Success Story
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.
Through creative problem solving and innovation, CIG partners work to address our nation's water quality, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while improving agricultural operations.
There are three annual Conservation Innovation Grants funding opportunities:
CIG Classic
National competition for projects that support the early-stage development and piloting of new tools, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands.
CIG On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials (On-Farm Trials)
National competition for projects that support more widespread adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers. On-Farm Trials Awardees provide technical assistance and incentive payments to producers to help compensate for risks associated with implementation of new conservation practices, systems and approaches. Awardees also evaluate the environmental, financial and social (to the extent possible) impacts of implementing innovative approaches. The Soil Health Demo Trial is a priority within the On-Farm Trials competition which focuses exclusively on implementation of conservation practices and systems that improve soil health.
State CIG Classic
State-level competitions for projects that support early-stage development and piloting of new tools, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. While the overall goal and approach match those of CIG Classic, CIG state competitions fund projects that target state-identified conservation priorities. Each year, NRCS state offices may elect to administer their own CIG competitions. State CIG competitions are announced separately from national competitions.
Explore CIG
CIG Projects
CIG Projects
Since its inception in 2004, CIG has funded hundreds of projects, boosting natural resource conservation while helping producers improve the health of their operations for the future.
For Applicants
For Applicants
Information for applicants on the CIG program and how to apply.
For Grantees
For Grantees
Information for grantees who have been awarded funding for a CIG project.
Success Stories
Success Stories
CIG is making an impact across the country
Additional Information
Webinars
NRCS has established a webinar series to allow employees, partner conservationists and other interested stakeholders to hear directly from CIG grantees.
Fact Sheet
General information about the CIG program, who is eligible and how to apply.
Support for Historically Underserved Producers
CIG provides special consideration and benefits to Historically Underserved applicants and projects that support Historically Underserved producers.
Congressional Report
The 2021 Congressional report briefly describes the history of CIG and how the program is managed.
Ready to get started?
Contact your local service center to start your application.
