Cost-share
Illinois Partners for Conservation Program
Illinois Department of Agriculture
What you can get
Up to 60% for Conservation Practices Cost-Share; local SWCDs set practice rates and caps. • Landowners must be SWCD cooperators with an approved conservation plan; land erosion must exceed 1.5 times tolerable soil loss. Structural and some management practices must be maintained at least 10 years. Streambank proposals require local SWCD sponsorship.
- Readiness
- Local office first
- Who can apply
- producer, local government, nonprofit
- Coverage
- IL
- Deadline & timing
- No statewide deadline is posted. For Conservation Practices Cost-Share (cover crops, no-till, terraces, waterways, filter strips and more, up to 60% cost-share), contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District; you must be an SWCD cooperator with an SWCD-approved conservation plan, and districts prioritize projects that save the most soil per dollar and set their own sign-up timing. Stream bank stabilization proposals must be sponsored by the local SWCD, and both stream bank and Sustainable Agriculture Grant recipients are selected by an independent committee in the fall.
- Eligibility
- Eligible applicants: producer, local government, nonprofit. Match requirement: Landowner match required..
Optional expert service · $249
Turn program research into an application package.
An eligibility screen for one farm, a shortlist of up to three relevant programs, and draft practice justifications and a document checklist for one selected application. Delivered within 7 business days after intake.
Last verified Oct 3, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Plan your next step
Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.