eligibility view the Partner Grant Guidebook (note that this Guidebook is a Draft version and will be updated).  Check back regularly for updates.

Conservation Learning Education and Resource (C.L.E.A.R.) Grant Program

The project or event must advance the mission of the Marion SWCD “to protect, conserve and improve the quality of soil, air and water in Marion County” and must address one or more of the following: Water Quality & Conservation, Soil Quality & Conservation, and/or Sustainable Land Use.

• Project must be located within the Marion SWCD District boundary and directly benefit residents of the District.
• Project/event/educational work should address one or more of these topics: Water Quality & Conservation, Soil Quality (Health) & Conservation, &/or Sustainable Land Use.
• The maximum dollar limit for requests is $2,000 per application.
• A maximum of one grant will be awarded per applicant per month. Applicants are welcome to submit applications for more than one project or event per fiscal year. Fiscal Year is July 1 – June 30.
• There is a maximum of $7,500 per applicant per fiscal year and a maximum of $22,500 per entity per every 5 consecutive rolling fiscal years.
• Applications are to be received on or before the first to be considered that month.
• Applicants will be notified within 60 days of submitting their requests.

Salmon Watch Funding for Subs and Buses

Each fall, Marion SWCD coordinates Salmon Watch field trips for schools in Marion County. We want to help your school attend this hands-on educational experience!

Teachers who have signed up for a Salmon Watch field trip with Marion Soil and Water Conservation District may apply for funding to cover the cost of substitute teachers and transportation needed to attend the trip. Contact Heath to schedule a Salmon Watch field trip for your class and to learn more about the streamlined Salmon Watch funding process.

Cover Crop Assistance (CCA) Grant

The application period for 2023 is August 1-October 31.

Special Project Grants (SPG)

The Special Projects Grant (SPG) supports projects that provide examples of practices that, if widely adopted, could solve a local area resource concern through either new and innovative technologies or proven but under-represented technologies.

• Projects should include conservation practices or best management practices (BMPs) that solve a specific natural resource issue (such as erosion, weed control, overgrazing, etc.).
• Marion SWCD will pay up to 50% of the project cost, to a maximum of $7,500. Marion SWCD reimburses applicants for actual costs once the project is completed to the appropriate specifications. In addition, there is a $22,500 maximum payout per entity in any five consecutive fiscal year period. All SPG funds may be considered income and that the applicant will receive a 1099 tax form.
• Landowners are required to provide a minimum of 50% of the project funds, which can be provided as labor costs, materials, cash, or financial assistance from other sources. This can be provided as labor costs, materials, cash, or financial assistance from other sources.
• Preference will be given to applications that meet district focus and priorities. For more information contact a district technician.
• Funded projects may serve as demonstration projects for other landowners. Some project sites are used for tours showcasing conservation practices, featured in presentations by SWCD staff, and featured in articles in the quarterly newsletter.
• Applicant must be the landowner or land operator of the property in which the project is to be constructed. Or, Contractors or businesses with valid Oregon Licenses may partner with the landowner or land operator of the property in which the project is to be constructed providing the landowner or operator is the primary applicant.

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)

The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) aims to improve the health of streamside areas adjacent to agricultural lands, benefiting fish, wildlife, and water quality. Through this program, participants receive a 75% cost share, along with an annual rental payment for establishing and maintaining a forested riparian buffer zone spanning 35 to 180 feet along the streambank. Additionally, participants commit to preserving this buffer zone through a 10 to 15-year contract.

CREP covers various activities essential for the enhancement of riparian zones, including planting native vegetation, removing invasive species, applying mulch, installing livestock exclusion fencing, and implementing off-stream watering facilities.

Eligible property includes:

• Land along a perennial/seasonal river or stream, a pond/lake that is connected to a stream system, and/or a wetland without an adequate riparian buffer.
• Has been cropped or is marginal pasture (grazed at some point in history).
• Forested properties are not eligible.

If you are interested in learning more about the program, contact our Riparian Conservationist, Rachel Kato and rachel@yamhillswcd.org. 

Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB) Program Details

The OWEB Small Grant Program is a competitive grant program that awards funds of up to $15,000 for on-the-ground restoration projects.

• A Small Grant applicant must be a tribe, watershed council, or soil and water conservation district.
• These entities act on behalf of private landowners, not-for-profit institutions, schools, community colleges, state institutions of higher education, independent not-for-profit institutions of higher education, and local, state, or federal agencies.
• The project must be an on-the-ground restoration project in Oregon. Monitoring, education, and outreach projects are not eligible. The project must demonstrate benefits to aquatic species, wildlife, or watershed health.
• Evidence of at least 25 percent secured match funding, based on the total OWEB award, must be shown prior to disbursement of grant funds.