NRCS-PA Now Accepting Applications For Conservation Innovation Grants

On May 10, the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA announced up to $250,000 of funding available in Pennsylvania for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG).  The deadline for applications is July 7.

“Conservation Innovation Grants are critical for developing science, technology and innovative tools to address natural resource concerns on Pennsylvania’s private working lands,” said State Conservationist Denise Coleman. “These grants help bridge the gap between initial product development and taking that product or approach to market. The overall goal is to incorporate new innovations into NRCS technical manuals and make them available to the agricultural community.”

In conjunction with agricultural production, these grants are intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection.

Eligible applicants include eligible individuals, local and state governments, and non-governmental organizations.  Projects must be within Pennsylvania and may be area-based or statewide in scope.

Applicants submitting proposals may request up to $75,000 of matching federal funds. Applicants must provide at least a 50 percent non-federal match that can be cash, in-kind or a combination of both.

The proposal must involve Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) eligible producers and should demonstrate the use of innovative technologies or approaches to address a natural resource concern in one of the following categories: non-industrial private forestland, urban farming, or soil health.

These grants do not fund research projects. The program is designed to aid the adoption of measures that have been sufficiently studied to indicate a high likelihood of success.

CIG in Pennsylvania

Conservation Innovation Grants at the state level build on our national program and enable NRCS to better address natural resource concerns at the local level. This has allowed for great innovation in Pennsylvania, where NRCS has invested over $1.8 million in CIG projects.

To learn more about how to apply, visit the NRCS-PA Conservation Innovations Grants webpage.

For more information on programs, initiatives and landowner technical and financial assistance, visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service-PA webpage.