OWEB Land Acquisition Grants

The Oregon Constitution authorizes OWEB to fund projects involving the purchase of interests in land from willing sellers for maintaining or restoring watersheds and habitat for native fish or wildlife. OWEB awards grants to land trusts and eligible entities to acquire fee title or conservation easements from willing sellers, who may include agricultural landowners. The 2026 application cycle closed October 15, 2026; the next offering is typically in fall 2027 (dates TBA).

Institutional applicants: local governments, Tribes, not-for-profit land conservation organizations and trusts, Oregon institutions of higher education, independent not-for-profit institutions of higher education, and political subdivisions of Oregon. State and federal agencies may hold OWEB-funded interests but cannot be applicants. A pre-application consultation is required. Required match: 25%.

OWEB awards grants to eligible entities to purchase fee title or conservation easements from willing sellers. Required match: 25%. No maximum request specified. Grants are paid on a cost-reimbursement basis.

Apply via OWEB's online grant application after a required pre-application consultation. The 2026 cycle closed October 15, 2026 at 5:00 pm PT; applications received by then will be considered for funding at the April 2027 OWEB board meeting. The next offering is typically once yearly in summer or fall (next in fall 2027; dates TBA).

• Land Acquisition Program Guidance (2026 Program Manual)