Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NRCS IA CCG 16 01
Apply for USDA NRCS IA CCG 16 01
- The USDA-NRCS-UTSO in the agriculture, environment, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Iowa Conservation Collaboration Grants Fiscal Year 2016" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.902, 10.903, 10.912, 10.924, 10.931.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 23, 2016 and posted on Mar 23, 2016.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jun 01, 2016. (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 $150,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 15 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Iowa Conservation Collaboration Grants (Fiscal Year 2016) opportunity was offered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to fund collaborative conservation projects in Iowa that strengthen local leadership and make NRCS and partner efforts go further. The program is designed to help communities and partner organizations tackle priority natural resource challenges by combining NRCS expertise with additional non-federal capacity, relationships, and on-the-ground implementation. Funding was offered through grants and cooperative agreements, with the overall intent of building durable, locally led conservation momentum rather than funding isolated, one-off activities.
The core conservation outcomes NRCS wanted to advance through this opportunity centered on five main goals: improving soil health on cropland, improving both the environmental and economic performance of grasslands, expanding or improving habitat for wildlife species identified as concerns in the Iowa Wildlife Action Plan, reducing agriculture-related greenhouse gas emissions on a net basis, and supporting implementation of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. In practical terms, this frames projects around measurable improvements in working lands conservation, including practices and approaches that reduce nutrient losses, improve resilience and productivity, and deliver broader environmental benefits such as wildlife habitat and climate-related outcomes.
Within those broad goals, NRCS stated clear preferences for projects that strengthen long-term capacity in Iowa. Emphasis was placed on proposals that build the technical capacity of NRCS and partner field conservation staff (for example, training, tools, demonstration efforts, or other support that improves the ability of conservation professionals to deliver effective assistance). Another priority was building the ability of local watershed groups to design and implement effective watershed-scale projects, which typically includes coordination, planning, outreach to landowners, and implementation support. A third major emphasis was on leveraging non-federal and non-government resources, meaning applicants were expected to bring additional partners, funding, services, or in-kind contributions to amplify outcomes rather than relying solely on federal dollars.
Eligible applicants were organizations based in Iowa or with substantial operations in the state, including federally recognized Tribal governments, state and local units of government (including counties, cities/townships, and special districts), nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and public or private institutions of higher education. Projects could be structured as single-year or multi-year efforts, but the total project period could not exceed three years. This structure supported both shorter pilot efforts and longer projects that require time to build partnerships, plan effectively, and demonstrate results.
From an administrative standpoint, proposals were to be submitted under the funding opportunity number USDA NRCS IA CCG 16 01, and they were subject to an initial screening for completeness and compliance. Applications that were incomplete or did not meet the notice requirements were removed from consideration and the applicant would be notified. Proposals that passed screening were evaluated using the program's stated evaluation criteria (referenced as being in section V.B of the instructions). After evaluation, proposals were forwarded to the NRCS State Conservationist in Iowa, who made the final funding selections, reflecting NRCS's intent to keep final decisions aligned with state conservation priorities and on-the-ground needs.
Key funding details included an award ceiling of $150,000, with an expectation of around 15 awards. The opportunity was categorized under Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources, and it referenced multiple CFDA program numbers (10.902, 10.903, 10.912, 10.924, 10.931), indicating that awards could be aligned with several NRCS assistance authorities depending on the specific project scope. The opportunity opened and was posted on March 23, 2016, with a closing deadline of June 1, 2016.
FAQs - Iowa Conservation Collaboration Grants (Fiscal Year 2016)
What is the Iowa Conservation Collaboration Grants (FY 2016) opportunity?
The Iowa Conservation Collaboration Grants (Fiscal Year 2016) opportunity was a USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) funding opportunity to support collaborative conservation projects in Iowa. It aimed to strengthen local leadership and help NRCS and partners achieve more by combining NRCS expertise with additional non-federal capacity, relationships, and on-the-ground implementation.
What was the overall purpose of this program?
The overall purpose was to build durable, locally led conservation momentum in Iowa rather than funding isolated, one-off activities. Projects were expected to tackle priority natural resource challenges through collaboration and long-term capacity building.
What types of funding mechanisms were used?
Funding was offered through grants and cooperative agreements.
What were the main conservation goals NRCS wanted projects to advance?
NRCS identified five primary outcomes for projects funded under this opportunity:
- Improve soil health on cropland.
- Improve both the environmental and economic performance of grasslands.
- Expand or improve habitat for wildlife species identified as concerns in the Iowa Wildlife Action Plan.
- Reduce agriculture-related greenhouse gas emissions on a net basis.
- Support implementation of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.
How did NRCS describe the kind of results it wanted to see?
Projects were framed around measurable improvements in working lands conservation, including approaches that reduce nutrient losses, improve resilience and productivity, and deliver broader environmental benefits such as wildlife habitat and climate-related outcomes.
Did NRCS state any preferences or priorities for proposals?
Yes. NRCS stated clear preferences for projects that strengthen long-term conservation capacity in Iowa, including building technical capacity among NRCS and partner field staff, strengthening local watershed group capacity, and leveraging non-federal and non-government resources.
What did NRCS mean by building the technical capacity of field conservation staff?
NRCS emphasized proposals that help strengthen the ability of NRCS and partner conservation professionals to deliver effective assistance. Examples mentioned included training, tools, demonstration efforts, or other support that improves technical delivery capacity.
Why were watershed groups specifically emphasized?
NRCS prioritized building the ability of local watershed groups to design and implement watershed-scale projects. This typically includes coordination, planning, outreach to landowners, and implementation support.
What did NRCS mean by leveraging non-federal and non-government resources?
Applicants were expected to bring additional partners, funding, services, or in-kind contributions to amplify outcomes rather than relying solely on federal dollars.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants included organizations based in Iowa or with substantial operations in Iowa, specifically:
- Federally recognized Tribal governments
- State and local units of government (including counties, cities/townships, and special districts)
- Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status
- Public or private institutions of higher education
Did applicants need to be located in Iowa?
Applicants needed to be based in Iowa or have substantial operations in the state.
How long could a project last?
Projects could be structured as single-year or multi-year efforts, but the total project period could not exceed three years.
Why did NRCS allow up to three years for a project?
This structure was intended to support both shorter pilot efforts and longer projects that require time to build partnerships, plan effectively, and demonstrate results.
What was the funding opportunity number for this program?
The funding opportunity number was USDA NRCS IA CCG 16 01.
When did the opportunity open and when did it close?
The opportunity was posted/opened on March 23, 2016, and the closing deadline was June 1, 2016.
What happened during the initial application screening?
Applications were initially screened for completeness and compliance. Applications that were incomplete or did not meet the notice requirements were removed from consideration, and the applicant would be notified.
How were applications evaluated after passing the initial screening?
Applications that passed the screening were evaluated using the program's stated evaluation criteria referenced as being in section V.B of the instructions.
Who made the final funding selections?
After evaluation, proposals were forwarded to the NRCS State Conservationist in Iowa, who made the final funding selections to keep decisions aligned with Iowa conservation priorities and on-the-ground needs.
What was the maximum award amount?
The award ceiling was $150,000.
How many awards did NRCS expect to make?
NRCS expected to make around 15 awards.
What category was this opportunity listed under?
The opportunity was categorized under Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources.
Which CFDA program numbers were referenced for this opportunity?
The opportunity referenced multiple CFDA program numbers: 10.902, 10.903, 10.912, 10.924, and 10.931. This indicated that awards could be aligned with several NRCS assistance authorities depending on the project scope.
Was the program focused on isolated activities or long-term outcomes?
The stated intent was to build durable, locally led conservation momentum, emphasizing collaboration and long-term capacity rather than one-off, isolated activities.
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| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Maine Conservation Innovation Grant Apply for USDA NRCS ME CIG 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS ME CIG 16 01 Agency: USDA-NRCS Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| OH Conservation Innovation Grant Apply for USDA NRCS OH CIG 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS OH CIG 16 01 Agency: USDA-NRCS Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Vermont Conservation Innovation Grants Apply for USDA NRCS VT CIG 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS VT CIG 16 01 Agency: USDA-NRCS Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Idaho Conservation Innovation Grants Apply for USDA NRCS ID CIG 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS ID CIG 16 01 Agency: USDA-NRCS Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| New Mexico Conservation Innovation Grants Apply for USDA NRCS NM CIG 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NM CIG 16 01 Agency: USDA-NRCS Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| New Hampshire Conservation Innovation Grants Apply for USDA NRCS NH CIG 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NH CIG 16 01 Agency: USDA-NRCS Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Caribbean Area Conservation Innovation Grants Apply for USDA NRCS CARIBBEAN CIG 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS CARIBBEAN CIG 16 01 Agency: USDA-NRCS Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Connecticut Conservation Innovation Grants Apply for USDA NRCS CT CIG 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS CT CIG 16 01 Agency: USDA-NRCS Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Alabama CTA-EQIP Outreach Services Apply for USDA NRCS AL CTA EQIP 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS AL CTA EQIP 16 01 Agency: USDA-NRCS Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| South Carolina Conservation Innovation Grants Apply for USDA NRCS SC CIG 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS SC CIG 16 01 Agency: USDA-NRCS Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Iowa Conservation Innovation Grants Fiscal Year 2016 Apply for USDA NRCS IA CIG 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS IA CIG 16 01 Agency: USDA-NRCS-UTSO Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Virginia Conservation Innovation Grants Apply for USDA NRCS VA CIG 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS VA CIG 16 01 Agency: USDA-NRCS Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Rhode Island Conservation Innovation Grants Apply for USDA NRCS RI CIG 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS RI CIG 16 01 Agency: USDA-NRCS Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| South Dakota Conservation Innovation Grants Apply for USDA NRCS SD CIG 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS SD CIG 16 01 Agency: USDA-NRCS Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Agriculture and Food Research Initiative: Water for Agriculture Challenge Area Apply for USDA NIFA AFRI 005822 Funding Number: USDA NIFA AFRI 005822 Agency: USDA-NIFA Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Arkansas CIG Announcement for FY2016 Apply for USDA NRCS AR CIG 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS AR CIG 16 01 Agency: USDA-NRCS Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Illinois Monarch Butterfly Habitat Improvement Fiscal Year 2016 Apply for USDA NRCS IL ACEP 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS IL ACEP 16 01 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $750,000 |
| 2017 National Conservation Innovation Grants APF Apply for USDA NRCS NHQ CIG 17 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NHQ CIG 17 01 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Maine - Conservation Innovation Grant Apply for USDA NRCS ME 17 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS ME 17 01 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Ohio Conservation Innovation Grant Apply for USDA NRCS OH CIG 17 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS OH CIG 17 01 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
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