Program seeks to fund innovative conservation approaches
NRCS is announcing the availability of up to $15 million in classic Conservation Innovation Grant funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production. CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market- based systems) to agricultural producers through the development of technical manuals, guides and for practical instruction for the private sector. Grants will range from $300,000 to $2 million, and applications are due on October 11, 2022.
What priorities will CIG fund in 2022?
For FY 2022, NRCS is only accepting proposals that address one or more of the priorities listed below.
Priority 1: Climate-Smart Agriculture
1a: Producer adaptation to extreme weather events. Proposals submitted under this priority must propose an innovation to help farmers, ranchers, or foresters react and adapt in the short term to the increased intensity and frequency of extreme weather events and related impacts caused or exacerbated by climate change.
1b: Building resilience through emerging production systems for climate smart agriculture. Proposals submitted under this priority area will be focused on developing new production systems that provide long-term, lasting solutions to help landowners build resilience to climate change and maintain viable businesses.
Priority 2: Combating Invasive Species
Proposals submitted under this priority area must propose innovations for private landowners to more effectively prevent, detect, or combat invasive species to maintain healthy and productive working lands. Innovations should help prevent, control, or eliminate pest invasions or help restore land and prevent reinvasion.
Priority 3: Conservation in Urban Agricultural Systems
Proposals submitted under this priority must address the conservation of natural resources on private lands within urban areas and small agricultural systems.
Who is eligible to apply?
All non-Federal entities and individuals based in the United States are eligible to apply for projects carried out in the United States. For the FY 2022 CIG award process, at least 10 percent of the total funds available for CIG are set aside for proposals that benefit Historically Underserved (HU) producers.
How much funding is available?
Out of a total funding pool of $15 million, NRCS expects to award individual grants ranging from $300,000 to $2 million.
Does this funding require a match?
This NFO requires an applicant to provide cost share (match) of at least 50 percent of total project costs (total project costs include the Federal and non-Federal portions), except for applicants competing for HU funding (see Section D.3.f of the NFO). Cost sharing may be achieved with contributions of cash, services, materials, equipment, or third-party in-kind contributions. Recipients with unrecovered indirect costs may also use those to meet cost-sharing obligations.
The CIG Classic Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) can be found here.
For more information on this grant or how to apply with Morrison’s assistance, please contact the Morrison Grants Team by email at grants@morrisonco.net or call us at 530-893-4764.