FAQ

Q. HOW LONG IS THE GRANT PROCESS?

A. Usually 6 months at least from submitting the grant to signing the agreement with the funding agency. That is, if all goes well. It is a competitive process and sometimes worthy projects are not funded the first time. If you are doing a stream restoration project it can take several more months or even a year or more to actually implement because of permitting requirements.

Q. how do i track costs along the way?

A. It is important to understand from the beginning of a project how much money is available. When you buy materials keep a record of the invoices and submit them to the council. If you hire a contractor have them submit invoices to the Council directly. Work with the Council staff to track how much has been spent and how much is still left in the grant.

Q. wHAT IS “IN-KIND”?

A. "In-kind" can be many things. Most often it is landowner labor, and/or use of their machinery. It can be another grant from a different funding source, NRCS for example. Or the landowner buying a component of the project, a pivot for example. When you get an OWEB grant you have to sign a "match" form that shows your contribution to the project.

Q. cAN NEIGHBORS WORK TOGETHER ON A GRANT?

A. Absolutely. A unified approach to projects such as stream restoration or weed control makes a lot of sense. This creates a sense of attacking the problem on a holistic basis rather than just piecemeal.

Q. do people profit financially from grants?

A. Generally not directly. Most of the grant money goes to buying materials: pipe, troughs, gravel etc. Then there is a cost of time and labor that goes into a project. Most often that is part of your cost share. Most folks find out on some of the bigger projects such as juniper control that is much more efficient to hire a contractor rather than doing the work themselves. However, people do benefit from improved irrigation, better range management, weed control and such after the project is completed. Plus, there is the satisfaction people get from helping the environment.