On June 3, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Pennsylvania announced it is accepting proposals for its Conservation Innovation Grants Programs.  Proposals are due by July 31.

It is anticipated that a total of up to $225,000 will be available to fund multiple one- to three-year projects. Single projects may be eligible to receive $5,000 to $75,000 in funding.

CIG is a voluntary program to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production.

Proposed projects should augment existing NRCS technical tools (planning, assessment/delivery) to better facilitate conservation on farms.

CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches to agricultural producers, into NRCS technical manuals and guides, or to the private sector.

CIG generally funds pilot projects, field demonstrations, and innovative ways to transfer conservation methods from one geographic area or ag sector to another.

Priorities

In 2024, Pennsylvania NRCS is prioritizing proposals that address the following on-farm resource concerns: Carbon Sequestration; Legacy Sediment; Soil Health; Water Quality; Urban Farming; and Non-Industrial Private Forestland.

Applicants are encouraged to explore the complete announcement to better match their proposals to these needs.

To read the announcement and submit a proposal, go to GRANTS.gov for Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-PA-CIG-24-NOFO0001398.

The announcement gives you the available categories and explains how to apply.

 Funds will be awarded through a statewide competitive grants process. All non-Federal entities (NFE) and individuals, with the exception of Federal agencies, are eligible to apply.

The entire project must be carried out in Pennsylvania.

Contact Ashley Lenig at or call 717-237-2204 or ashley.lenig@usda.gov  for additional information or to apply.

Visit the Natural Resources Conservation Service - Pennsylvania webpage for more information on landowners assistance programs.

Other Available Federal Funding

-- Lancaster Farming: PA Dairies Get $25 Million Boost for Climate-Smart Practices; Penn State Seeking 100 Farms To Receive Assistance

-- USDA: Application Period Now Open For Wetland Reserve Enhancement Program Funding  [PaEN]

-- USDA Accepting Applications For Wetlands Mitigation Bank Projects

-- WESA: USDA Unveils $145 Million Rural Energy For America Program To Boost Renewable Energy In Rural Areas

[Posted: June 3, 2024]

6/10/2024