Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a competitive program that supports the development of new tools, approaches, practices, and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands.
Tracking Cattle with GPS in Alaska
On remote rangelands off-the-grid, Alaska ranchers field test new technologies to track cattle movements using GPS data.
CIG accelerates technology development and transfer, and the adoption of promising technologies and approaches to address some of the nation’s most pressing natural resource concerns; projects often result in production and operational benefits as well. NRCS identifies successful projects for potential integration of technologies and approaches into NRCS’ toolkit of conservation practices.Through creative problem solving and innovation, CIG partners work to address our nation's water quality, air quality, soil health and wildlife habitat challenges, all while improving agricultural operations.
There are three annual Conservation Innovation Grants funding opportunities:
- CIG Classic
- CIG On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials
- State CIG Classic
CIG applications are accepted from state or local governments, federally recognized American Indian tribes, non-governmental organizations and individuals in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands areas.
Conservation approaches or technologies must be sufficiently studied to indicate a likelihood of success to be considered likely candidates for technology transfer. CIG funds innovative on-the-ground conservation projects, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. Proposed projects must conform to the description of innovative conservation projects or activities published in the funding notice. For example, technologies and approaches commonly used in the geographic area covered by the application, and which are eligible for EQIP funding, are not eligible for funding through CIG.
At least 50 percent of the total project cost must come from non-federal matching funds (cash and in-kind contributions) provided by the grantee. The grantee is also responsible for providing the technical assistance required to successfully complete the project. NRCS will provide technical oversight for each project receiving an award.
Proposed projects must involve EQIP-eligible producers. CIG funds provided directly or indirectly to producers are counted toward a producer’s EQIP payment limitation.
This is a national competition for projects that support the early-stage development and piloting of new tools, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands.
This is a national competition for projects that support more widespread adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation approaches in partnership with agricultural producers. On-Farm Trials Awardees provide technical assistance and incentive payments to producers to help compensate for risks associated with implementation of new conservation practices, systems and approaches. Awardees also evaluate the environmental, financial and social (to the extent possible) impacts of implementing innovative approaches. The Soil Health Demo Trial is a priority within the On-Farm Trials competition which focuses exclusively on implementation of conservation practices and systems that improve soil health.
This is a state-level competition for projects that support early-stage development and piloting of new tools, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands. While the overall goal and approach match those of CIG Classic, CIG state competitions fund projects that target state-identified conservation priorities. NRCS state offices may elect to administer their own CIG competitions. State CIG competitions are announced separately from national competitions.
- Currently there is no available funding opportunity for Alaska state-level CIG
Alaska CIG Spotlight
In 2022, NRCS awarded a Conservation Innovation Grant to Calypso Farm and Ecology Center in Fairbanks, Alaska for the Building Soils and Community Across Alaska project. The project was a collaborative soil health project, led by a team of farmers from eight communities across Alaska. The project focused on finding solutions to the challenge of building soil fertility in a way that is economically feasible, effective, environmentally sound and uniquely suited to each location.
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