Source:  Press Release, 12/2/10

The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is seeking applications in North Carolina for the Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) program. CIG is a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies that address water and air quality, and promote energy conservation. Grants will be accepted until March 4 2010.  

Under CIG, competitive grants are awarded to non-Federal governmental or non-governmental organizations, Tribes, or individuals. CIG enables NRCS to work with other public and private entities to accelerate technology transfer and adoption of promising technologies and approaches to address some of the Nation's most pressing natural resource concerns. CIG will benefit agricultural producers by providing more options for environmental enhancement and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

There are two separate opportunities to apply for CIG grants. The state administered CIG program awards grants not to exceed $75,000 and not less than $3,000. Funds will be awarded through a statewide competitive grants process. Projects must begin implementation within 12-months of the grant award and must be completed within 36-months of the grant award. The second CIG opportunity is the nationally administered CIG program. Under the national program grants will exceed $2 million.   

Each grant program may be applied to separately. For more information and to apply, please visit our Website at www.nc.nrcs.gov. You may also contact Evelyn Whitesites, NRCS Resource Conservationist, at 919.873.2121 or evelyn.whitesides@nc.usda.gov.