Climate-smart agriculture, combating invasive species, and conservation in urban agriculture systems are the priority areas for NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) Classic competition this year.
The NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) Classic competition has been operating for nearly 20 years, providing over $300 million to cutting-edge innovations to address natural resource challenges on private lands.
The program supports the development of innovative new tools, approaches, practices, and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. Eligible entities for CIG awards include all non-federal entities, including State and local government entities, Tribal entities, non-profit organizations, private businesses, universities, and individuals. CIG Classic will award projects up to $2 million in federal funding and expects to award a total of $15 million in grants this year.
The following are the priority areas for the CIG Classic opportunity this year:
- Climate-smart Agriculture - seeking proposals for technologies and approaches that address producer adaptation to extreme weather events and/or resilience through emerging production systems.
- Combating Invasive Species - proposals submitted under this priority area must propose innovations for private landowners to more effectively prevent, detect, or combat invasive species to maintain healthy and productive working lands. Innovations should help prevent, control, or eliminate pest invasions or help restore land and prevent re-invasion.
- Conservation in Urban Agriculture Systems - proposals must address the conservation of natural resources on private lands within urban areas and small agricultural systems.
Potential applicants are encouraged to visit the CIG website to learn more about the CIG program. In addition, the funding opportunity can be found on grants.gov.
Key dates:
NRCS is currently accepting applications through the grants.gov website and the deadline for submission is 11:59 pm EST on Tuesday October 11, 2022.