Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’s Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Classic Program for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2023

Background
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering up to $15 million in funding for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Classic Program for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2023. The purpose of the program is 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 to agricultural producers through the development of technical manuals, guides, and practical instruction for the private sector.

Grant Details
The CIG Classic 2023 Priorities include Forestry, Habitat Conservation and Restoration for Wildlife and Invertebrates, Managing Agricultural Lands to Improve Local Water Quality, Energy Conservation, Economics, and Strengthening Conservation through Indigenous Knowledge. Each priority area has specific project examples and criteria for evaluation. The estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $250,000, and the estimated funding ceiling is $2 million.
Projects may be between 1 and 3 years in duration.
The agency expects to make between 15 and 20 awards.

Eligibility Requirements
Applications will be accepted from all non-Federal entities and individuals based in the United States. The program is open to all domestic non-Federal entities and individuals based in the United States for projects carried out in the United States.
The eligibility requirements include compliance with highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions, control of the land involved for the term of the proposed contract period, and meeting adjusted gross income requirements under Section 1001D(b)(1) of the 2018 Farm Bill.

Period of Performance
Projects may be between 1 to 3 years in duration with an estimated project start date of May 31, 2024.

Grant Value
The Federal funding agency expects to award approximately $15 million through this opportunity. However, the agency retains discretion to award a larger or lesser amount.

Place of Performance
Projects must be carried out in the United States including all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and the Pacific Islands Area (Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).