Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NRCS WI CIG 23 NOFO0001270
The Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Wisconsin State Program is a competitive grant opportunity run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Its main purpose is to spur the development, testing, and broader adoption of innovative conservation practices, approaches, and technologies that benefit agriculture and natural resources. This is the Wisconsin-focused state competition, meaning proposed projects must be carried out in Wisconsin and should align with conservation outcomes that NRCS is trying to accelerate through innovation rather than routine practice.
For fiscal year 2023, NRCS is making up to $500,000 total available through this Wisconsin CIG competition, and it expects to make around three awards. Individual awards can range from an estimated minimum (floor) of $50,000 up to a maximum (ceiling) of $500,000 in federal share. The floor and ceiling refer to the total federal amount for the full agreement, not a per-year amount. Projects can run from one to three years, giving applicants flexibility to propose shorter pilots or multi-year demonstrations and adoption efforts.
Eligibility is broadly open. NRCS invites applications from non-federal entities and individuals, with federal agencies being the only category explicitly excluded. The opportunity is listed as a discretionary grant within the Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources funding activity areas, and it is associated with CFDA number 10.912. The official opportunity listing includes the title "Conservation Innovation Grants Wisconsin State Program" and the funding opportunity number "USDA NRCS WI CIG 23 NOFO0001270."
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov. The deadline is May 5, 2023 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. Because Grants.gov registration and setup can take time, especially for first-time applicants, NRCS flags that applicants should start early and review the instructions in the notice (particularly the section covering submission steps). If a technical problem comes up on Grants.gov, applicants are directed to Grants.gov Applicant Support (1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov). NRCS staff cannot help troubleshoot Grants.gov accounts or platform issues, so that support channel is important.
For questions about the notice itself, applicants are told to contact the federal awarding agency point of contact listed in the notice (section G). However, NRCS narrows the scope of questions it will answer: they will only address questions tied to specific content in the NFO (for example, confirming dates, pointing to page numbers, or clarifying apparent inconsistencies). They will not provide feedback on whether an applicant is eligible in a particular situation or weigh in on the strength or merit of a proposal before submission. Applicants are also encouraged to consult the Wisconsin State CIG website for additional program context and state-specific information.
NRCS anticipates making selection decisions by June 30, 2023 and expects to execute awards by September 30, 2023, though both dates are estimates and could change. Finally, because this funding is classified as federal financial assistance, NRCS recommends the publicly available "Grants 101" training hosted through CFO.gov. The training covers the major building blocks of managing federal assistance, including relevant laws and guidance, financial assistance mechanisms, Uniform Guidance administrative requirements, cost principles, and risk management and single audit considerations.Apply for USDA NRCS WI CIG 23 NOFO0001270
- The Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service in the agriculture, environment, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Conservation Innovation Grants Wisconsin State Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.912.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 06, 2023.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 05, 2023. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Wisconsin State Program?
The Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Wisconsin State Program is a competitive grant opportunity run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). It is designed to spur the development, testing, and broader adoption of innovative conservation practices, approaches, and technologies that benefit agriculture and natural resources.
Is this a national CIG competition or a Wisconsin-specific opportunity?
This is the Wisconsin-focused state competition. Proposed projects must be carried out in Wisconsin and should align with conservation outcomes NRCS is trying to accelerate through innovation rather than routine practice.
What is the main purpose of this grant program?
The program aims to encourage innovation in conservation by supporting projects that develop, test, demonstrate, and help drive broader adoption of new or improved conservation practices, approaches, and technologies that support agriculture and natural resources.
How much total funding is available through this Wisconsin CIG competition?
For fiscal year 2023, NRCS is making up to $500,000 total available through the Wisconsin CIG competition.
How many awards does NRCS expect to make?
NRCS expects to make around three awards through this competition.
What is the minimum and maximum award size?
Individual awards are expected to range from an estimated minimum (floor) of $50,000 up to a maximum (ceiling) of $500,000 in federal share.
Are the award floor and ceiling per year or for the full project?
The floor and ceiling refer to the total federal amount for the full agreement, not a per-year amount.
How long can projects last under this opportunity?
Projects may run from one to three years, allowing applicants to propose shorter pilot efforts or multi-year demonstrations and adoption-focused projects.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broadly open to non-federal entities and individuals. Federal agencies are explicitly excluded.
Are federal agencies allowed to apply?
No. Federal agencies are the only category explicitly excluded from eligibility.
What type of funding opportunity is this?
This opportunity is listed as a discretionary grant and is associated with the Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources funding activity areas.
What is the CFDA number for this opportunity?
The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 10.912.
What is the official funding opportunity title and number?
The official opportunity title is "Conservation Innovation Grants Wisconsin State Program" and the funding opportunity number is "USDA NRCS WI CIG 23 NOFO0001270."
Where must the project take place?
Proposed projects must be carried out in Wisconsin.
How do applicants submit an application?
Applications must be submitted electronically through Grants.gov.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline is May 5, 2023 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time.
Why does NRCS recommend starting the Grants.gov process early?
NRCS notes that Grants.gov registration and setup can take time, especially for first-time applicants. Applicants are encouraged to start early and follow the instructions in the notice, including the section covering submission steps.
Who can help if there is a technical issue with Grants.gov?
If a technical problem occurs on Grants.gov, applicants should contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. NRCS staff cannot troubleshoot Grants.gov accounts or platform issues.
Can NRCS staff help with Grants.gov account problems or platform troubleshooting?
No. NRCS staff cannot help troubleshoot Grants.gov accounts or platform issues. Applicants are directed to Grants.gov Applicant Support for that type of assistance.
Who should applicants contact with questions about the notice itself?
Applicants should contact the federal awarding agency point of contact listed in the notice (section G) for questions about the notice.
What kinds of questions will NRCS answer about the funding notice?
NRCS will only address questions tied to specific content in the notice of funding opportunity (NFO), such as confirming dates, pointing to page numbers, or clarifying apparent inconsistencies.
Will NRCS tell an applicant whether they are eligible in a specific situation?
No. NRCS states it will not provide feedback on whether an applicant is eligible in a particular situation.
Will NRCS provide feedback on proposal quality or competitiveness before submission?
No. NRCS states it will not weigh in on the strength or merit of a proposal before submission.
Where can applicants find additional Wisconsin-specific CIG information?
Applicants are encouraged to consult the Wisconsin State CIG website for additional program context and state-specific information.
When does NRCS expect to make selection decisions?
NRCS anticipates making selection decisions by June 30, 2023. This date is an estimate and could change.
When does NRCS expect to execute (finalize) awards?
NRCS expects to execute awards by September 30, 2023. This date is an estimate and could change.
Are the selection and award execution dates guaranteed?
No. NRCS describes both the anticipated selection date and award execution date as estimates that could change.
What training does NRCS recommend for understanding federal financial assistance?
Because this funding is classified as federal financial assistance, NRCS recommends the publicly available "Grants 101" training hosted through CFO.gov.
What topics are covered in the recommended "Grants 101" training?
The training covers major building blocks of managing federal assistance, including relevant laws and guidance, financial assistance mechanisms, Uniform Guidance administrative requirements, cost principles, and risk management and single audit considerations.
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| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2023 – Missouri Apply for USDA NRCS MO CIG 23 NOFO0001252 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MO CIG 23 NOFO0001252 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $300,000 |
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| Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Conservation Innovation Grants State Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) Apply for USDA NRCS MA CIG 23 NOFO001259 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MA CIG 23 NOFO001259 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $290,000 |
| Tennessee Natural Resources Conservation Service General Conservation Agreements Apply for USDA NRCS TN MULTI 23 NOFO0001247 Funding Number: USDA NRCS TN MULTI 23 NOFO0001247 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2023 – Vermont Apply for USDA NRCS VT CIG 23 NOFO0001261 Funding Number: USDA NRCS VT CIG 23 NOFO0001261 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Louisiana Conservation Deliver Technical Assistance, FY2023 Apply for USDA NRCS LA 23 NOFO0001241 Funding Number: USDA NRCS LA 23 NOFO0001241 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| AL NRCS Outreach and Education, FY2023 Apply for USDA NRCS AL CTA NOFO0001257 Funding Number: USDA NRCS AL CTA NOFO0001257 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $60,000 |
| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2023 Maine Apply for USDA NRCS ME CIG NOFO0001269 Funding Number: USDA NRCS ME CIG NOFO0001269 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Conservation Innovation Grants State Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) Apply for USDA NRCS OH CIG NOFO0001277 Funding Number: USDA NRCS OH CIG NOFO0001277 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| AL NRCS Technical Assistance FY 2023 Apply for USDA NRCS AL CTA 23 NOFO0001283 Funding Number: USDA NRCS AL CTA 23 NOFO0001283 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Missouri NRCS Partnership Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) Apply for USDA NRCS MO MULTI 23 NOFO0001251 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MO MULTI 23 NOFO0001251 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2023 – Georgia Apply for USDA NRCS GA CIG 23 NOFO0001264 Funding Number: USDA NRCS GA CIG 23 NOFO0001264 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Conservation Innovation Grants Alaska State Program 2023 Apply for USDA NRCS AK CIG 23 NOFO0001272 Funding Number: USDA NRCS AK CIG 23 NOFO0001272 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $479,250 |
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| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2023 – Montana Apply for USDA NRCS MT CIG 23 NOFO0001266 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MT CIG 23 NOFO0001266 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Vermont NRCS FY23 Conservation Solutions Through Strategic Partnerships Announcement for Funding Apply for USDA NRCS VT CSC 23 NOFO0001288 Funding Number: USDA NRCS VT CSC 23 NOFO0001288 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Maine Natural Resources Conservation Service General Agreements for Technical Assistance Apply for USDA NRCS ME CTA 23 NOFO0001292 Funding Number: USDA NRCS ME CTA 23 NOFO0001292 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Conservation Innovation Grants Pennsylvania State Program Apply for USDA NRCS PA CIG 23 NOFO0001289 Funding Number: USDA NRCS PA CIG 23 NOFO0001289 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| NRCS New Jersey Conservation Planning and Data Processing Apply for USDA NRCS NJ CPLAN NOFO0001274 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NJ CPLAN NOFO0001274 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
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