At a glance
The Conservation Innovation Grants Classic Program funds innovative conservation approaches and technologies for agricultural production in the United States, including pilot projects, field demonstrations, and on-farm conservation research. Eligible applicants are all non-Federal entities and individuals based in the United States, except foreign organizations, foreign public entities, and U.S. Federal Government entities; applications must come from a single entity. The agency expects about 18 to 22 awards of $250,000 to $2,000,000 each, with about $15 million available in total. A 50% non-federal cost share is required, and projects must involve EQIP-eligible producers or community colleges with demonstrations on community college lands. There are no state-specific geographic limits, but projects must benefit a region of a state or region of the United States, and unmanned aircraft systems are an unallowable expense.
What it funds
Official description from grants.gov
The CIG program stimulates the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production. CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) to agricultural producers through the development of technical manuals, guides, and for practical instruction for the private sector. Applications will be accepted from all non-Federal entities and individuals based in the United States (see Section B Eligibility). Application deadline: Submit via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on July 27, 2026. A webinar for CIG Classic applicants is scheduled for June 18, 2026 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Information on how to participate in the Microsoft Teams webinar can be obtained through the following link and phone number: https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/397aeb03-fb5b-4d7b-803d-6753acad2a03@ed5b36e7-01ee-4ebc-867e-e03cfa0d4697 Email questions on this webinar to nrcscig@usda.gov. Applicants are encouraged to visit the CIG website to learn more about the CIG program. The agency anticipates making selections by 4th quarter of calendar year 2026 and expects to execute awards by 4th quarter of calendar year 2026. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.
Who can apply
- Unrestricted