Deadline: 18-May-21
U.S. Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) is inviting applications for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Rhode Island State Program.
The purpose of CIG 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 (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.
Priorities
- Aquatic Resources and Wildlife
- Develop innovative practices to mitigate coastal marsh migration and support coastal resiliency while benefiting wildlife species of special needs.
- Implement strategies to restore declining habitats.
- Urban Farms
- Develop and/or demonstrate adapted conservation practices for farming operations located in urban high-density settings.
- Develop an urban conservation farm showcase to provide training to urban farmers on urban conservation strategies.
- Water Quality and Quantity
- Develop innovative practices to manage stormwater by 1) improving stormwater quality through appropriate BMPS onsite as close as possible to its point of generation; and 2) reduce the volume of stormwater that flows from farm properties.
- Develop innovative methods to conserve water on agricultural operations.
- Soil Health
- Demonstrate and quantify impacts of soil health promoting practices.
- Improved Energy Efficiency
- Demonstrate the use of alternative energy sources for heating High Tunnels to improve energy efficiency
Funding Information
- Estimated Funding: The total amount of Federal funding the agency expects to award through this opportunity is $160,000.00.
- Start Dates and Performance Periods: Projects may be between 1 and 3 years in duration. Applicants should plan their projects based on an estimated project start date of September 15, 2021.
Eligibility Criteria
All U.S.-based non-Federal entities (NFE) and individuals, with the exception of Federal agencies, are eligible to apply for projects carried out in Rhode Island. The following entity types are eligible:
- City or township governments
- County governments
- For profit organizations other than small businesses
- Independent school districts
- Individuals
- Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
- Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments)
- Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education)
- Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education)
- Private institutions of higher education
- Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education
- Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities
- Small businesses
- Special district governments
- State governments
For more information, visit https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=332219