At a Glance:
Conservation Innovation
May 2008
Grants
Overview
Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)
stimulate the development and adoption of
innovative conservation approaches and
technologies while leveraging Federal
investment in environmental enhancement and
protection in conjunction with agricultural
production. Under this competitive grant
program, Environmental Quality Incentives
Program (EQIP) funds are awarded to non-
Federal or Tribal governments, non-
governmental organizations, or individuals.
Through CIG, the Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS) works with
other public and private entities to accelerate
technology transfer and the adoption of
promising approaches to address some of the
Nation's most pressing natural resource
concerns. CIG benefits agricultural producers
by providing more options for environmental
enhancement and compliance with Federal,
State, and local regulations.
The national component of the CIG
competition generally seeks projects that will
benefit a large geographic area (watershed,
region, multi-State, or nationwide). An
Announcement of Program Funding is issued
annually for the specific natural resource
concerns eligible for these grants. State-level
competitions may also be offered.
Selected applicants may receive grants of up to
50 percent of the total project cost and must
provide matching non-Federal fund for at least
50 percent of the project cost, of which no
more than one-half (25 percent of the total
project cost) may come from in-kind
contributions.
Up to 10 percent of CIG funds each year may
be set aside for applications from beginning,
limited resource, or socially disadvantaged
farmers or ranchers; Tribes; or community-
based organizations comprised of or
representing these entities. Matching funds for
grants to any of these individuals or entities
may consist of up to 75 percent in-kind
contributions.
Legislative Changes