Interested in applying for a CIG? Then watch how a past recipient used their grant to rejuvenate the community one seed at a time.....

2019 CIG recipient Groundwork Elizabeth is a non-profit that works within the city of Elizabeth and the surrounding communities to develop program and projects that educate, improve, and enhance the urban environment.

With the help of the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) program, they were able to install a conservation showcase at their Elmora Microfarm. 

Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a competitive program that supports the development of new tools, approaches, practices, and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. 

This year, New Jersey will fund $380,000 through the program for the development of new tools, approaches, practices and technologies to further conservation on New Jersey private lands. Individuals, local and state governments, and non-governmental organizations are eligible to apply through May 7, 2023. 

A previously recorded webinar for CIG applicants can be viewed here.

CIG supports early-stage development and piloting of new tools, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. For FY23, NRCS invites proposals that support one or more of New Jersey’s priorities, including Urban Agriculture, Climate Smart Agriculture, and Forestry/Wildlife. 

Interested parties can view the entire New Jersey CIG grant announcement and/or apply for the program on grants.gov.