Nonpoint Source (State Agricultural Best Management Practices) Grant Program

The Nonpoint Source (State Agricultural Best Management Practices) SFY 2027 Grant Program is administered by the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). This competitive grant opportunity supports agricultural projects that help reduce nonpoint source pollution and improve water quality in impaired water bodies across the state. Through funding subgrants, the program assists Idaho's farmers and ranchers in implementing best management practices (BMPs) that align with Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) objectives and broader water quality standards. Projects eligible for funding must focus on agricultural practices that directly contribute to water quality improvement. Applicants must be ready to implement projects upon award, and proposals must involve multiple partners and demonstrate efforts to leverage additional funding sources. Each project must also be supported by a completed work plan and detailed budget as provided in the application materials. The Idaho Basin Advisory Groups are responsible for prioritizing project proposals for funding based on the submitted information and environmental impact potential. The application window for SFY 2027 opens on March 16, 2026, and closes at 11:59 PM MDT on April 17, 2026. Applicants are allowed to submit more than one application if needed. Projects awarded under this program must be implemented within an 18-month timeframe following contract initiation. Indirect and administrative costs are allowed under this grant, but are capped at 15% of eligible expenditures. These costs may include general administrative support, rent, utilities, audit expenses, and other shared services that are not easily attributed to specific activities. Applicants are required to meet a 40% minimum match requirement, which is calculated based on total project costs. A revised match calculator spreadsheet is provided within the grant application materials to assist with determining this match. Match contributions must be fully documented, and the source of matching funds should be identified clearly in the application. Applicants are encouraged to consult the 2026 State and Federal Application Materials Guide available through the Idaho DEQ’s Nonpoint Source Grants page. The grant program reflects Idaho’s ongoing commitment to reducing pollution from diffuse sources and improving the health of its aquatic ecosystems. The DEQ’s Nonpoint Source Coordinator, Bonnie Yoshizaki, serves as the primary point of contact for questions and submissions. Applicants may reach her at [email protected] or call 208-373-0439 for assistance. All program materials, including the match calculator and application guide, are available online. This opportunity is ideal for Idaho-based agricultural operations that are ready to move forward with impactful environmental improvement efforts.

Projects must be ready to implement, involve partners, and clearly show leveraged funds.