OWEB Small Grants

The Small Grant Program is an easy-to-engage-in, competitive grant program that awards up to $15,000 for on-the-ground restoration projects principally carried out on private lands across Oregon. The program requires 25% landowner match (40% for mud and manure management projects) that can be in the form of cash, in-kind labor/materials, or a combination of both. The Small Grant Program enables landowners across the state to contribute to the Oregon Plan for Salmon and Watersheds and the Oregon Conservation Strategy by committing “small acts of kindness” on their properties for the benefit of water quality, water quantity, and fish and wildlife. From planting native plants along streamsides to reducing sedimentation and erosion from upland farms and ranches, land stewards everywhere can make a difference. See the attached eligible project types form and contact Beth Thiel for further information and to potentially set up a site visit.

OWEB Large Grants
(restoration and Technical Assistance)

OWEB offers a wide variety of grant options, in addition to the Small Grant Program, but these other offerings involve a much more intensive and competitive application and funding process. The two offerings that the district has most commonly utilized in working with landowners are Technical Assistance grants, and Restoration grants. Typically, these two grant offerings are used in conjunction with each other to address larger projects (those with expenditures generally in excess of $50,000) that seek to remediate and remedy an identified priority concern at local, state, and federal levels. An example of the use of both OWEB Restoration and TA funds is highlighted in our Jont Creek Fish Passage Project, a summary of which can be found here. If you believe that you have a project that would be of significant benefit to your watershed, and that would show or contribute to marked improvements in water quality, quantity, or wildlife habitat (threatened or endangered species (Fender's Blue Butterfly,etc.), culturally sensitive species (Pacific Lamprey,etc.) or anadromous fish (Steelhead, Coho, etc.)  then please contact Beth Thiel.