South Carolina Urban, Community and Pollinator Garden Projects

Background
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing potential availability of cooperative agreements for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources, addressing healthy food discrepancies and encouraging collaboration between conservation partners to address hunger, health, and local-level beautification through providing technical assistance for the development of demonstration urban, community and pollinator gardens. The program aims to foster agricultural innovation, increase food security, increase capacity, sustainability, and economic vitality in rural and tribal communities, and promote environmental justice by maximizing sustainable and green economic development in urban, rural, and tribal communities.

Grant Details
The South Carolina Urban, Community and Pollinator Garden Projects seeks proposals for competitive consideration for cooperative agreement awards for projects between 1 and 3 years in duration located in the State of South Carolina. The projects should focus on implementing innovative ways to address small scale garden spaces, utilize climate smart practices to protect soil health, develop garden spaces catering to native and specialty crops, engage in the creation of pollinator and beautification projects. The estimated funding floor for this opportunity is $25,000 and the estimated funding ceiling is $100,000. The agency expects to make 10 award(s) with a total expected funding of approximately $500,000. The project start date is estimated to be September 1, 2024.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicant types include city or township governments, county governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), 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, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, small businesses, state governments, special district governments. Neither foreign entities nor individuals are eligible to apply for this opportunity.

Period of Performance
Projects may be between 1 and 3 years in duration. The agency anticipates making selections by June 1, 2024, and expects to execute awards by August 30, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

Grant Value
The Federal funding agency expects to award approximately $500,000 through this opportunity.

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