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 enables NRCS to work with other public and private entities to accelerate technology transfer and adoption of promising technologies and approaches to address some of the Nation's most pressing natural resource concerns. CIG will benefit agricultural producers by providing more options for environmental enhancement and compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations. NRCS administers CIG.

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Integration Report (PDF, 15 MB)

This report examines the Conservation Innovation Grants program experience to date, looking at where and how grants were awarded, project results, and the process NRCS is putting in place to evaluate, replicate, and potentially adopt the technologies and practices for widespread use.

National Component

For fiscal year 2012, NRCS is offering two CIG funding opportunities.

The first one focuses in the following areas: Nutrient Management, Energy Conservation, Soil Health, Wildlife, and CIG Projects Assessment. The deadline to submit pre-proposal applications is January 31, 2012. The application period is now closed.

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CIG FY 2012 Announcement for Program Funding (PDF, 178 KB)

The second one focuses on: Market analysis of supply and demand for water quality credits, Market Rules, and Infrastructure. The deadline to submit full proposal applications is March 2, 2012.

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CIG FY 2012 Announcement for Program Funding - Water Quality Markets (PDF, 147 KB)

The January 24, 2012 Webinar recording and presentation information are available for your information.

Showcase

The 5th CIG Showcase was held in conjunction with the 66th Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) Annual International Conference in Washington, D.C. July 17-20, 2011.

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CIG 5-Year Compendium (PDF, 1.9 MB)

2011 Conservation Innovation Grants Showcase (PDF, 211 KB)

Additional Information

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Conservation Innovation Grants: Fact Sheet (PDF, 42KB)
Conservation Innovation Grant Program: Key Points (PDF, 45KB)
Conservation Innovation Grant Program: Program Description (PDF, 42KB)
Conservation Innovation Grant Program: Questions and Answers (PDF, 87KB)