USDA is investing up to $70 million in cooperative agreements to support outreach to underserved producers and communities about opportunities with NRCS for natural resource conservation, climate-smart agriculture and forestry.
Overview
USDA is investing up to $70 million in cooperative agreements to support outreach to underserved producers and communities about opportunities with NRCS for natural resource conservation, climate-smart agriculture and forestry. The Fiscal Year 2023 Equity in Conservation Outreach Cooperative Agreements will expand outreach for the delivery of conservation assistance to underserved producers and communities and provide opportunities for students to pursue careers in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences. Agreements are available for up to three-year projects that extend outreach to farmers who are beginning, limited resource, socially disadvantaged, and veterans.
The purpose of 2023 Equity in Conservation Outreach Cooperative Agreements is to leverage NRCS and partner resources to develop locally led conservation projects that help overcome barriers and offer opportunities for underserved producers and communities to learn about and access NRCS programs, services, and careers.
Through this Notice of Funding Opportunity, eligible applicants may propose projects that engage underserved farmers and ranchers and their communities, and offer opportunities for these producers and communities through outreach activities.
For more information, read the news release announcing this funding opportunity or read the full Notice of Funding Opportunity on Grants.gov.
Questions about this funding opportunity?
Email us at SM.FPAC.NRCS.DCWA2.MSOutreachandPartnership@usda.gov
Informational Webinars
Live webinars
Join us for one of the upcoming live webinars listed below. The NRCS Outreach and Partnerships Division will host live webinars to talk about this funding opportunity. The same content will be provided in each session; please choose the session that works best for your schedule. Registration is not required; simply click the link(s) below at your desired time. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the close of each session.
Thursday, April 6, 2023, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Eastern
Tuesday, April 11, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Eastern
Pre-recorded webinar
This pre-recorded webinar explains the purpose of the 2023 Equity through Conservation Outreach Cooperative Agreement and walks you through the application process, including information about Grants.gov.
Additional Information
Equity in Conservation Cooperative Agreements
The Equity in Conservation Agreements fund two-year projects to expand the delivery of conservation assistance to producers who are new to farming, are low-income, identify as one or more marginalized race or ethnicity, and/or are military veterans.
Learn MoreOutreach and Partnerships
Outreach is an integral part of NRCS program and service delivery, ensuring that all programs and services are made equally accessible to all customers, with an emphasis on reaching the underserved.
Learn More