Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2024
ID: 353380Type: Posted
Overview

Buyer

Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS)

Award Range

$250K - $25M

Eligible Applicants

Small Businesses

Funding Category

Natural Resources

Funding Instrument

Other

Opportunity Category

Discretionary

Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement

Yes

Original Source

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/353380
Timeline
    Description

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) for Fiscal Year 2024, aimed at enhancing conservation efforts on agricultural and nonindustrial private forest lands. This program seeks innovative proposals that address climate-smart agriculture and leverage a total funding pool of $1.5 billion, with maximum awards of $25 million per project. The initiative emphasizes collaboration among eligible partners, including government entities, Indian tribes, and producer associations, to promote equity in agricultural conservation and engage historically underserved producers. Proposals must be submitted by 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time on July 2, 2024, and interested applicants are encouraged to consult with NRCS coordinators and participate in outreach webinars for guidance.

    Point(s) of Contact
    rcpp@usda.gov
    Files
    Title
    Posted
    USDA-NRCS-NHQ-RCPPAFA-24-NOFO0001355_revised.pdf
    The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) for Fiscal Year 2024 is initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to enhance conservation efforts on agricultural and nonindustrial private forest lands. The program aims to leverage a total funding of $1.5 billion from the 2018 Farm Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act, with a focus on projects that employ innovative conservation techniques, especially those addressing climate-smart agriculture. Proposals must be submitted by July 2, 2024, and should detail project impacts, partner contributions, and management strategies. Eligible partners include government entities, Indian tribes, non-profit organizations, and producer associations. The initiative prioritizes projects that engage historically underserved producers and tribes, promoting equity in agricultural conservation. Funding is distributed through competitive selection across two pools: Critical Conservation Areas (CCA) and State/Multi-State projects, with maximum awards of $25 million per project. The AFA framework provides flexibility for partners to pursue innovative approaches not feasible under traditional funding methods, emphasizing collaboration and measurable conservation outcomes. Potential applicants are encouraged to attend webinars for further guidance on proposal submissions and to consult with NRCS coordinators for tailored assistance.
    USDA-NRCS-NHQ-RCPPAFA-24-NOFO0001355.pdf
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