Missouri CIG State Announcement

Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production. Under CIG, Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds are used to award competitive grants to non-Federal governmental or non-governmental organizations, Tribes, or individuals. CIG funds pilot projects and conservation field trials that can last from one to three years. Grants for approved projects cannot exceed 50 percent of the total project cost. The federal contribution for the Missouri NRCS component can not exceed $75,000 for any single project. At least 50 percent of the total cost of the project must come from non-Federal matching funds (cash and in-kind contributions) provided by the grantee. While NRCS will provide technical oversight for each project receiving an award, the grantee is responsible for providing the technical assistance required to successfully complete the project. Missouri NRCS is currently seeking applications for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies within the State of Missouri. NRCS anticipates a total of $750,000 for all anticipated projects will be available for support of this program in FY 2009. Approximately 10-15 grants will be awarded through a statewide competitive grants process. No Grant will exceed $75,000. There are two CIG categories available in FY 2009: Natural Resource Concerns Category and a Technology Category. Applications are requested from eligible governmental or non-governmental organizations or individuals for competitive consideration of grant awards for projects between 1 and 3 years in duration. This notice identifies the objectives for CIG projects, the eligibility criteria for projects, and provides the associated instructions needed to apply to CIG.