Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NRCS MESO 15 1
Apply for USDA NRCS MESO 15 1
- The NRCS Maine State Office in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Conservation Innovation Grants Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Announcement for Program Funding Maine" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.912 Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 4, 2015 and posted on Mar 4, 2015.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 8, 2015. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $200,000.00 to eligible and selected applicants.
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $75,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 3 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Private institutions of higher education Individuals City or township governments Public and State controlled institutions of higher education County governments For profit organizations other than small businesses Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Independent school districts Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education State governments Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Small businesses Special district governments.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) FY 2015 funding opportunity for Maine, offered through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Maine State Office, was a discretionary grant program designed to push practical, innovative conservation work forward in real agricultural settings. The core goal was to speed up the development and, more importantly, the adoption of conservation approaches and technologies that improve environmental quality while still supporting productive farming. In plain terms, the program aimed to take conservation ideas that already show promise and help move them into broader use, so they can have measurable impact on the ground.
A central theme of this announcement was leveraging federal investment by pairing it with partner capacity, local knowledge, and real farm implementation. Projects were expected to do more than test an idea in isolation; they were intended to demonstrate or apply proven or emerging strategies in ways that encourage wider adoption and scaling. NRCS emphasized outcomes that support technology transfer, meaning successful practices, management systems, or market-based approaches should be positioned to move into NRCS technical manuals and guidance (so they can be recommended and replicated through standard conservation programs) or into the private sector where they can continue beyond the life of the grant. The program also stressed collaboration and knowledge-sharing across communities, governments, educational institutions, and other organizations, with the idea that conservation innovations should not stay locked within a single group but instead be accessible to a broader set of producers and land managers.
The types of activities CIG intended to fund were on-the-ground conservation innovations, especially pilot projects and field demonstrations. This is an important distinction because the announcement explicitly noted that CIG is not a research grant program in the traditional sense. Standard academic or laboratory research was generally not supported. The main exception was on-farm conservation research, which NRCS defined very specifically: it had to be a structured investigation aimed at answering a specific conservation question using a statistically valid design, with appropriate replication and statistical analysis, and it needed to use farm-scale equipment on actual farm fields. Even then, NRCS indicated it would only fund research through CIG when it clearly stimulated innovative natural resource management approaches tied directly to agricultural production.
From a funding standpoint, the Maine FY 2015 opportunity anticipated making about three awards with an estimated total funding amount of $200,000. Individual awards could range from a minimum (floor) of $1,000 up to a maximum (ceiling) of $75,000. The program also required cost sharing or matching, meaning grant recipients were expected to contribute non-federal resources toward the project costs, which aligns with the program’s emphasis on leveraging federal funds and ensuring commitment from project partners.
Eligibility was broad, allowing a wide range of organizations and entities to apply. Eligible applicants included individuals, private and public institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and certain non-501(c)(3) nonprofits), for-profit organizations other than small businesses as well as small businesses, and multiple levels of government such as city or township governments, county governments, special district governments, and state governments. The eligibility list also included public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, independent school districts, and Native American tribal organizations and governments, including federally recognized tribal governments. This wide eligibility structure reflected the program’s intent to encourage cross-sector partnerships and practical conservation innovation across different community settings.
Key administrative details included the funding opportunity number USDA NRCS MESO 15 1 and an activity category of Agriculture. The CFDA number listed was 10.912, tied to the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), which is consistent with CIG’s role as a mechanism for advancing conservation practices connected to working lands. The opportunity was posted on March 4, 2015, and the application deadline was May 8, 2015, with the archive date noted as June 7, 2015.
For applicants needing support accessing the full announcement, the listed contact was Beth Chapman, Contracting Officer at the NRCS Maine State Office, reachable by phone at 207-990-9584 or by email at Beth.Chapman@me.usda.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) opportunity for Maine (FY 2015)?
The Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) FY 2015 opportunity for Maine was a discretionary grant program offered through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Maine State Office. It was designed to advance practical, innovative conservation work in real agricultural settings, with an emphasis on moving promising conservation approaches and technologies into broader, real-world use.
What is the main goal of this grant program?
The core goal was to speed up the development and adoption of conservation approaches and technologies that improve environmental quality while supporting productive agriculture. The program focused on measurable impacts on the ground by helping conservation innovations move beyond early promise and into wider adoption.
What types of projects were expected to be competitive?
Projects were expected to demonstrate or apply proven or emerging conservation strategies in working farm settings in ways that encourage broader adoption and scaling. NRCS emphasized projects that support technology transfer and positioning of successful practices for continued use beyond the grant period.
What does NRCS mean by "leveraging federal investment" in this announcement?
This announcement emphasized pairing federal funding with partner capacity, local knowledge, and real farm implementation. The program required cost sharing/matching and encouraged collaboration so federal funds could be multiplied by non-federal resources and on-the-ground participation.
Is CIG considered a traditional research grant?
No. The announcement explicitly stated that CIG is not a research grant program in the traditional sense. Standard academic or laboratory research was generally not supported under this opportunity.
Is any kind of research allowed under this opportunity?
The primary exception described was on-farm conservation research, but only under specific conditions. It had to be a structured investigation aimed at answering a specific conservation question using a statistically valid design, including appropriate replication and statistical analysis, and it needed to use farm-scale equipment on actual farm fields.
When would NRCS fund research through CIG?
NRCS indicated it would fund research through CIG only when it clearly stimulated innovative natural resource management approaches tied directly to agricultural production, and when it met the on-farm conservation research requirements described in the announcement.
What kinds of activities did CIG intend to fund?
The opportunity emphasized on-the-ground conservation innovations, especially pilot projects and field demonstrations. The intent was to move conservation practices and approaches into real agricultural conditions and support adoption beyond a single project site or organization.
What is meant by "technology transfer" in this program?
Technology transfer, as emphasized in the announcement, meant that successful practices, management systems, or market-based approaches should be positioned to move into NRCS technical manuals and guidance (so they can be recommended and replicated through standard conservation programs) or into the private sector so they can continue after the grant ends.
How many awards were anticipated for Maine in FY 2015?
The announcement anticipated making about three awards in Maine for FY 2015.
What was the estimated total funding available?
The estimated total funding amount described in the announcement was $200,000.
What was the minimum and maximum award size?
Individual awards could range from a minimum (floor) of $1,000 up to a maximum (ceiling) of $75,000.
Was cost sharing or matching required?
Yes. The program required cost sharing or matching, meaning recipients were expected to contribute non-federal resources toward project costs. This requirement aligned with the program focus on leveraging federal funds and ensuring partner commitment.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligibility was broad. Eligible applicants included individuals; private and public institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) and certain non-501(c)(3) nonprofits); for-profit organizations (including small businesses and for-profit organizations other than small businesses); and multiple levels of government and public entities.
Which government entities were listed as eligible applicants?
The eligibility list included city or township governments, county governments, special district governments, and state governments. It also included independent school districts and public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities.
Are Tribal organizations and governments eligible?
Yes. The eligibility list included Native American tribal organizations and governments, including federally recognized tribal governments.
What was the funding opportunity number?
The funding opportunity number listed in the announcement was USDA NRCS MESO 15 1.
What activity category did this opportunity fall under?
The activity category listed was Agriculture.
What CFDA number was associated with this opportunity?
The CFDA number listed was 10.912, tied to the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
When was the opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on March 4, 2015.
What was the application deadline?
The application deadline was May 8, 2015.
When was the archive date for this opportunity?
The archive date noted in the announcement was June 7, 2015.
Who can applicants contact with questions or to access the full announcement?
The listed contact was Beth Chapman, Contracting Officer at the NRCS Maine State Office.
What are the contact details for the opportunity?
Applicants could reach Beth Chapman by phone at 207-990-9584 or by email at Beth.Chapman@me.usda.gov.
What was the overall emphasis on collaboration and knowledge-sharing?
The announcement stressed collaboration and knowledge-sharing across communities, governments, educational institutions, and other organizations. The intent was for conservation innovations to be shared and accessible so they could be replicated and adopted by a broader set of producers and land managers.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Agriculture
Next opportunity: BLM OR/WA Watershed Restoration Coquille Watershed, Coos Bay
Previous opportunity: Leaders for Democracy Fellowship (LDF)
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for USDA NRCS MESO 15 1
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (USDA NRCS MESO 15 1) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Conservation Innovation Grants Iowa Apply for USDA NRCS CIG APF 15 001 Funding Number: USDA NRCS CIG APF 15 001 Agency: USDA NRCS Iowa State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| USAID/Caucasus Improved Productivity of Georgias Hazelnut Industry Addendum to GDA APS OAA 14 000001 Apply for RFA 114 15 000008 Funding Number: RFA 114 15 000008 Agency: Georgia USAID Tbilisi Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative Apply for USDA NIFA ICGP 004960 Funding Number: USDA NIFA ICGP 004960 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Supplemental and Alternative Crops Competitive Grants Program Apply for USDA NIFA OP 004976 Funding Number: USDA NIFA OP 004976 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) Education Grants Apply for USDA NIFA HSI 004977 Funding Number: USDA NIFA HSI 004977 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Children, Youth and Families at Risk Sustainable Communities Projects Apply for USDA NIFA SLBCD 004975 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SLBCD 004975 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2015 Farmers Market Promotion Program Grants Apply for USDA AMS FMPP 2015 Funding Number: USDA AMS FMPP 2015 Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Apply for USDA AMS SCBGP 2015 Funding Number: USDA AMS SCBGP 2015 Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| 2015 Federal State Marketing Improvement Program Apply for USDA AMS FSMIP 2015 Funding Number: USDA AMS FSMIP 2015 Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| 2015 Local Food Promotion Program Grants Apply for USDA AMS LFPP 2015 Funding Number: USDA AMS LFPP 2015 Agency: Agricultural Marketing Service Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program Methyl Bromide Transition Apply for USDA NIFA ICGP 004997 Funding Number: USDA NIFA ICGP 004997 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Alaska Native Serving and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions Education Competitive Grants Program (ANNH) Apply for USDA NIFA AHSI 005015 Funding Number: USDA NIFA AHSI 005015 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $1,500,000 |
| Conservation Innovative Grant Apply for USDA NRCS ID 15 11 Funding Number: USDA NRCS ID 15 11 Agency: Idaho State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Specialty Crop Research Initiative Apply for USDA NIFA SCRI 004959 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SCRI 004959 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Specialty Crop Research Initiative/Citrus Disease Research and Extension Apply for USDA NIFA SCRI 005035 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SCRI 005035 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| AgrAbility Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities Apply for USDA NIFA SLBCD 005058 Funding Number: USDA NIFA SLBCD 005058 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $180,000 |
| Resident Instruction Grants (RIIA) Program for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas Apply for USDA NIFA RIGP 005076 Funding Number: USDA NIFA RIGP 005076 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $125,000 |
| Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Announcement for Program Funding Colorado Apply for USDA NRCS COSO 15 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS COSO 15 01 Agency: Colorado State Office Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Distance Education Grants (DEG) for Institutions of Higher Education in Insular Areas Apply for USDA NIFA RIGP 005075 Funding Number: USDA NIFA RIGP 005075 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $85,000 |
| Rural Health and Safety Education Apply for USDA NIFA RHSE 005057 Funding Number: USDA NIFA RHSE 005057 Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture Category: Agriculture Funding Amount: $350,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "USDA NRCS MESO 15 1", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.