Grant for Producer-Led Watershed Conservation Groups

• Reimbursement grants up to $40,000 per year
• Funding for conservation practice incentive payments, education, outreach, research, and farmer mentorship
• Funds available from January 1, 2027 through December 31, 2028
• Option to request extension of remaining grant funds to the following year
• Access to DATCP annual information-sharing workshop

• Completed application form in Microsoft Word format
• Budget with match contributions at least equal to requested grant amount, with staff time on separate line items
• Electronic signatures by lead farmer and fiscal manager (if applicable)
• Letter(s) of commitment from all match contributors (required for Category 1; encouraged for Category 2)
• Signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with at least one required collaborating entity
• Work plan with achievable goals linked to water quality improvement
• Description of farmer leadership roles within the group

• Must be a producer-led group of at least five agricultural producers, each operating an eligible farm in one watershed or adjacent watersheds
• Eligible farm must have produced at least $6,000 in gross farm revenues during the taxable year or $18,000 over the preceding three years
• Group must collaborate and enter a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with at least one of: a county land conservation department, UW-Division of Extension, Wisconsin DNR, or a non-profit conservation organization
• Group must assist agricultural producers in the watershed to voluntarily conduct nonpoint source water pollution abatement activities
• Group must contribute matching funds at least equal to the amount requested (1:1 match), with at least 50% of match in cash
• Maximum annual award per producer-led group is $40,000
• Administrative costs are capped at 25% of the total funding request
• Group must be located and operating within Wisconsin

A state government agency that provides grants for watershed protection and environmental conservation projects led by nonprofits and producers in Wisconsin.