Marion SWCD Conservation Assistance Grants (CAG)

How it works

Marion SWCD says the Conservation Assistance Grants (CAG) support projects that include conservation practices or best management practices (BMPs) that solve a specific natural resource issue such as erosion, weed control, or overgrazing. The district reimburses applicants for actual costs after the project is completed to the appropriate specifications.

What the money covers

The page frames CAG as funding for conservation project implementation rather than consumer home-hardening. It may support the kinds of on-the-ground practices that address natural resource concerns, but the page does not list residential retrofit measures.

Amounts and matching

The district says it will pay up to 50% of the project cost, with a maximum award of $10,000. There is also a $30,000 maximum payout per entity in any five consecutive fiscal-year period. Landowners must provide at least 50% of the project funds, and that share can come from labor costs, materials, cash, or financial assistance from other sources.

How to apply

Applications are submitted through the district’s online grant portal. The page says a letter of intent must be submitted three weeks before the application due date in order to be eligible to apply.

Timing and deadlines

For the 2026-2027 cycle, the page lists application due dates of 2026-07-30 and 2027-01-28, with board meeting/award dates of 2026-10-07 and 2027-04-07. The application period itself is not stated in a single range, but the due-date schedule is provided on the page.

Additional notes

All CAG funds may be considered income, and the applicant will receive a 1099 tax form. Funded projects may be used as demonstration projects for other landowners, including tours, presentations, and articles for outreach purposes. Preference is given to applications that meet district focus and priorities.