Grant
Leopold Conservation Award
Sand County Foundation
What you can get
$10,000 award • Recognition award for exceptional soil, water, and habitat stewardship on working lands
- Readiness
- Prep docs first
- Who can apply
- producer, private working land owners (farmers, ranchers, forestland owners) in 28 participating states; self nomination allowed
- Coverage
- CA, NC, SC, CO, IL, IA, KS, KY, MD, MN, MS, MT, NE, CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT, NM, NY, ND, OK, PA, SD, TX, UT, WI
- Deadline & timing
- The award comes with $10,000 and is presented in 28 states, each with its own application deadline. The 2026 round is closed in almost every state (for example, Oklahoma's deadline was July 10, 2026). Colorado is already accepting applications for its 2027 award, due February 15, 2027. Check the Sand County Foundation application page for your state's next deadline.
- Eligibility
- Self-nominations or nominations of farmers, ranchers and forestland owners in the 28 participating states. State-specific windows apply; as of October 3, 2026 Colorado accepts 2027 applications due February 15, 2027, while most 2026 state rounds are closed. Consult the state application before applying.
soil healthland programs
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.