Conservation Assistance Grant
Conservation Assistance Grant
Marion SWCD’s Conservation Assistance Grant (CAG) is intended to assist landowners/operators with the costs of installing conservation practices on their land.
NOTICE: The Marion SWCD Board of Directors is currently reviewing the District's Grant Limitation Policy, any changes to the policy may affect Applicant eligibility; submission of an LOI and Application are not guarantees of eligibility for funding or of an award of funding.
Applicants are encouraged to submit a Letters of Inquiry (LOI) for a Conservation Assistance Grant and work with the Marion SWCD Natural Resources Staff to develop your conservation project.
To be eligible for Conservation Assistance Grant funding, the applicant entity must be one of the following:
- Individual Landowner or Land Manager
- Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or Partnership
- Farm Corporations
- Horticultural Nurseries
- Other Corporate or LLC organizations
- Nonprofit organization or group
- Educational Institution
- Government Agency
- Community Organization
- Neighborhood Association
- Native American Tribe
Any entity who is a corporation, partnership, LLC or who has an assumed business name is checked to ensure that they are registered with the Secretary of State Office in accordance with ORS Chapters 58, 60, 62, 63, 65, 67, 70, and 648.
To be eligible for Conservation Assistance Grant funding, the project must meet these criteria:
- Advance the mission of the Marion SWCD "to support thriving lands, clean water, and healthy habitats."
- Must demonstrate a Natural Resource Concern in one or more the following resource areas:
- Soil
- Water (including Water Quality / Water Quantity)
- Animals
- Plants (including Native and/or Invasive Plant Species Management)
- Air
- Energy
- Be located within the Marion SWCD
- The Marion SWCD covers all of Marion County, Oregon, except an area between Woodburn and Aurora
Completion of the Conservation Assistance Grant application indicates the cooperator is agreeable to receiving technical assistance on the proposed project and will follow specifications set forth by the Marion SWCD. The cooperator is responsible to manage the project and will secure all necessary labor, supplies, and equipment to complete the project as proposed. The applicant also agrees to maintain the practice for its service life and participates in annual audits for several years after project is completed.
- The maximum payment awarded to a successful grant application is $10,000. Marion SWCD will reimburse 50% of the project cost, up to $10,000. Project costs in excess of an approved award are the responsibility of the cooperator.
- Cooperator is required to provide a minimum of 50% of the project funds, which can be provided as labor, supplies and materials, equipment, and production costs. Financial assistance con-currently attained from other sources can be used towards the 50% match.
- CAG funds may be considered income and awardees will receive a Form 1099 tax form.
- There is a $10,000 maximum award amount per entity per fiscal year.
- There is a $30,000 maximum payout amount per entity over any five consecutive fiscal years.
- Only equipment that is needed for the installation and life of the conservation practice may be included in the project budget and only at the rental cost for the period of use (please contact the SWCD for verification of needed equipment).
- Consultation fees and overhead costs will not be reimbursed by grant funding.
- It is recommended to get three quotes for contracted services before selecting a contractor.
- If permits are required for the project, the cooperator is responsible for obtaining and/or purchasing them and ensuring compliance with all requirements of the permit.
- A maximum of $10,000 in CAG grant funds may be awarded per cooperator per year*.
Applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry "LOI" and will be assigned a Marion SWCD Technical staff to assist with guiding them through the conservation planning process.
If the proposed project meets the requirements of the program, the Applicant will be informed and invited to submit a full application.
2025-2026 Calendar
Cycle 1: LOI's due July 10, 2025; Applications due July 31, 2025; Anticipated Award October 1, 2025
Cycle 2: LOI's due January 8, 2026; Applications due January 29, 2026; Anticipated Award April 1, 2026
The mission of the Marion SWCD is "To partner with people in support of thriving lands, clean water, and healthy habitats, through planning, technical assistance and education."
The Marion SWCD is an equal opportunity employer, providing services to the public without regard to race, religion, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, mental or physical disability, marital status, age or other protected status or activity in accordance with applicable law.
Conservation Learning and Education Resources (CLEAR) Grant
Conservation Learning and Education Resources (CLEAR) Grant
The Marion SWCD Conservation Learning Education and Resources (CLEAR) Grant advances the mission of the District by providing funding to support conservation education and community events that promote natural resource conservation.
The mission of the Marion SWCD is "To partner with people in support of thriving lands, clean water, and healthy habitats through planning, technical assistance and education."
To be eligible for CLEAR Program funding, the applicant entity must be one of the following:
- Nonprofit organization or group
- Educational Institution
- Government Agency
- Community Organization - conditional
- Neighborhood Association - conditional
- Native American Tribe
To be eligible for CLEAR Program funding, the project or event must meet these criteria:
- Advance the mission of the Marion SWCD "to protect, conserve and improve the quality of soil and water in Marion County."
- Address one or more the following resource areas:
- Water Quality and Conservation
- Soil Quality and Conservation
- Sustainable Land Use
- Natural Resource Education
- Habitat Establishment or Improvement
- Be for the benefit of residents of Marion SWCD, and be located within the Marion SWCD
- The Marion SWCD covers all of Marion County, Oregon, except an area between Woodburn and Aurora
Application Deadlines for 2025-2026 Fiscal Year
September 2, 2025
November 4, 2025
February 3, 2026
April 7, 2026
Applications received are reviewed by the District's Education and Outreach Committee, then forwarded to the Board of Directors for final approval; allow up to 8 weeks from the deadline date to decision.
The following are possible examples of projects / events that could be eligible for CLEAR funding:
- Education of youth and/or adults on conservation issues.
- Demonstration projects and tours/signage
- Soil / Water conservation & pollution prevention education.
- Community events focuses on improving the public's understanding of natural resource conservation.
CLEAR Program funding schedule and limits:
- The maximum dollar limit for requests is $5,000 per application. If funded, the amount awarded for a particular project or event will be determined by the District. Administrative costs are not eligible, but may be included as "in-kind" services.
- 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 $10,000 per applicant per fiscal year
- There is a maximum $30,000 per entity per every 5 consecutive rolling fiscal years.
- If the available funds for the CLEAR Program for a given fiscal year are committed before the fiscal year ends, applications will be retained upon request and reviewed at the beginning of the next fiscal year.
- For most awards, payment will be made on approval of application by the District.
- Applicant and project/event eligibility, approval or denial of applications, and dollar amounts awarded will be determined at the discretion of the District.
Instructions for Applicants, Terms of Agreement:
- The application form must be filled out completely. Be specific as to project description and the conservation education component being addressed. An acceptable signature is that of a representative who is authorized to speak for the organization and sign contracts on is behalf.
- It is suggested that applicants contact the grant program administrator to discuss their intended project prior to submitting their application: Contact: Kassi Roosth - Environmental Education Specialist:
Phone: 971-382-2000
Email: kassi.roosth@marionswcd.net - Applications are to be received on or before the application deadlines.
- Applicants will be notified subsequent to the Board decision.
- The applicant must certify on the application that:
- District funds will be used only for the purpose approved by the District and will not be used for lobbying, for attempts to influence voting or legislation, or for litigation of any kind.
- The project / event will comply with the District's non-discrimination policy (at bottom of page).
- The applicant agrees to be responsible for its own actions and for any damage or third party liability arising from the organization's activities related to its agreement with the District. It agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the District and is officers, directors, agents, and employees from any and all losses, claims, damages, and expenses resulting from, or arising out of, the acts or omissions of the applicant and its officers, directors, agents, and employees under the agreement.
- The applicant agrees that obtaining any necessary permits for the project/event is not the responsibility of the District.
- The District will not be held responsible for the safety of organizers or participants in the project/event, or for providing insurance coverage. (The applicant is advised to check to be sure adequate insurance coverage is obtained for the project/event.)
- The grantee is responsible for any tax liability associated with the acceptance of grant funds.
- Applicants are required to submit a budget sheet for the cost of items requested in the grant applications.
- ALL Applicants must submit an IRS Form W-9 and, where applicable, a copy of the most recent 501(c)3 Federal tax exempt notification with their application.
- The District reserves the right to request additional information to clarify the grant application prior to final review of the application.
- The applicant agrees to provide public recognition of the District's participation as a sponsor on brochures, verbal announcement at the event, or in another form.
- The applicant will submit to the District a final report and photos following the project/event describing the project/event, accomplishments, number of participants and how District funds provided support. Please be as clear and concise as possible in explaining your project. Maps and photographs may be attached to provide clarification to the written description.
- The final report, along with receipts for expenditures, must be submitted within 60 days of project completion. Failure to submit a final report will result in ineligibility for future CLEAR Grant funding.
- The CLEAR Grant Program is authorized under ORS 568.500
The Marion SWCD is an equal opportunity employer, providing services to the public without regard to race, religion, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, mental or physical disability, marital status, age or other protected status or activity in accordance with applicable law.
Cover Crop Assistance Grant (Fall 2025)
Cover Crop Assistance Grant
Marion SWCD’s Cover Crop Assistance Grant is intended to assist landowners/operators with the costs of installing cover crops on their land. Priority will be given to small landowner applicants.
This program provides funding to help offset seed, labor, and equipment costs associated with the planting of cover crops. Funding will be awarded on a per acre basis with a limit of $10,000 per entity, per fiscal year under current district financial policies. A sum of $60,000 has been allocated to this program for the 2025-2026 Fiscal year. The goal of this program is to reduce soil erosion and promote soil health throughout the district.
To be eligible for Cover Crop Assistance Grant funding, the applicant entity must be one of the following:
- Individual Landowner or Land Manager
- Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or Partnership
- Farm Corporations
- Horticultural Nurseries
- Other Corporate or LLC organizations
- Nonprofit organization or group
- Educational Institution
- Government Agency
- Community Organization
- Neighborhood Association
- Native American Tribe
Any entity who is a corporation, partnership, or who has an assumed business name is checked to ensure that they are registered with the Secretary of State Office in accordance with ORS Chapters 58, 60, 62, 63, 65, 67, 70, and 648.
To be eligible for Cover Crop Assistance Grant funding, the project must meet these criteria:
- Advance the mission of the Marion SWCD "to partner with people in support of thriving lands, clean water, and healthy habitats."
- Address one or more the following resource areas:
- Erosion prevention and sediment control
- Reduce contaminant runoff (Excessive nutrients and pesticides)
- Improve soil health and structure
- Provide wildlife food, cover, and/or pollinator habitat
- Be located within the Marion SWCD
- The Marion SWCD covers all of Marion County, Oregon, except an area between Woodburn and Aurora
- Cover Crop planting must be completed by no later than November 30th
- Cover Crop planted prior to approval and award by Marion SWCD is NOT eligible for grant funding
Completion of the Cover Crop Assistance Grant application indicates the cooperator is agreeable to receiving technical assistance on the proposed project and will follow specifications set forth by the Marion SWCD. The cooperator is responsible to manage the project and will secure all necessary labor, supplies, and equipment to complete the project as proposed. The applicant also agrees to maintain the practice for its service life and participates in annual audits for several years after project is completed.
- The maximum payment awarded to a successful grant application is $10,000. Project costs in excess of an approved award are the responsibility of the cooperator.
- If awarded the awardee will be provided with 50% of the total award up front after verification of planting, seed tags, and project approval. The remaining 50% will be paid out once termination of the cover crop has been verified. Cover crops in this program are not to be harvested for seed.
- Cover Crop Assistance funds may be considered income and awardees will receive a Form 1099 tax form.
- There is a $10,000 maximum award amount per entity per fiscal year., under all Marion SWCD grant programs.
- There is a $30,000 maximum payout amount per entity over any five consecutive fiscal years, under all Marion SWCD grant programs.
- It is recommended to get three quotes for contracted services before selecting a contractor.
- If permits are required for the project, the cooperator is responsible for obtaining and/or purchasing them and ensuring compliance with all requirements of the permit.
- A maximum of $10,000 in grant funds may be awarded per cooperator per year under all Marion SWCD grant programs.
Applicants will be assigned a Marion SWCD Technical staff to assist with guiding them through the conservation planning process.
2025-2026 Cover Crop Program Rates
Base Payment Rate:
- No-till = $55/acre
- Conventional Tillage (drilled) = $45/acre
- Broadcast with light or minimum tillage = $33/acre
- Early Planting = $10/acre
- Multi-species planting = $10/acre
- Forage = $10/acre
Awarded applications are paid 50% after planting, and 50% after termination.
The mission of the Marion SWCD is "To partner with people in support of thriving lands, clean water, and healthy habitats."
The Marion SWCD is an equal opportunity employer, providing services to the public without regard to race, religion, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, mental or physical disability, marital status, age or other protected status or activity in accordance with applicable law.
Special Projects Grant
Special Projects Grant
Marion SWCD’s Special Projects Grant Program (SPG) was established to 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. The intended audience is the people who live, work, farm, or recreate within the Marion SWCD District whose activities in some way contribute to nonpoint source water pollution in the basin, soil loss, or the overuse of limited water resources. By finding innovative and practical ways to mitigate or reduce impacts of sediment or pollutants that enter our waterways, we support projects that improve local conditions and maintain or improve wildlife habitat without impeding productive agricultural or forestry activities.
- A significant outreach component can be expected for funded projects; this may consist of such items as openly shared plans or reports, tours, signs, or other marketing ideas that might encourage others to adopt the technology.
- Annual performance audits may occur within the first 3 years of implementation.
- This grant is annually funded and intended to help individuals who may otherwise not have the financial means to install innovative conservation projects on their land.
- Completion of the LOI and application indicates that the applicant is agreeable to receiving technical assistance on the proposed project and will follow specifications set forth by the Marion SWCD.
- Be located within the Marion SWCD
- The Marion SWCD covers all of Marion County, Oregon, except an area between Woodburn and Aurora
Completion of the Special Projects Grant LOI and/or Application indicates the applicant is agrees to:
- Receiving technical assistance on the proposed project and, if applicable, will follow specifications set forth by the Marion SWCD.
- The applicant is responsible to manage the project and will secure all necessary labor, supplies, and equipment to complete the project as proposed.
- The applicant agrees to maintain the project for its service life and participates in annual audits for up to three years after project is completed.
- The maximum payment awarded to a successful grant application is $10,000. Marion SWCD will reimburse 50% of the project cost, up to $10,000. Project costs in excess of an approved award are the responsibility of the applicant.
- Applicant is required to provide a minimum of 50% of the project funds, which can be provided as labor, supplies and materials, equipment, and production costs. Financial assistance con-currently attained from other sources can be used towards the 50% match.
- Justifiable consultation fees, overhead costs, and dedicated equipment may be reimbursed by grant funding. However, some of these costs may be used as in-kind contribution to the project and will be determined upon the individual situation.
- It is recommended to get three quotes for contracted services before selecting a contractor.
- If permits are required for the project, the applicant is responsible for obtaining and/or purchasing them and ensuring compliance with all requirements of the permit.
- Projects must be completed between July 1st and June 1st of the Marion SWCD's current fiscal year, and all receipts and reporting be submitted by June 1st.
- SPG funds may be considered income and awardees will receive a Form 1099 tax form.
- There is a $10,000 maximum award amount per entity per fiscal year.
- The SPG program may fund more than the $10,000 limit by a special board decision if it were thought to be an extremely promising technology or demonstrative educational opportunity.
- A maximum of $10,000 in Marion SWCD grant funds may be awarded per applicant per year.
A maximum of $30,000 in Marion SWCD grant funds may be awarded / paid out maximum payout per entity over any five consecutive fiscal years.
Applicants must submit a Letter of Inquiry "LOI" which will be reviewed by Marion SWCD Natural Resources staff to determine if the project meets the minimum requirements for the Special Projects Grant.
If the proposed project meets the requirements of the program, the Applicant will be informed and invited to submit a full application. Applications are reviewed by the Marion SWCD's Natural Resources Committee at their next regularly scheduled meeting (generally meet every other month); applications recommended for funding will be approved or denied by the Marion SWCD Board at their next regularly scheduled meeting.
To be eligible for Special Projects Grant funding, the applicant entity must be one of the following:
- Individual Landowner or Land Manager
- Corporation, Limited Liability Company (LLC), or Partnership
- Farm Corporations
- Horticultural Nurseries
- Other Corporate or LLC organizations
- Nonprofit organization or group
- Educational Institution
- Government Agency
- Community Organization
- Neighborhood Association
- Native American Tribe