Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) State Program funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies.
Donor Name: Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
State: Connecticut
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 05/24/2024
Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000
Grant Duration: 3 Years
Details:
The purpose of CIG is to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production in the United States and its territories. 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, into government technical manuals and guides, or to the private sector. CIG generally funds pilot projects, field demonstrations, and on-farm conservation research. On-farm conservation research is defined as an investigation conducted to answer a specific applied conservation question using a statistically valid design while employing farm-scale equipment on farms, ranches or private forest lands.
The goals and objectives of this program align with the USDA Strategic Plan
- Use climate-smart management and sound science to enhance the health and productivity of agricultural lands.
- Lead efforts to adapt to the consequences of climate change in agriculture and forestry.
- Restore, protect, and conserve watersheds to ensure clean, abundant, and continuous provision of water resources
- Increase carbon sequestration, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and economic opportunities (and develop low-carbon energy solutions).
- Protect agricultural health by minimizing major diseases, pests, and wildlife conflicts.
- Build resilient food systems, infrastructure, and supply chain.
- Foster agricultural innovation.
CIG Priorities for FY 2024
Projects should propose innovative conservation approaches that address one of the following:
- Promote Climate Smart Forestry practices
- Promote Climate Smart Forest Management Plans Enhance nutrient management including compost and biochar components
- Promote Climate Smart Practices for small and urban farms
- Promote carbon sequestration in Long Island Sound and surrounding habitats.
Funding Information
- NRCS Connecticut expects to award approximately $500,000
- The estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $20,000, and the estimated funding ceiling is $250,000.
Performance Period
Projects may be between one and three years in duration.
Eligibility Criteria
All U.S. non-Foreign, non-Federal entities and individuals are eligible to apply for projects carried out in Connecticut.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
