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 for Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The Partners for Conservation Program is a long-term initiative to protect natural resources and enhance outdoor recreational opportunities in Illinois. The program implements strategies for maintaining the viability of Illinois' soil and water resources. The grants will be used to foster sustainable agriculture practices, control soil erosion, sedimentation, and nutrient loss from farmland, and establish and protect ecosystems. • The total amount of funding expected to be awarded is $4,500,000. • Awards will range from $39,000 to $500,000. • The Department expects to make 98 awards through this Notice of Funding Opportunity. • Eligible applicants include county governments and others. • Grantees must complete pre-award requirements, including authentication, grantee registration, grantee pre-qualification, fiscal and administrative risk assessment, and programmatic risk assessment. • Grantees are required to submit periodic financial and performance reports.