CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS (CIG) CLASSIC PROGRAM
Natural Resources Conservation Service
About This Grant
<p>The CIG program stimulates the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production. CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) to agricultural producers through the development of technical manuals, guides, and for practical instruction for the private sector.</p> <p> </p> <p>Applications will be accepted from all non-Federal entities and individuals based in the United States (see Section B<span style="color: rgb(3, 54, 156);"> </span>Eligibility).<span style="color: black;"> </span></p> <p><br></p> <p>Application deadline: Submit via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on July 27, 2026.</p> <p><em style="color: black;"> </em></p> <p>A webinar for CIG Classic applicants is scheduled for June 18, 2026 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Information on how to participate in the Microsoft Teams webinar can be obtained through the following link and phone number:</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/397aeb03-fb5b-4d7b-803d-6753acad2a03@ed5b36e7-01ee-4ebc-867e-e03cfa0d4697" target="_blank"><strong>https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/397aeb03-fb5b-4d7b-803d-6753acad2a03@ed5b36e7-01ee-4ebc-867e-e03cfa0d4697</strong></a></p> <p> </p> <p>Email questions on this webinar to nrcscig@usda.gov. Applicants are encouraged to visit the <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs-initiatives/cig-conservation-innovation-grants" target="_blank">CIG website</a><span style="color: rgb(3, 54, 156);"> </span>to learn more about the CIG program.</p> <p><br></p> <p>The agency anticipates making selections by 4th quarter of calendar year 2026<span style="color: black;"> </span>and expects to execute awards by 4th quarter of calendar year 2026.<em> </em>These dates are estimates and are subject to change.<em> </em></p>
Grant Summary
CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS (CIG) CLASSIC PROGRAM is a Natural Resources Conservation Service grant providing $250K to $2M for nonprofit, small business, university. Applications are due 2026-07-27 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
Focus Areas
Eligibility
- This opportunity is open to all non-Foreign applicants, except US Federal Government Entities.The following applicants are considered ineligible:• Foreign organizations and foreign public entities, and• “Partnerships” or other similar groupings (i.e., application must be submitted by a single entity; a partner may serve as a subrecipient).
How to Apply
$250K–$2M
2026-07-27
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS (CIG) CLASSIC PROGRAM from Natural Resources Conservation Service, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to Natural Resources Conservation Service before the deadline.
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CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS (CIG) CLASSIC PROGRAM: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS (CIG) CLASSIC PROGRAM?
CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS (CIG) CLASSIC PROGRAM is offered by Natural Resources Conservation Service and is generally open to nonprofit, small business, university, municipality, tribal government, healthcare org, school district. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS (CIG) CLASSIC PROGRAM provide?
CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS (CIG) CLASSIC PROGRAM provides between $250K and $2M per award from Natural Resources Conservation Service. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS (CIG) CLASSIC PROGRAM deadline?
Applications for CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS (CIG) CLASSIC PROGRAM are due 2026-07-27 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS (CIG) CLASSIC PROGRAM?
To apply for CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS (CIG) CLASSIC PROGRAM, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from Natural Resources Conservation Service.
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