Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NRCS NHQ CCG 20 GEN0010619
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Collaboration Grants or Agreements opportunity for FY 2020 is a nationwide funding program designed to strengthen conservation outcomes by teaming NRCS with external partners. The overall goal is to leverage NRCS and partner resources to tackle local and strategic natural resource concerns while building conservation leadership at the state and community level, especially in communities connected to historically underserved agricultural producers. Projects can be proposed anywhere in the United States and its covered areas, including all 50 states, Washington, DC, the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and the Pacific Islands Area (Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). NRCS indicated up to $35 million total funding availability for FY 2020 across projects described in the full announcement, with an award ceiling of $2,000,000 per award and an anticipated total of about 35 awards.
A key structural requirement is that proposals must involve outreach work in multiple states. In practice, that means applicants need to design projects that cross state lines rather than focusing on a single-state footprint. In addition, proposals that include on-the-ground work must identify the specific counties in each state where activities will occur. Another major compliance item is coordination with NRCS leadership in each target state: proposals must include a letter of support from each relevant NRCS State Conservationist for every state where work is proposed, and failure to secure these letters may disqualify the application from competition.
The program emphasizes helping farmers and ranchers improve, restore, or maintain natural resources in ways that deliver practical environmental and agricultural benefits. Priority outcomes include improving soil health, improving water quality, providing habitat for local wildlife species of concern, and improving the environmental and economic performance of working agricultural lands. The opportunity also recognizes the role of conservation in community well-being by supporting work that helps communities and groups build and strengthen local food projects that provide healthy food and create economic opportunities.
NRCS is particularly interested in projects that expand technical capacity and extend the reach of Farm Bill conservation programs. This includes building the technical capacity needed to implement Farm Bill conservation programs effectively, strengthening the technical capacity of NRCS and partner field conservation staff, and improving the capacity of local partner organizations to design and carry out effective conservation projects. Proposals that bring significant non-federal and non-government resources to the table are encouraged, since leveraging outside resources is framed as an important way to achieve stronger conservation outcomes.
Applicants must choose one of two funding categories. Category I focuses on outreach and assistance for historically underserved groups. Projects in this category are expected to increase the delivery of conservation assistance to historically underserved farmers and ranchers by combining program outreach with technical help related to natural resource management. A central expectation is that the project will guide participants through the full process of engaging with NRCS programs, including helping them understand how to apply and how to navigate participation requirements. Category II centers on collaboration around strategic natural resource issues, with an emphasis on environmental protection and stewardship through responsible natural resource management and strong partnerships. Eligible activities may include providing technical assistance to producers, transferring technology, and developing tools and information to address resource concerns across soil, water, air, plants, and animals. If the Category II project includes technical assistance to farmers and ranchers, it must also meet the multi-state outreach and county identification requirements, along with the required State Conservationist support letters.
Eligibility is limited to specific types of applicants: Native American tribal governments (federally recognized or non-federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments), nonprofits with IRS 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in that nonprofit category), public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, and individuals. The announcement also highlights the option for applicants to request consideration as historically underserved (including limited resource, beginning, or veteran farmers or ranchers) under the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 definitions. If an applicant is self-certifying as historically underserved, they must state that in the proposal and may later be asked to provide records verifying the claim.
There are also restrictions aimed at avoiding duplication with ongoing NRCS-funded work. Applicants with a current NRCS grant or agreement that ends later than 06/30/2020 are not eligible to submit a new proposal for the same purpose or the same communities. If an organization has an NRCS grant or agreement ending before that date, NRCS expects the applicant to show documented excellent progress on current deliverables and to explain clearly how the new funding would leverage, continue, or expand the existing work if applying again for the same purpose or communities.
The deadline for submission for this cycle was February 7, 2020, at 11:59 pm Eastern Time through Grants.gov. NRCS planned to score proposals as they were received and place eligible proposals onto a ranking list for funding consideration. Funding recommendations were to be made by the NRCS Director of Outreach and Partnership and then forwarded to the NRCS Deputy Management and Strategy for final selection decisions.Apply for USDA NRCS NHQ CCG 20 GEN0010619
- The Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service in the agriculture, environment, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Conservation Collaboration Grants or Agreements Fiscal Year" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.902.
- This funding opportunity was created on Dec 09, 2019.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Feb 07, 2020 Proposals must be received via Grants.gov by 1159 pm Eastern Standard Time on February 07, 2020.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 35 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Individuals.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
FAQs: USDA NRCS Conservation Collaboration Grants or Agreements (FY 2020)
What is this USDA NRCS funding opportunity?
This is a nationwide USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Collaboration Grants or Agreements opportunity for FY 2020. Its purpose is to strengthen conservation outcomes by partnering NRCS with external organizations and individuals to address local and strategic natural resource concerns while building conservation leadership at the state and community level.
What is the overall goal of the program?
The stated goal is to leverage NRCS and partner resources to tackle natural resource concerns and expand conservation leadership, with particular emphasis on communities connected to historically underserved agricultural producers.
Where can projects take place?
Projects may be proposed anywhere in the United States and its covered areas, including:
- All 50 U.S. states
- Washington, DC
- Caribbean Area: Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands
- Pacific Islands Area: Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
How much funding is available?
NRCS indicated up to $35 million in total funding availability for FY 2020 across projects described in the full announcement.
What is the maximum award amount?
The award ceiling is $2,000,000 per award.
How many awards were anticipated?
NRCS anticipated a total of about 35 awards.
Is this opportunity limited to single-state projects?
No. A key structural requirement is that proposals must involve outreach work in multiple states. Applicants need to design projects that cross state lines rather than focusing on a single-state footprint.
If a project includes on-the-ground work, what location details are required?
If the proposal includes on-the-ground work, it must identify the specific counties in each state where activities will occur.
Are letters of support required from NRCS?
Yes. Proposals must include a letter of support from each relevant NRCS State Conservationist for every state where work is proposed. The information provided indicates that failure to secure these letters may disqualify the application from competition.
What conservation outcomes does NRCS prioritize?
Priority outcomes include:
- Improving soil health
- Improving water quality
- Providing habitat for local wildlife species of concern
- Improving the environmental and economic performance of working agricultural lands
Does the opportunity support local food and community-focused projects?
Yes. The program recognizes conservation as part of community well-being and supports work that helps communities and groups build and strengthen local food projects that provide healthy food and create economic opportunities.
What does NRCS mean by expanding technical capacity?
NRCS expresses interest in projects that expand the technical capacity needed to implement Farm Bill conservation programs effectively. This includes strengthening the technical capacity of NRCS and partner field conservation staff and improving the capacity of local partner organizations to design and carry out effective conservation projects.
Are applicants encouraged to bring matching funds or outside resources?
Yes. Proposals that bring significant non-federal and non-government resources are encouraged, since leveraging outside resources is presented as a way to achieve stronger conservation outcomes.
What funding categories are available?
Applicants must choose one of two funding categories:
- Category I: Outreach and assistance for historically underserved groups
- Category II: Collaboration around strategic natural resource issues
What is Category I focused on?
Category I focuses on outreach and assistance for historically underserved groups. Projects are expected to increase delivery of conservation assistance to historically underserved farmers and ranchers by combining outreach with technical help related to natural resource management.
What is the expected participant support in Category I?
A central expectation is that the project will guide participants through the full process of engaging with NRCS programs, including helping them understand how to apply and how to navigate participation requirements.
What is Category II focused on?
Category II centers on collaboration around strategic natural resource issues, emphasizing environmental protection and stewardship through responsible natural resource management and strong partnerships.
What types of activities may fit under Category II?
Eligible activities may include providing technical assistance to producers, transferring technology, and developing tools and information to address resource concerns across soil, water, air, plants, and animals.
Do Category II projects have to meet the multi-state outreach requirement?
If a Category II project includes technical assistance to farmers and ranchers, it must also meet the multi-state outreach requirement and the county identification requirement, and it must include the required State Conservationist support letters for each state where work is proposed.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is limited to the following applicant types:
- Native American tribal governments (federally recognized or non-federally recognized)
- Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments)
- Nonprofits with IRS 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education in that nonprofit category)
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Individuals
Can an applicant request consideration as historically underserved?
Yes. The announcement highlights that applicants may request consideration as historically underserved (including limited resource, beginning, or veteran farmers or ranchers) under Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 definitions.
If self-certifying as historically underserved, what must the applicant do?
If an applicant self-certifies as historically underserved, they must state that in the proposal and may later be asked to provide records verifying the claim.
Are there restrictions related to having an existing NRCS grant or agreement?
Yes. To avoid duplication, applicants with a current NRCS grant or agreement that ends later than 06/30/2020 are not eligible to submit a new proposal for the same purpose or the same communities.
What if an organization has an NRCS grant ending before 06/30/2020?
If an organization has an NRCS grant or agreement ending before 06/30/2020, NRCS expects the applicant to show documented excellent progress on current deliverables and to clearly explain how the new funding would leverage, continue, or expand the existing work if applying again for the same purpose or communities.
When was the application deadline for this cycle?
The deadline for submission for this FY 2020 cycle was February 7, 2020, at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
How were applications submitted?
Applications for this cycle were submitted through Grants.gov.
How did NRCS plan to review and score proposals?
NRCS planned to score proposals as they were received and place eligible proposals onto a ranking list for funding consideration.
Who made the funding recommendations and final decisions?
Funding recommendations were to be made by the NRCS Director of Outreach and Partnership and then forwarded to the NRCS Deputy Management and Strategy for final selection decisions.
What could cause an application to be disqualified based on the requirements listed?
Based on the information provided, potential disqualifiers include not meeting the multi-state outreach requirement, not identifying counties for on-the-ground work, and failing to include letters of support from each relevant NRCS State Conservationist for every state where work is proposed.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources
Next opportunity: Notice of Intent: Pacific Northwest Seismic Network Operations - EHP
Previous opportunity: Migrant and Seasonal Head Start Grantee -- States of Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, Texas, Oklahoma, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for USDA NRCS NHQ CCG 20 GEN0010619
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (USDA NRCS NHQ CCG 20 GEN0010619) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Missouri Funding Opportunity Apply for USDA NRCS MO MULTI 20 GEN0010652 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MO MULTI 20 GEN0010652 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Louisiana Conservation Delivery Technical Assistance, FY20 Apply for USDA NRCS LA MULTI 20 GEN0010696 Funding Number: USDA NRCS LA MULTI 20 GEN0010696 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2020 – OREGON Apply for USDA NRCS CIG 20 GEN0010734 Funding Number: USDA NRCS CIG 20 GEN0010734 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2020 –Maryland Apply for USDA NRCS MD CIG 20 GEN0010726 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MD CIG 20 GEN0010726 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Conservation Collaboration Grants or Agreements Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Announcement for Program Funding – MONTANA, NEBRASKA, NORTH DAKOTA, and SOUTH DAKOTA Apply for USDA NRCS MULTI CCG 20 GEN0010740 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MULTI CCG 20 GEN0010740 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 – OHIO Apply for USDA NRCS OH CIG 20 GEN0010762 Funding Number: USDA NRCS OH CIG 20 GEN0010762 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Pacific Islands Area Conservation Planning and Implementation Support Partnerships Fiscal Year 2020 Announcement for Funding Apply for USDA NRCS MULTI 20 GEN0010737 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MULTI 20 GEN0010737 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Conservation Agreements for Implementing Key Conservation Objectives in Delaware. Apply for USDA NRCS DE MULTI 20 GEN0010703 Funding Number: USDA NRCS DE MULTI 20 GEN0010703 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $350,000 |
| NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2020 – New York Apply for USDA NRCS NY CIG 20 GEN0010792 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NY CIG 20 GEN0010792 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2020 – CONNECTICUT Apply for USDA NRCS CIG CT CIG 20 GEN0010790 Funding Number: USDA NRCS CIG CT CIG 20 GEN0010790 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Iowa Partners for Conservation (IPC) Fiscal Year (FY) Apply for USDA NRCS IA IPC 20 GEN0010749 Funding Number: USDA NRCS IA IPC 20 GEN0010749 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2020 – Missouri Apply for USDA NRCS MO CIG 20 GEN0010780 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MO CIG 20 GEN0010780 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2020 – Pacific Islands Area Apply for USDA NRCS PIA 20 GEN0010774 Funding Number: USDA NRCS PIA 20 GEN0010774 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2020 – Vermont Apply for USDA NRCS VT CIG 20 GEN0010796 Funding Number: USDA NRCS VT CIG 20 GEN0010796 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2020 – Pacific Islands Area Apply for USDA NRCS PIA CIG 20 GEN0010774 Funding Number: USDA NRCS PIA CIG 20 GEN0010774 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2020 – Rhode Island Apply for USDA NRCS RI CIG 20 GEN0010772 Funding Number: USDA NRCS RI CIG 20 GEN0010772 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2020 Massachusetts Apply for USDA NRCS MA CIG 20 GEN0010776 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MA CIG 20 GEN0010776 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Georgia NRCS Technical Services and Projects for Fiscal Year 2020 Apply for USDA NRCS GA MULTI 20 GEN0010692 Funding Number: USDA NRCS GA MULTI 20 GEN0010692 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $600,000 |
| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2020 –Georgia Apply for USDA NRCS GA CIG 20 NOFO0001005 Funding Number: USDA NRCS GA CIG 20 NOFO0001005 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| NRCS' Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2020 - KANSAS Apply for USDA NRCS KS CIG 20 NOFO0001006 Funding Number: USDA NRCS KS CIG 20 NOFO0001006 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "USDA NRCS NHQ CCG 20 GEN0010619", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.