Conservation Innovation Grants State Program - KANSAS
ID: 354678Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS)

Award Range

$20K - $125K

Eligible Applicants

Nonprofits Without 501(c)(3) Status

Funding Category

Natural Resources

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes
Timeline
    Description

    The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for the State of Kansas, aimed at promoting innovative conservation practices and technologies. Eligible applicants, including nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, can apply for funding to support projects that enhance environmental health, manage invasive species, improve soil quality, and promote water conservation, with a focus on historically underserved producers. A total of up to $250,000 is available for the program, with individual awards ranging from $20,000 to $125,000, and applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by September 6, 2024. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Maria Cowles at maria.cowles@usda.gov.

    Point(s) of Contact
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    The document outlines the application package checklist for proposals associated with federal and state/local grants provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). It emphasizes that incomplete proposals will not be considered and details the required components that must be submitted, which include items such as UEI registration, project narratives, budgets, team qualifications, and letters of support. Significantly, the checklist requires applicants to provide information about the project’s goals, geographic location, target audience, and innovation approaches, especially for historically underserved producers. Additionally, a comprehensive budget breakdown is necessary, detailing personnel, fringe benefits, supplies, travel, and indirect costs. The document serves as guidance for potential applicants to ensure adherence to the required format and content for obtaining grants. By presenting a clear structure and requirements, it aims to facilitate successful submissions, encouraging innovative conservation practices aligned with NRCS objectives.
    The document provides instructions for applicants to complete the Applicant Contact(s) Information section required for federal grants and RFPs (Requests for Proposals). It outlines specific fields to be filled out, including the organization or individual applicant's name, project title, and the Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) from SAM.gov. Applicants must designate key contacts for various roles: an Administrative Contact for managing details of the agreement, a Program Contact for daily project oversight, a Program Director for overall project responsibility, and a Signatory Official with legal authority. Additionally, key personnel responsible for crucial project tasks must be listed, ensuring that multiple individuals are identified for internal controls. The document emphasizes the importance of providing accurate information, as any changes in key personnel require prior approval from the agency. Overall, the instruction aims to streamline the application process while ensuring accountability and transparency in project management related to government funding.
    This document serves as a worksheet for the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) agencies, facilitating the documentation of key personnel time allocation across various awards in compliance with 2 CFR 200.430 regulations. It is crucial for federal financial assistance applicants to accurately account for the time that key personnel—individuals with primary responsibilities for project leadership, development, and management—dedicate to multiple funding agreements and contracts. The worksheet requires essential details such as personnel names, funding agency information, agreement numbers, total obligations, performance periods, and the percentage of time committed by each key person. This structured approach aims to ensure transparency and accountability in resource allocation for projects funded through federal and state grants and other assistance programs.
    The Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) State Program for Kansas, administered by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is offering funding opportunities for fiscal year 2025. A total of up to $250,000 is available, with a maximum award of $125,000 per project aimed at promoting innovative conservation practices and technologies. Eligible applicants include non-federal entities and individuals, with a focus on Historically Underserved producers. Projects must be performed in Kansas and can last between one to three years. Key objectives include enhancing environmental health through climate-smart agriculture, invasive species management, improving soil quality, and promoting water conservation. Applicants are required to provide a 50% project cost match, though those applying under the Historically Underserved set-aside may qualify for a 33% match. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by September 6, 2024, and will be assessed on their innovation and potential conservation impact. The project aims to foster collaboration between agricultural producers and conservation efforts, ultimately contributing to sustainable farming practices in Kansas.
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