Conservation Innovation Grants (NRCS)

USDA's Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) is a competitive program that funds the development of new tools, approaches, practices, and technologies for natural resource conservation on private agricultural lands. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, tribal governments, individuals, nonprofits, and for-profit businesses, with at least 50% of total project costs required from non-federal matching funds. The national program offers approximately $37.5M per year in funding, plus an additional $25M from the Inflation Reduction Act, through both national and state-level competitions. Projects focus on addressing water quality, air quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat challenges while improving agricultural operations.