Focused Investment Partnerships (FIPs) Grant Program

The Focused Investment Partnerships (FIPs) Grant Program is administered by the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board (OWEB), a state agency committed to restoring and protecting Oregon’s natural landscapes. OWEB’s work is grounded in public engagement, scientific research, and collaborative action, making it a key player in Oregon’s environmental conservation framework. Through the FIP program, OWEB invests in long-term, high-impact restoration initiatives that address ecological priorities identified at the state level, aligning with both federal recovery and state conservation plans. The FIPs Grant Program is designed to support strategic, results-oriented restoration initiatives led by high-performing partnerships. These partnerships are expected to operate over a six-year period—spanning three biennia—and demonstrate measurable ecological outcomes that respond to limiting factors identified in official conservation documents. Each FIP initiative must be grounded in a strategic action plan and must address at least one ecological priority adopted by the OWEB Board. These ecological priorities are revisited every five years through a process that includes public input and scientific analysis. As of 2020, the ecological priorities included seven habitat categories: Aquatic Habitat for Native Species, Closed Lakes Basin Wetland Habitat, Dry-Type Forest Habitat, Estuarine Habitat, Oak and Prairie Habitat, and Sagebrush/Sage-Steppe Habitat. However, revisions to these priorities are under review, with the OWEB Board expected to finalize updates in January 2026. Leading up to this decision, stakeholders were invited to provide feedback at several board and committee meetings. The public could also submit comments via a designated comment form. OWEB anticipates opening the solicitation for new FIP initiative applications in February 2026, with a closing date for submissions in July 2026. Applications will undergo a rigorous evaluation process based on criteria outlined in administrative rules. Following this, selected partnerships will be invited for interviews with an OWEB Board Committee. Final decisions will be made in January 2027, and funding disbursements are scheduled to begin in July 2027 for the 2027–2029 biennium. Once selected, partnerships will not receive lump-sum funding upfront. Instead, they will apply separately for project-specific grants over the course of the initiative. This phased funding model emphasizes performance and accountability while allowing for adaptive management. In advance of submitting a proposal, all interested applicants must schedule a consultation with OWEB staff after the solicitation opens in February 2026. This consultation is a required step for eligibility and ensures alignment with program expectations. For inquiries, applicants may reach out to OWEB staff members including Eric Hartstein (503-910-6201), Jillian McCarthy (971-345-7016), Denise Hoffert (971-701-3206), or Eric Williams (971-345-7014). The FIP program represents a major investment in ecosystem restoration and supports the state’s broader conservation strategy by prioritizing science-based approaches and collaborative action.