Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2024 – Vermont
ID: 354841Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS)

Award Range

$10K - $200K

Eligible Applicants

Unrestricted

Funding Category

Natural Resources

Funding Instrument

Grant

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/354841
Timeline
    Description

    The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for the fiscal year 2025, with a total funding availability of up to $1,000,000 for innovative conservation projects in Vermont. Eligible applicants include non-federal entities and individuals, with projects aimed at enhancing conservation practices in areas such as Urban Agriculture, Water Quality, and Soil Health, requiring at least 50% matching funds for project costs. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by September 30, 2024, with selections anticipated by December 31, 2024, and project start dates expected on May 1, 2025. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Neosha Jones at neosha.jones@usda.gov or by phone at 803-881-7020.

    Point(s) of Contact
    neosha.jones@usda.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    CIG VT State NFO USDA-NRCS-VT-CIG-24-NOFO0001406.pdf
    CIG.pdf
    The Vermont Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), is offering funding for innovative conservation projects in FY 2025. A total of up to $1,000,000 is available for projects that can receive a maximum of $200,000 each. The program targets various conservation priorities, including Urban Agriculture, Water Quality, and Soil Health. Eligible applicants include non-federal entities in Vermont, with at least 50% matching funds required for project costs. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by September 30, 2024. The anticipated project start date is May 1, 2025, with selections made by December 31, 2024. The CIG seeks projects that lead to the adoption of conservation technologies and practices that benefit a significant area of agricultural land, aligning with goals such as climate adaptation, water resource conservation, and community engagement. This funding opportunity emphasizes collaboration, innovative solutions, and addressing the needs of historically underserved producers. All projects must comply with federal regulations and demonstrate a high probability of success using proven conservation approaches.
    Similar Opportunities
    Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP)
    Natural Resources Conservation Service
    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (UAIP) Competitive Grants Program, aimed at enhancing urban agriculture and innovative production practices. This program seeks to support planning and implementation activities that foster food access and healthy eating in underserved areas, with eligible applicants including local government entities, tribal organizations, and non-profits. A total funding amount of $2.5 million is available for Fiscal Year 2025, with individual grants ranging from $100,000 to $250,000 for projects lasting two years. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by March 10, 2025, with selections anticipated by July 1, 2025. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Jose A. Berna at jose.berna@usda.gov.
    Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions
    National Institute of Food and Agriculture
    The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is offering the Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic Transitions (ORG) to support U.S. organic agriculture through research and educational initiatives. This program aims to enhance the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers by funding projects that integrate research, education, and extension activities, particularly focusing on soil health, ecosystem services, and climate adaptation. With an estimated total program funding of $7,500,000 and individual awards ranging from $5,000 to $1,000,000, the application deadline is set for March 6, 2025. Interested applicants can direct inquiries to grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov and are encouraged to review the detailed requirements and eligibility criteria outlined in the program's official documentation.
    Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative
    National Institute of Food and Agriculture
    The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is inviting applications for the Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative (OREI), a federal grant program aimed at addressing critical challenges in U.S. organic agriculture through integrated research, education, and extension activities. The initiative seeks to fund projects that enhance the capabilities of organic producers and processors, focusing on sustainable practices and practical research-based information, with an emphasis on projects that utilize certified organic land or land in transition to organic certification. With an estimated total program funding of approximately $44 million, the program anticipates awarding around 23 grants, with funding amounts ranging from $5,000 to $3.5 million. Applications are due by February 13, 2025, and interested parties can direct inquiries to grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov for further assistance.
    Civic Innovation Challenge
    National Science Foundation
    The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering the Civic Innovation Challenge (CIVIC), a federal grant opportunity aimed at fostering civic-engaged research and action to address community challenges across the United States. This initiative encourages partnerships between non-profit organizations, institutions of higher education, and civic partners to develop and pilot innovative solutions over a 12-month period, following an initial six-month planning phase. With an estimated total program funding of $25.6 million, the CIVIC program will award approximately 60 grants, with funding ranging from $75,000 to $1 million, and proposals are due by February 10, 2025. For further inquiries, applicants can reach out to NSF grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.
    Community Wildfire Defense Grant 2024 (FY25) Northeast-Midwest
    Forest Service
    The U.S. Forest Service is offering the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) for Fiscal Year 2025, aimed at supporting at-risk communities and Indian Tribes in mitigating wildfire risks. This grant, funded under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, provides financial assistance for the development and revision of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) and the implementation of associated projects, with a focus on enhancing fire-resilient landscapes and preparing communities for wildfire events. Eligible applicants include local government units, Indian Tribes, non-profit organizations, state forestry agencies, and Alaska Native Corporations, with funding amounts reaching up to $10 million for CWPP-identified projects and $250,000 for CWPP development. Applications must be submitted by February 28, 2025, through the designated portal, and interested parties can contact the CWDG Program Manager at SM.FS.usfscwdg@usda.gov for further information.
    Water Conservation Field Services Program for Fiscal Year 2025
    Bureau of Reclamation
    The Bureau of Reclamation is offering a grant opportunity under the Water Conservation Field Services Program for Fiscal Year 2025, aimed at enhancing water conservation efforts in response to drought conditions in the Western United States. Eligible applicants include states, Indian tribes, irrigation districts, and other organizations with water delivery authority located within the Lower Colorado Basin and associated territories, with a requirement for a 50% cost-share of the total project cost. This initiative is critical for developing water management plans and implementing innovative conservation technologies, reflecting the Department's commitment to sustainable water resource management and climate resilience. Interested parties must submit their applications electronically by February 3, 2025, with a total funding pool of approximately $500,000 available, and individual awards ranging from $1 to $100,000. For further inquiries, applicants can contact Chandrika Nasstrom at cnasstrom@usbr.gov or Diana Blake at dmblake@usbr.gov.
    OIA Coral Reef and Natural Resources Program 2025
    Department of the Interior
    The Department of the Interior is offering a grant opportunity through the Coral Reef and Natural Resources (CRNR) Program for fiscal year 2025, with a total funding pool of $2,625,000 and a maximum award of $300,000 per project. This initiative aims to protect coral reef ecosystems and address ecological threats such as invasive species and climate change, focusing on projects that benefit the island populations of U.S. insular areas, including Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Eligible applicants include non-federal entities such as local government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations, all of which must adhere to federal regulations for financial management and reporting. Interested parties must submit their applications electronically via Grants.gov by March 12, 2025, with award announcements expected by September 30, 2025. For further inquiries, contact Merriam Porter at MerriamPorter@ios.doi.gov.
    Community Wildfire Defense Grant 2024 (FY25) South
    Forest Service
    The USDA Forest Service is offering the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) for Fiscal Year 2025, aimed at assisting at-risk local communities and Indian Tribes in wildfire planning and mitigation efforts. This grant, established under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, prioritizes funding for areas identified as having high wildfire hazards, particularly low-income communities and those impacted by severe disasters. Eligible applicants include local governments, Tribes, non-profits, and state forestry agencies, with funding amounts reaching up to $10 million for project implementation, requiring a 25% cost match, while CWPP development requires a 10% match. Applications are open until February 28, 2025, and interested parties can find more information and register for applicant webinars on the CWDG website or contact the CWDG Program Manager at SM.FS.usfscwdg@usda.gov.
    Community Wildfire Defense Grant 2024 (FY25) Tribes
    Forest Service
    The USDA Forest Service is offering the Community Wildfire Defense Grant (CWDG) for fiscal year 2025, aimed specifically at Indian Tribes and at-risk communities to enhance wildfire risk mitigation efforts. This grant supports the development and revision of Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPP) and the implementation of related projects, with a focus on communities identified as having high wildfire hazard potential, low-income status, or those impacted by severe disasters. The program, authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, has a total estimated funding of $200 million, with individual project awards ranging from $0 to $10 million, and requires a cost-sharing match of 10% for CWPP development and 25% for project implementation. Applications are due by February 28, 2025, and interested parties can find more information and register for applicant webinars at the CWDG homepage or contact the CWDG Program Manager via email at SM.FS.usfscwdg@usda.gov.
    Water, Landscape, and Critical Zone Processes
    National Science Foundation
    The National Science Foundation (NSF) is offering a grant opportunity titled "Water, Landscape, and Critical Zone Processes," aimed at supporting research on the Earth's near-surface environment and its response to change. This program focuses on the intricate interactions among hydrologic, geomorphic, and geochemical processes that influence soil development, water quality, and climate regulation, which are crucial for sustainable natural resource management and hazard mitigation. With an estimated total program funding of $23,850,000 and approximately 80 awards expected, proposals can be submitted at any time, and interested applicants can reach out to NSF grants.gov support at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov for assistance. For more details, please refer to NSF Publication 25-519 available at http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pubsumm.jsp?odskey=nsf25519.