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.
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. The federal contribution for a single project cannot exceed
$2 million. 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.
National Competition Categories
- Natural Resource Concerns category-- up to $5
million available for proposals addressing one or more of the CIG
natural resource concerns. This category was also offered in FY 2004,
FY 2005, FY 2006, FY 2007 and FY 2008 awards.
- Technology category --up to $6 million available
for proposals addressing one or more of the CIG technology categories.
This category was offered for the first time in FY 2006.
- Grant Leveraging category -- up to $4 million to
pilot the leveraging of CIG grants projects that provide further grants
that align with the purposes of CIG. This is the first year CIG offers
this category.
- Chesapeake Bay Watershed category--up to $5 million
available for proposals addressing one or more of the CIG natural
resource concerns in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This category was
also offered in FY 2005, FY 2006, FY 2007 and FY 2008.
Applications must be received in the NRCS National Headquarters by close
of business March 2, 2009. Applications should be sent to: USDA Natural
Resources Conservation Service; Conservation Innovation Grants Program;
Financial Assistance Programs Division, Room 5239-S; 1400 Independence Ave,
SW; Washington, DC 20250. To view the complete Announcement of Program
Funding, visit
http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig/.
State Component
The purpose of the State Component is to provide flexibility to NRCS
State Conservationists to target Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) funds
to smaller projects, within their state, that may possess promising
innovations, but may not compete well on the larger scale of the national
competition. The CIG State Component was first piloted in fiscal year (FY)
2005. Since its inception, over 32 States have participated in the State
Component funding 311 projects for over $17 million.
Missouri is participating in 2009. Missouri's CIG competitions will
be announced through public notices, separate from the national competition. State competitions have a
lower funding ceiling and may have unique application requirements and
submission deadlines.
Missouri CIG Information
Eligibility
Who is Eligible?
CIG applicants must be a federally recognized Indian Tribe, State, or local unit
of government, non-governmental organization, or individual.
- Universities
- Federally recognized Indian Tribes
- State of Local Units of Government
- Non-governmental Organizations
- Private Businesses
- Individuals
What is the CIG Process?
National
- CIG funding availability is announced through an announcement for
program funding.
- Applications are submitted to the Missouri State NRCS Office, c/o Bob
Ball, 601 Business Loop 70 W, Suite 250, Columbia, MO 65203.
- State Office forwards to Washington D.C. with review letter from State
Conservationist, Roger A. Hansen.
- Review panels are convened to score and rank proposals against
evaluation criteria in the announcement.
- A grant review board certifies the rankings and ensures consistency with
program objectives.
National Competition deadline is March 2.
The deadline to submit the CIG proposals has been extended to
March 20, 2009.
Information for Grantees
Reporting
schedules and forms for FY 2004, 2005, and 2006 CIG grantees.
Missouri CIG Contact Information
National CIG information
National CIG News Release
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