INNOVATION GRANTS (CIG) CLASSIC PROGRAM
🏛 Natural Resources Conservation Service
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Jul 16, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for non-Federal entities and individuals developing innovative conservation technologies and approaches for agriculture. Applicants must be US-based and cannot be foreign organizations, foreign public entities, or partnerships. Single entities may apply; partners must serve as subrecipients. Projects should result in conservation technologies, management systems, or innovative approaches transferable to agricultural producers.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
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Program description
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:
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
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- SF-424 (OMB Standard Form for Federal Applications)
- Project Narrative/Proposal
- Budget and Budget Narrative
- Letters of commitment or support from implementation partners
- Proof of cost-share commitment
Program contact
- 👤 Jeffrey Jacobs Grants Management Specialist
- 📧 jeffrey.jacobs@usda.gov
- 📞 2027201222
Funding track record
No recent recipient data available for CFDA 10.942 in our database.
This can happen for newer programs, programs that use non-standard award types (loans, direct payments, fellowships), or those funded through sub-agencies under different codes.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 10.942). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $15,062,667 | |
| 2025 | $2,203,593 | |
| 2026 est. | $15,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for CIG Classic?
Non-Federal US entities and individuals can apply. Foreign organizations, foreign public entities, and partnerships are ineligible. A single entity must submit the application.
What is the application deadline?
July 27, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time via Grants.gov. Award selections are expected by Q4 2026.
What types of projects does CIG fund?
Projects developing innovative conservation technologies, management systems, or market-based approaches for agricultural producers. Funding should support transfer of these innovations through manuals, guides, and practical instruction.
What is the typical award range?
Awards typically range from $250,000 to $2,000,000. Cost sharing is required.
What documents are typically required?
Expect to submit SF-424, project narrative, budget, budget narrative, and letters of support from potential end-users or implementation partners.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Clearly identify the agricultural problem your innovation solves and show market demand for the solution. Use data and letters from potential adopters.
- Plan concrete technology transfer activities like manuals, workshops, or demonstration sites with timeline and measurable outcomes.
- Budget realistically for multi-year project execution; overestimating capacity is a common pitfall.
- Demonstrate cost-sharing commitment through letters of commitment from partners or documented in-kind contributions.
- Start early and attend the June 18, 2026 webinar to clarify program expectations and competitive priorities.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Lack of clear innovation description or failure to explain how it differs from existing practices. Missing evidence that agricultural producers actually want and will adopt the technology. Weak or undefined technology transfer strategy that doesn't specify how knowledge will reach end-users.
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