Alaska CIG

Overview

CIG accelerates technology development and transfer, and the adoption of promising technologies and approaches to address some of the nation’s most pressing natural resource concerns; projects often result in production and operational benefits as well. NRCS identifies successful projects for potential integration of technologies and approaches into NRCS’ toolkit of conservation practices.

• AK CIG Fact Sheet (345.61 KB)
• AK CIG FAQ Fact Sheet (2.97 MB)

Eligibility

CIG applications are accepted from state or local governments, federally recognized American Indian tribes, non-governmental organizations and individuals in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands areas.

Conservation approaches or technologies must be sufficiently studied to indicate a likelihood of success to be considered likely candidates for technology transfer. CIG funds innovative on-the-ground conservation projects, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. Proposed projects must conform to the description of innovative conservation projects or activities published in the funding notice. For example, technologies and approaches commonly used in the geographic area covered by the application, and which are eligible for EQIP funding, are not eligible for funding through CIG.

At least 50 percent of the total project cost must come from non-federal matching funds (cash and in-kind contributions) provided by the grantee. The grantee is also responsible for providing the technical assistance required to successfully complete the project. NRCS will provide technical oversight for each project receiving an award.

Proposed projects must involve EQIP-eligible producers. CIG funds provided directly or indirectly to producers are counted toward a producer’s EQIP payment limitation.

3 Different CIG Competitions

Completing all steps required to start an application can take a significant amount of time, plan accordingly.  Questions regarding the content of the funding announcement must be addressed to the contact person listed in section G of the announcement.  Questions related to eligibility or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.

State Competition - The Alaska CIG component emphasizes projects that benefit a limited geographical area. One to three year projects stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies on agricultural lands in Alaska.

• NRCS Alaska is making up to $479,250 available for CIG grants this year with an application deadline of May 22, 2023. 

• Applications must be submitted online via grants.gov under funding announcement number USDA-NRCS-AK-CIG-23-NOFO0001272

• View the Funding Announcement on grants.gov

• Watch the 2023 CIG Applicant Webinar (35:04) hosted Tuesday, April 4, 2023 by NRCS Alaska with more information about the CIG program.

National Competition - A CIG funding notice is announced each year. Funds for single- or multi-year projects, not to exceed three years, are awarded through a nationwide competitive grants process. Projects may be watershed-based, regional, multi-state or nationwide in scope. The natural resource concerns eligible for funding through CIG are identified in the funding announcement and may change annually to focus on new and emerging, high-priority natural resource concerns.

• FY23 National CIG Proposals due Oct. 30, 2023
   
• View Funding Announcement on grants.gov 

On-Farm Trials National Competition - Up to $25 million annually is available for On Farm Trials, which support more widespread adoption of innovative approaches, practices and systems on working lands. On-Farm Trials projects feature collaboration between NRCS and partners to implement on-the-ground conservation activities and then evaluate their impact. Incentive payments are provided to producers to offset the risk of implementing innovative approaches. 

• FY22 On-Farm Trials Proposals due Oct. 30, 2023
   
• View Funding Announcement on grants.gov