The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Wisconsin announced today, up to $500,000 in funding is available for eligible individuals, local and state government, non-governmental organizations and tribes through the NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. Project proposals are due May 7, 2021.

In conjunction with agricultural production, CIG is intended to support the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Projects must be within Wisconsin and may be area based or state-wide in scope.

The CIG proposal must involve Environmental Quality Incentive Program (EQIP) eligible producers and should demonstrate the use of innovative technologies or approaches to address a natural resource concern. These resource concerns must fit into one of the following categories: Conservation Planning, Manure Management Systems or Soil Health Management Systems.

Projects may be between one and three years in duration. The maximum award amount for a single award in 2021 is $500,000 and the minimum award amount is $50,000. Applicants must match the USDA funds awarded on a dollar-for-dollar basis from non-Federal sources with cash and in-kind contributions.

Wisconsin CIG grant application materials are available on Grants.gov at: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=331988   

Complete application packets must be received by 10:59 p.m., Central Daylight Time (CDT) on May 7, 2021 through www.grants.gov 

Applicants may direct their questions regarding the process to NRCS Resource Conservationist Ryan Gerlich at 608-662-4422 ext 227 or by e-mail ryan.gerlich@usda.gov.