The Partners in Conservation (PIC) Grants Program supports projects that help people grow fresh food, improve water quality and soil health, restore fish and wildlife habitat, and support strong and sustainable communities.

The 2023 PIC grant application is closed. This year, EMSWCD’s Board awarded $1,050,000 to 24 projects ranging from $5,000 to $70,000. Non-profits, local governments, schools and educational institutions, and Native American tribes are all eligible for projects up to two years in duration. Projects or events must show a clear public benefit and be located within the EMSWCD service area (all Multnomah County east of the Willamette River) or serve its residents.

PIC grants support community projects that focus on soil health and water quality, reducing and addressing climate impacts, sustainable agriculture and community gardens, outdoor and garden education programs, and fish and wildlife habitat restoration. These grants also advance our goal of building the capacity and structures necessary for equitable access to land and water and conservation outcomes for low-income communities and people of color. A Grant Review Committee reviews the applications and selects those that strongly meet our grant program goals.

Apply for a PIC Grant – 2024 application opens fall 2023

The 2023 PIC Grant application cycle closed on December 15^th. If you are interested in applying for the next grant cycle, you can subscribe to our email list for announcements about grant opportunities.

Find out all the details, including examples of projects that meet our program goals in our updated 2023 Partners in Conservation Handbook. You can also find more information and resources here.

Find the application questions in a word document here.

Previous PIC Grant Awards

Several first-time applicants were awarded grants in 2023. A variety of projects serving diverse communities, youth and families received funding. The minimum grant award is $5,000 and the maximum is $70,000 (10% of funding available). Grants may take up to two years to complete.

See the projects awarded funding in 2023.

Grant Review Committee

The Board of Directors appoints the Partners in Conservation Grant Review Committee. The committee includes individuals from the community with diverse professional backgrounds, lived experience and relevant expertise.

The committee reviews all PIC grant applications and makes funding recommendations to the Board of Directors. The Board has final approval.