updated 12/2/2025
#1. Q: How can grant match be obtained when using the Flat Rate payment option on landowner contracts?
A. It is not the intention of the Flat Rate payment option to be able to provide grant match and, in most cases, should not be used in that way. Scenarios where grant match may be obtained include:
- Have the grantee use the Percent Based payment option for the practice. Choose a grant payment percentage, obtain the receipts/invoices, and utilize the remainder for match. EXAMPLE – Local policy says that the grant will pay for 90% of the documented 340-Cover Crop practice for seed cost, establishment cost (equipment and labor), and termination cost (equipment and labor). The remaining 10% is covered by the land occupier. That 10% could be used as landowner match for the grant.
- If using the Flat Rate payment option and the land occupier also receive non-state funding for the same practice (and BWSR program requirements or local policy doesn’t prohibit it). EXAMPLE – Landowner is awarded EQIP for the 329-Residue and Tillage Management practice. Local policy says that the grant will pay a flat rate of $20/acre for the practice. EQIP has a payment rate of $15/acre. The grant will pay the difference of $5/acre to meet the local policy’s payment rate. The EQIP payment of $15/acre could be used as federal match. This is justified by the fact that non-state funds were leveraged.
- If using the Flat Rate payment option and there is an acreage cap. EXAMPLE – Local policy says that the grant will pay a flat rate of $400/acre to convert row crop into a 512-Pasture and Hay Planting for a maximum of 10 acres. The landowner ends up establishing 15 acres following the 512 practice standard because they want to “square off” the field. The additional 5 acres could be used as landowner match if they followed the practice standard. This is justified by the fact it results in additional perennial acres.
- If using the Flat Rate payment option and there are some contracts paid with state funds and some paid with non-state funds. EXAMPLE – Local policy says the grant will pay a flat rate of $10/acre to implement 328-Conservation Crop Rotation. Local demand is greater than state grant funds can cover, so additional contracts are funded with non-state funds. If the contracts funded with non-state dollars abide by the same requirements as the state grant, they may be counted as match.
If you would like clarification on match funds, please contact your local Board Conservationist
#2. Q: Can I use funds to increase soil health practice payment rates?
A: Yes, if leveraging other funds that have restrictions on payment rates you can use Soil Health Delivery Grant funds to increase the rate up to the amounts specified in your local financial assistance policy. This can be done as an increase to the payment rate or as an incentive payment.
#3. Q: Can grant funds be used to purchase meeting materials and field demonstrations?
A: Yes, if outreach materials are necessary, they are an eligible expense. Items such as printed materials, venue rentals, speaker fees, mileage reimbursements, and field demonstrations can be charged to the grant. Materials purchased with grant funds cannot be used in Billable Rate calculations.
#4. Q: Can I fund field equipment with this grant?
A: No.
#5. Q: Who will make the determination on eligibility of soil health practices?
A: Justification for soil health practices not listed in the Request for Interest must be made during the development of the work plan. Board Conservationists, Soils Programming Staff, and the Grantee will collaboratively review Soil Health Practice eligibility.