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Conservation Innovation Grants

News Release - USDA ANNOUNCES FISCAL YEAR 2008 SIGN-UP FOR UP TO $20 MILLION IN CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS - NEW!

In 2008, Ohio will only offer the national CIG component.  For information and application materials, visit the national CIG website.

Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production. Under CIG, Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds are used to award competitive grants to non-Federal governmental or non-governmental organizations, Tribes, or individuals. CIG enables NRCS to work with other public and private entities to accelerate technology transfer and adoption of promising technologies and approaches to address some of the Nation's most pressing natural resource concerns.

Eligibility

Who is Eligible?

Projects must involve landowners who meet the EQIP eligibility criteria and address one or more of the national or state project components.

  • Universities
  • Federally recognized Indian Tribes
  • State of Local Units of Government
  • Non-governmental Organizations
  • Private Businesses
  • Individuals

Funding

  • Both National and State programs fund up to 50 percent of the project cost, not to exceed $1 million.
  • Fifty percent of the funding must be provided as matching funds.
  • Twenty-five percent of the matching funds may be derived from in-kind contributions.
  • Project funds will be obligated upon approval.  Projects may be completed in one to three years.

Information for Grantees

Reporting schedules and forms for FY 2004, 2005, and 2006 CIG grantees.

What is the CIG Process?

National
  1. CIG funding availability is announced through an announcement for program funding.
  2. Applications are submitted to the State NRCS Office.
  3. State Office forwards to Washington D.C. with review letter from State Conservationist.
  4. Review panels are convened to score and rank proposals against evaluation criteria in the announcement.
  5. A grant review board certifies the rankings and ensures consistency with program objectives.
  6. NRCS Chief makes final award decisions.
Archived Ohio 2006 CIG Website
Archived Ohio 2007 CIG Website

Contact Person:

Julia Zehner, Program Manager
Phone: (614) 255-2477