Partners for Conservation - Illinois Soil and Water Conservation District Grants

Partners for Conservation - Illinois Soil and Water Conservation District Grants (FY26)
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (the “Department” or “IDOA”) is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity (“NOFO”) to provide grants to cover ordinary and contingent administrative expenses under the Soil and Water Conservation Districts program per the Soil and Water Conservation Districts Act (70 ILCS 405) and Partners for Planning and Conservation 30 ILCS 105/6z-32) Sec. 6z-32.
The Partners for Conservation Program is a long-term, state-supported initiative to protect natural resources and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities in Illinois. Several state agencies share responsibility for administering the Partners for Conservation Fund. The Illinois Department of Agriculture oversees the program's agriculture-related components. Under the Illinois Department of Agriculture, the program implements strategies for maintaining the viability of Illinois' soil and water resources. Soil and Water Conservation Districts assist landowners in natural resource management by providing technical assistance in such areas as soil conservation, water quality protection, wetlands management, flood control, soil erosion control at urban construction sites, stream bank stabilization, recycling, soil interpretation, land use and site suitability, and conservation education.
Local County Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Illinois that provide natural resource management technical assistance to landowners in such areas as soil conservation, water quality protection, wetlands management, flood control, soil erosion, stream bank stabilization, recycling, soil interpretation, land use and site suitability, and conservation education are eligible to apply.
Awards will be made to applicants meeting all eligibility criteria. District funding will be awarded on a competitive basis and determined on base operations support and technical training level of District staff according to completion of planner level certification and technical supplemental support. Funding is also established to cover the cost of health insurance. Awards will range from $39,000 to $500,000. The Illinois Department of Agriculture anticipates distributing this amount across 98 awards.