Partners for Conservation - Illinois Soil and Water Conservation District Grants (FY26)

The Illinois Department of Agriculture is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity to provide grants to cover ordinary and contingent administrative expenses under the Soil and Water Conservation Districts program. The Partners for Conservation Program is a long-term, state-supported initiative to protect natural resources and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities in Illinois. Eligible applicants are local County Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Illinois that provide natural resource management technical assistance to landowners. The grant will support various activities, including soil conservation, water quality protection, wetlands management, flood control, and conservation education. • The grant program is utilizing state funds appropriated by Public Act 104-0003, Section 140. • Awards will range from $39,000 to $500,000. • The Illinois Department of Agriculture anticipates distributing $4,500,000 across 98 awards. • The grant agreement will be developed after the application period is closed, and the Department will conduct a review of eligible applications. • Grantees will be required to submit quarterly financial and performance reports, and a final closeout report within 60 calendar days following the end of the period of performance.