How to Apply to RCPP

How to Submit a Proposal

Step 1: Partners interested in submitting a proposal must obtain level 2 eAuthentication permissions. This process can be lengthy and is solely a partner responsibility. Partners are strongly encouraged to begin the eAuth process as soon as possible to minimize the possibility of the eAuth process creating a roadblock to RCPP proposal submission. Details on how to apply for eAuth permissions are in the RCPP Partner Proposal Guide.

Step 2: Partners must request access to the  RCPP portal. This process typically takes a few business days. During this process NRCS must verify a users’ eAuth permissions and during high volume periods it may take over a week.

Step 3: At least 4 weeks prior to the application deadline, and before starting an application in the RCPP portal, eligible entities interested in applying to RCPP are advised to request a meeting with the appropriate NRCS State RCPP coordinator(s). Partners are responsible for ensuring the above steps are completed early enough to meet the deadline for submitting an RCPP proposal. Most steps involve actions outside of NRCS and cannot be expedited.

Proposed projects must generate conservation benefits by addressing specific natural resource objectives in a State/multistate area or address one or more primary resource concerns within an NRCS-designated critical conservation area (CCA).

Updates to the RCPP Proposal Process In FY2023

The RCPP proposal process has been streamlined by the following updates to the NRCS Programs Portal:

• Removed the requirement for document uploads per contribution deliverable.
• Consolidated the activity types for entering partner contributions.
• Eliminated several fields from the contribution and NRCS funding request forms. 

Additional Information

Proposed projects must generate conservation benefits by addressing specific natural resource objectives in a State/multistate area or address one or more primary resource concerns within an NRCS-designated critical conservation area (CCA).

Applications are accepted from all 50 States, the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands), and U.S. territories in the Pacific Island Areas (Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).

At least four weeks prior to the application deadline, and before starting an application in the RCPP portal or grants.gov, eligible entities interested in applying to RCPP are advised to request a meeting with the appropriate NRCS State RCPP coordinator(s).

For questions about timelines, the application process, and program requirements please e-mail your State RCPP coordinator (PDF) or the National RCPP Team.