USDA: Conservation Innovation Grants Connecticut State Program (US)

Deadline: 2-Apr-21

NRCS is announcing the availability of CIG funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies.

The Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program is authorized as part of the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The Secretary of Agriculture delegated the authority for the administration of EQIP, including CIG, to the Chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

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.

Priorities

For FY 2021, Connecticut NRCS accepts proposals that address one or more of the State priorities listed below:

• Nutrient Management;
• Water Quality;
• Wildlife Habitat;
• Phosphorus Removal Technologies.

Funding Information

• The total amount of Federal funding the agency expects to award through this opportunity is $250,000.
• Projects may be between 1 and 3 years in duration.
• The agency expects to make 3 award(s).
• The estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $10,000, and the estimated funding ceiling is $250,000.

Innovative Conservation Projects or Activities

CIG funds the development and field testing, on-farm research and demonstration, evaluation, or implementation of:

• Approaches to incentivizing conservation adoption, including market-based and conservation finance approaches; and
• Conservation technologies, practices, and systems.

Projects or activities under CIG must comply with all applicable federal, tribal, state, and local laws and regulations throughout the duration of the project; and

• Use technology or approach that was studied sufficiently to indicate a high probability for success;
• Demonstrate, evaluate, and verify the effectiveness, utility, affordability, and usability of natural resource conservation technologies and approaches in the field;
• Adapt and transfer conservation technologies, management, practices, systems, approaches, and incentive systems to improve performance and encourage adoption;
• Introduce proven conservation technologies and approaches to a geographic area or agricultural sector where that technology or approach is not currently in use.

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 Connecticut. 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=331167