2026 Community Conservation and Education Grant

2026 Community Conservation & Education Grant

Jackson Soil & Water Conservation District
Grant Information

The Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District (JSWCD) 2026 Community Conservation & Education (CCE) Grant provides up to $10,000 for conservation education projects and conservation projects with significant educational outcomes.

The grant supports organizations working in Jackson County, Oregon, and encourages collaboration on projects that benefit local natural resources and provide educational opportunities for the community.

Grant Overview
- Applications Open: October 19, 2026
- Application Deadline: November 20, 2026, by 5:00 PM
- Funding Maximum: Up to $10,000
- Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, Tribes, and government entities. Projects must be located in and benefit Jackson County, Oregon. Applicants cannot have an active CCE grant with JSWCD.
- Project Completion: Within two years of the award. Extensions of up to one additional year may be granted with prior JSWCD approval.
- Matching Funds: No match is required.
Project Eligibility

Eligible projects must meet both of the following requirements:
- Support JSWCD's Natural Resource Priorities: Projects must benefit one or more of the following areas in Jackson County: soil health, water conservation, water quality, ecosystem function, forest health, or riparian health.
- Include a Strong Educational Component: Projects must provide meaningful education or outreach opportunities. Education may focus on the project itself, its environmental benefits, or JSWCD's natural resource priorities.
Prepare Your Application

Before starting the online application, we encourage you to review the application questions and prepare your project information and budget.

The following resources are available to help you get started:

1. Application Preparation Guide

Download the Application Preparation Guide

This guide includes the information and questions you'll encounter in the online application, including applicant details, project descriptions, educational and environmental benefits, timeline, and evaluation. Use it to draft your responses before completing the online form.

2. Grant Budget Template and Guidelines

Download the CCE Grant Budget Template

All applicants must complete the budget template to outline anticipated project expenses and the amount of grant funding requested. The completed Excel (.xlsx) file must be uploaded with the online application.

Budget Guidelines

Applicants must use the JSWCD CCE Grant Budget Template and provide a brief budget narrative explaining the proposed expenses.
- Project Costs: Use realistic estimates or quotes for materials, services, and other project expenses.
- Labor Rates: Staff costs should reflect current pay rates, including taxes and benefits. Contractor costs should be based on quotes or bids.
- Travel Costs: Use current State of Oregon per diem and mileage rates. View Oregon travel reimbursement guidelines (pages 12–13).
- Contingency: A contingency amount may be included for anticipated unforeseen project expenses, as appropriate.
- Ineligible Costs: JSWCD does not reimburse administrative time spent on grant paperwork or indirect costs.
The completed budget must be uploaded in Excel (.xlsx) format as part of the online application.

3. Submit Your Application Online

Once your project information and budget are ready, complete and submit the application using the online form below.

The Jotform application allows you to save your progress and return to edit your responses before final submission.

Important: The preparation guide is provided for planning purposes only. All applications must be submitted through the online form by November 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

Grant Review and Selection

Review Process: Applications will be reviewed and scored by a committee of JSWCD staff and board members.

Selection Criteria: Applications will be evaluated based on:
1. The strength and completeness of responses to the application questions.
2. The project's potential to contribute to natural resource conservation and education in Jackson County.
3. Preference for new applicants over recent CCE grant recipients.
Award Notification: Applicants will be notified of their status by Friday, December 18, 2026.

Grant Agreement: Successful applicants will enter into a grant agreement effective January 2027. Expenses incurred before the grant agreement is finalized are not eligible for reimbursement.

Grant Conditions
- Reimbursement: CCE grants reimburse eligible project expenses. One or two incremental reimbursement payments may be arranged in advance with the designated JSWCD representative.
- Final Report: Grantees must submit a final report describing project outcomes, including educational and ecological benefits. Photo documentation is required, and JSWCD must be permitted to share these images publicly.
- Public Recognition: Grantees must acknowledge JSWCD's financial support in appropriate communications, such as social media posts, newsletters, or other outreach materials.
Ready to Apply?

Review the grant requirements, download the preparation materials above, and complete the application form below when you are ready.

Applications must be submitted by November 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

Support and Guidance

Kelli Klein, JSWCD Outreach & Engagement Specialist, is available to answer questions about the grant and application process. She can be contacted at kelli.klein@jswcd.org.

Applicant Information
Organization Name
Organization Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code
Organization Type
Applicant/Project Manager Name

First NameLast Name
Applicant/Project Manager Job Title
Applicant/Project Manager Email
example@example.com
Applicant/Project Manager Phone Number
Please enter a valid phone number.Format: (000) 000-0000.
Is the person listed above as the applicant authorized to sign a grant agreement contract for your organization?
Authorized Representative Name

First NameLast Name
Authorized Representative Job Title
Authorized Representative Email
example@example.com

Project Application
Project Name
1. Project description and need: Please provide an overview of your proposed project, how the grant funds will be used, and why there is a need for this project in Jackson County.

0/250
2. Environmental benefits: Describe how this project will benefit one or more of JSWCD's natural resource priorities in Jackson County: soil health, water conservation, water quality, ecosystem function, forest health, and/or riparian health.

0/250
3. Educational benefits: Describe the educational outcomes of your project. This may include outreach to increase awareness of the project, and its benefits in the community.

0/250
4. Engagement: Describe how you will engage people in this project. Include who will participate or be involved in planning, education, or implementation activities, and estimate the number of participants if applicable.

0/250
5. Public Reach: How will your project provide benefits or opportunities to a range of people or groups in the community? If your project serves a specific school, neighborhood, or community, how will you make sure it is accessible and beneficial to the people it’s intended to reach?

0/250
6. Timeline: Provide a timeline for your project. Please note that the project must be completed within two years of receiving the award to qualify for full funding reimbursement.

0/250
7. Maintenance: Describe how efforts from this project or program will be sustained in the long term.

0/250
8. Evaluation: How will you measure the success of this project?

0/250
9. Partnership: Describe the involvement and contributions of partners (if any) helping to make this project successful.

0/250
Additional Supporting Documents - Optional

If you would like to include any additional uploads, please do so here. (Examples: site plans, letters of support, etc.)
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Budget
Total request from JSWCD Community Conservation and Education Grant fund
Maximum $10,000
Use the 2026-27 CCE Grant Budget Template to complete your grant budget. Submit the budget in .xlxs or .pdf format. Please ensure the file name of the uploaded file includes the project name.
Budget Upload - use template linked in "Application Tips and Resources"

Upload your project budget in .xlsx (Excel) or .pdf format using the Community Conservation and Education budget template.
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Budget Narrative: Please provide a succinct explanation for the items in your budget. If not clear from information provided elsewhere in the application, please explain why a given item is included in your budget and/or the reason for the quantity needed.

0/250

Agreements and Signature
Purpose of the Grant and Use of Funds

The grant funds awarded through this application must be used solely for the purpose outlined in the proposed project description. Any deviations from the approved project scope or intended use of the funds must receive prior written approval from Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District. Under no circumstances may the funds be used for personal expenses, administrative overhead, or any other purpose unrelated to the project.

Compliance with Applicable Laws

The grantee agrees to comply with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations that may apply to the project. This includes, but is not limited to, laws concerning environmental protection, safety, and ethical practices in education or conservation projects adn obtaning any necessary permits or approvals. Non-compliance may result in termination of the grant agreement.

Acknowledgment and Acceptance of Grant Terms

By signing below, I certify that the information provided in this application is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I have read, understood, and agree to comply with the agreements outlined above and in the Grant Information section of the application.
Name

First NameLast Name
Date

MonthDayYear
2 digit month, 2 digit day, 4 digit yearDate
Signature
Should be Empty:

2026 Community Conservation & Education Grant

Applicant Information

Project Application

Budget

Agreements and Signature

Purpose of the Grant and Use of Funds

Compliance with Applicable Laws

Acknowledgment and Acceptance of Grant Terms