Mississippi Conservation Delivery for Outreach, Education, and Technical Assistance

Background
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is seeking support from natural resource conservation partners to work together to help enhance conservation delivery in the State of Mississippi. The overall intent of this announcement is to solicit partnerships to help enhance the implementation of key conservation objectives and priorities outlined further in this document.

Grant Details
The goals and objectives of this program include using climate-smart management and sound science to enhance the health and productivity of agricultural lands, leading efforts to adapt to the consequences of climate change in agriculture and forestry, restoring, protecting, and conserving watersheds, increasing carbon sequestration, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, protecting agricultural health, building resilient food systems and infrastructure, fostering agricultural innovation, promoting environmental justice, increasing food security, and fostering a culture of civil rights, diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, transparency, and accountability. Conservation partners are invited to apply for NRCS assistance with projects focused on key conservation objectives such as Climate Smart Agriculture, Easement Program Technical Assistance, Conservation Outreach, and Organic and Specialty Workshops. Proposed projects must be performed in the state of Mississippi.

Eligibility Requirements
Proposals will be accepted from eligible entities delivering conservation programs and services in Mississippi for competitive consideration of awards for projects between one (1) and five (5) years in duration. Eligible applicants include city or township governments, county governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education), nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education), private institutions of higher education, public and State-controlled institutions of higher education, small businesses, special district governments, and state governments.

Period of Performance
Projects may be between one (1) and five (5) years in duration with an estimated project start date of September 15, 2024. The agency anticipates making selections by June 15, 2024 and expects to execute awards by September 15, 2024.

Grant Value
NRCS anticipates the amount of funding available for this announcement will be approximately $5,000,000 which may be awarded to multiple recipients. The estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $50,000 and the estimated funding ceiling is $1,000,000.

Place of Performance
Proposed projects must be performed in the State of Mississippi.