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Conservation Innovation Grants

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.

Conservation Innovation Grants in 2012

State CIG - Applications due by April 2, 2012

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Ohio announces the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) funds to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies.

Applications are accepted for Ohio only.  CIG will fund single and multi-year projects, not to exceed 3 years (anticipated project start date of September 1, 2012). Funds will be awarded through a nationwide competitive grants process. The maximum award amount for any project will not exceed $75,000.

The document below requires Adobe Acrobat Reader:

Conservation Innovation Grants Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Announcement for Program Funding - Ohio (PDF, 5 Mb)

For more information contact:
John Armentano
Conservation Innovation Grants Program Manager
Phone: (614) 255-2469

National CIG - General

News Release - This year's CIG projects focus on nutrient management, energy conservation, soil health, wildlife and CIG projects assessment. NRCS is especially interested in projects that demonstrate:

  • Optimal combinations of nutrient source, application rate, placement and timing that improve nutrient recovery by crops.
  • Procedures for refining the usefulness of the phosphorous index in reducing phosphorous losses.
  • Suites of conservation practices that protect water quality.
  • Renewable energy systems that reduce the use of fossil fuels and increase energy efficiency on farms.
  • The impacts of cover crops, crop rotations, tillage and other conservation practices on soil health.
  • Conservation practices that increase the water-holding capacity of soils.
  • Decision tools that help producers assess their operations and conservation needs in order to improve wildlife habitat.
  • Assess the technology transfer potential of completed CIG projects.

Pre-Proposal Application Deadline - January 31, 2012.

This year, a two-phase competitive process will be implemented. In phase one, all applicants will be required to submit a pre-proposal; in phase two, only those applicants selected during the pre-proposal phase will be asked to submit a full application package. All proposed CIG projects must involve producers who are eligible for NRCS’ Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which offers financial and technical assistance to help producers implement conservation practices on agricultural land.

National CIG - Water Quality Credit Trading Markets

News Release - This special CIG will bring USDA and others together to enhance the effectiveness of water quality credit trading.  NRCS requests CIG proposals for projects that:

  • Support the completion of state water quality market rules and infrastructure needed to carry out water quality trading between point and not-point sources;
  • Deploy and test tools and metrics needed for crediting and verifying the effectiveness of conservation practices on agricultural lands;
  • Educate and reach out to agriculture and other sectors.

The document below requires Adobe Acrobat Reader:
CIG FY 2012 Announcement for Program Funding - Water Quality Markets (PDF, 147 KB)

Application Deadline - March 2, 2012.

To apply electronically, visit: http://www.grants.gov/.

The document below requires Adobe Acrobat Reader:

National Announcement of Program Funding (PDF, 138 Kb)

CIG funds pilot projects and conservation field trials that can last from one to three years. Grants for approved projects cannot exceed 50 percent of the total project cost.  At least 50 percent of the total cost of the project must come from non-Federal matching funds (cash and in-kind contributions) provided by the grantee. While NRCS will provide technical oversight for each project receiving an award, the grantee is responsible for providing the technical assistance required to successfully complete the project.

Who is Eligible?

Projects must involve landowners who meet the EQIP eligibility criteria.

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

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.

Contact Person:

John Armentano, Program Manager
Phone: (614) 255-2469