Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)-Classic
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
The purpose of CIG Classic is to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production. CIG projects present innovations that result in the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and inventive approaches to agricultural producers, into technical manuals and guides and for practical use in the private sector.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- U.S. Territory Government
- Interstate Organization
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Tribal Government (other)
- Tribally Designated Housing Authority
- Municipality/Township Government
- County Government
- Local Government Consortium
- Other Special District Government
- Local
- State
- Territorial
- Tribal
- Nonprofit Organization
- Not-for-Profit Organization
- For-Profit Organization
- Farmworker
- Small Business Person
- Land/Property Owner
- Veteran (including dependents)
- Other
All non-foreign, non-Federal entities and individuals based in the United States for projects carried out in the United States. “Based in the United States” includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and the Pacific Islands Area (Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).
Beneficiaries
- Farmer / Rancher / Agriculture Producer
Agricultural producers whose land is involved in the project must be in compliance with highly erodible land and wetland conservation provisions and in compliance with the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) payment limitations.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
The chief of NRCS is the approving official. The approving official will make the final award selections and risk reviews will be conducted before an agreement is finalized.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 120 to 180 days
Program details & compliance
Description
is a competitive federal program supporting the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches, technologies, and systems on private lands. It funds early-stage pilots, field demonstrations, and on-farm research aimed at addressing natural resource concerns like soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat.
Mission Categories
Primary: Agricultural Resource Conservation and Development
Other categories:
Water ConservationLand and Forest ConservationResearch and DevelopmentEarth and Environment
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
CIG Classic Grants should develop and lead to the adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production in the United States.
CIG projects present innovations that are expected to result in the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and inventive approaches to agricultural producers to be used in the private sector.
Required Documentation
Annual notice of funding opportunity is posted to grants.gov detailing required criteria and documentation.
Matching Requirements
The CIG classic requires a non-federal match. This match is usually set to at least 50% of the total award.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements