Stewardship Assistance Program (SAP)
Funding Amount
Up to $15,000 (Track 1); Up to $50,000 (Track 2)
Deadline
Rolling / Open
Grant Type
foundation
Overview
Stewardship Assistance Program (SAP)
Overview: MALT's Stewardship Assistance Program is a grant-making initiative that provides farmers and ranchers on MALT-protected easement land with technical guidance, knowledge, and funding to plan and implement sustainable management and conservation practices.
Background: Developed in 2002, SAP began as an effort to improve water quality in the region. Since its start, SAP has contributed more than $1.39 million toward 138 different projects on 56 ranches across Marin.
Geographic Scope: Marin County, California — specifically on MALT-conserved agricultural land with conservation easements
Eligibility:
Focus Areas & Project Types:
Three Funding Tracks:
- Landowner applies directly to MALT
- Applications scored and ranked based on strategic conservation targets
- Award: Reimbursement grant up to $15,000 with mandatory 15% landowner cost share
Track 1: Direct MALT Application
- For projects with grants from MRCD, NRCS, or CDFA programs
- Applicant can leverage external funding with MALT SAP funds
- Award: Up to $50,000 toward cost-share of remaining landowner contributions
- Landowner must pay at least 15% of remaining cost share
Track 2: Leveraging External Grants
- For MALT board members or interested parties
- Projects administered by Marin Resource Conservation District (MRCD)
- Ensures impartiality and public transparency
Track 3: MRCD Administration
Funding Source: Donor gifts and charitable contributions to MALT
Partners: UC Cooperative Extension, Carbon Cycle Institute, Point Blue Conservation Science (STRAW program), NRCS, Marin Carbon Project, Marin Resource Conservation District
Contact: Scott, Stewardship Program Manager — Sustainable Agriculture
How to Apply
Application Process
1. Identify Project: Develop a conservation project on MALT-protected easement land
2. Choose Funding Track: Determine if applying under Track 1 (direct), Track 2 (leveraging external grants), or Track 3 (MRCD administration)
3. Develop Project Plan: Projects are often identified in:
- Agricultural Management Plan
- Creek Conservation Area Management Plan
- Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan
- Carbon farm plan
4. Submit Application: Contact MALT stewardship staff to submit application
5. Review Process: MALT staff review applications using scoring and ranking criteria based on strategic conservation targets
6. Award Decision: If approved, eligible for reimbursement grant (Track 1) or cost-share assistance (Track 2)
7. Implementation: Work with MALT stewardship staff to ensure SAP projects adhere to conservation practice standards
Required Materials:
No specific application deadline stated — appears to accept applications on rolling basis throughout the year
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
Categories
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