Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NRCS MT 08 01
Apply for USDA NRCS MT 08 01
- The Montana State Office in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Montana NRCS 2008 Conservation Innovation Grants" 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 Feb 26, 2008 and posted on Feb 26, 2008.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Apr 16, 2008. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The funding agency has allocated a total of $500,000.00 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 8 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) Small businesses For profit organizations other than small businesses Private institutions of higher education County governments Special district governments Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Individuals Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education City or township governments State governments.
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Opportunity Summary:
The Montana NRCS 2008 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number USDA NRCS MT 08 01) is a discretionary grant program run through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Montana State Office. Its main goal is to speed up the real-world development and adoption of innovative conservation tools, systems, and approaches that improve environmental outcomes while still supporting agricultural production. The emphasis is on practical conservation innovation that can be used on the ground and then spread more broadly, either by being incorporated into NRCS technical manuals and guidance or by being adopted through the private sector.
A core point of this program is that it is not a research grant. Projects should not be framed as basic or exploratory research, but rather as efforts that build on approaches or technologies that have already been studied enough to show a strong likelihood of success. In other words, NRCS is looking for ideas that are ready to move from proof-of-concept into implementation, testing under field conditions, and wider transfer to producers and conservation practitioners. Supported work commonly includes pilot projects and field demonstrations that show how a conservation practice, management system, or market-based approach can function in real operating conditions and then be replicated elsewhere.
The program anticipated making about 8 awards with an estimated total funding pool of $500,000. Individual awards could be as high as $75,000, with no stated minimum award amount (award floor listed as $0). A cost-sharing or matching requirement applies, meaning applicants should expect to contribute non-federal resources or partner support consistent with program rules. The assistance listing is tied to CFDA 10.912, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which signals the broader conservation funding context NRCS is operating within.
Eligibility is broad and includes federally recognized Native American tribal governments, state governments, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education), small businesses, other for-profit organizations, and individuals. This wide eligibility range suggests NRCS expected proposals from many types of partners, including producer groups, local governments, universities, nonprofits, and private entities capable of delivering field-based demonstrations and scaling strategies.
Applications were to be submitted by April 16, 2008 (posted February 26, 2008), and the opportunity was archived October 1, 2008. The review process described is multi-step: complete applications are first evaluated by a technical peer review panel and scored using the stated proposal evaluation criteria from the announcement. Scored proposals are then forwarded to a Grant Review Board, which makes recommendations to the State Conservationist. Final selection decisions are made by the State Conservationist, making this a competitive process with both technical scoring and leadership-level selection.
For applicant support and questions, the announcement lists a technical and an administrative contact. The Technical Contact is Erik Suffridge (406 587 6849, erik.suffridge@mt.usda.gov), and the Administrative Contact is Marsha Harris (406 587 6859, marsha.harris@mt.usda.gov). The notice also notes that if someone had trouble accessing the full announcement electronically, they could contact Marsha Harris (Contracting Officer) at the same phone number and email for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Montana NRCS 2008 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)
What is the Montana NRCS 2008 Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) opportunity?
It is a discretionary grant program offered through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Montana State Office. The opportunity is identified as Funding Opportunity Number USDA NRCS MT 08 01.
What is the main purpose of this grant program?
The purpose is to speed up real-world development and adoption of innovative conservation tools, systems, and approaches that improve environmental outcomes while still supporting agricultural production. The program emphasizes practical innovation that can be used on the ground and then expanded more broadly.
What kinds of outcomes is NRCS trying to achieve through these grants?
The program focuses on improving environmental outcomes in ways that remain compatible with agricultural production. It also prioritizes conservation innovations that can spread beyond a single project site, either through incorporation into NRCS technical manuals and guidance or through adoption in the private sector.
Is this opportunity intended to fund research projects?
No. The announcement specifically emphasizes that this is not a research grant. Proposals should not be framed as basic or exploratory research.
If it is not a research grant, what type of work is it looking for?
NRCS is looking for ideas that are ready to move from proof-of-concept into implementation. This includes testing under field conditions and approaches designed for wider transfer to producers and conservation practitioners. Supported work commonly includes pilot projects and field demonstrations that show how a practice, management system, or market-based approach works in real operating conditions and can be replicated elsewhere.
What does "ready for implementation" mean in the context of this opportunity?
Based on the description, it means the approach or technology should have already been studied enough to show a strong likelihood of success, and the project should focus on practical, field-based implementation and demonstration rather than early-stage exploration.
How many awards were anticipated, and what was the total estimated funding?
The program anticipated making about 8 awards, with an estimated total funding pool of $500,000.
What is the maximum award amount for a single project?
Individual awards could be as high as $75,000.
Is there a minimum award amount?
No minimum award amount is stated. The award floor is listed as $0.
Is there a cost-share or matching requirement?
Yes. A cost-sharing or matching requirement applies, meaning applicants should expect to contribute non-federal resources or partner support consistent with program rules.
Which assistance listing (CFDA) is associated with this opportunity?
The assistance listing tied to this opportunity is CFDA 10.912, Environmental Quality Incentives Program.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes:
- Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
- State governments
- County governments
- City or township governments
- Special district governments
- Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education
- Private institutions of higher education
- Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education)
- Small businesses
- Other for-profit organizations
- Individuals
Does the opportunity encourage partnerships or a variety of applicant types?
Yes. The wide eligibility range suggests NRCS expected proposals from many types of partners, including producer groups, local governments, universities, nonprofits, and private entities capable of delivering field-based demonstrations and scaling strategies.
When was the application deadline?
Applications were to be submitted by April 16, 2008.
When was the opportunity posted?
The opportunity was posted on February 26, 2008.
Is this funding opportunity still active?
No. The opportunity was archived on October 1, 2008.
How are applications reviewed and selected?
The review process is described as multi-step. Complete applications are first evaluated by a technical peer review panel and scored using the proposal evaluation criteria from the announcement. Scored proposals are then forwarded to a Grant Review Board, which makes recommendations to the State Conservationist. Final selection decisions are made by the State Conservationist.
Is the award process competitive?
Yes. The description indicates a competitive process involving technical scoring and final selection decisions made by the State Conservationist.
Who is the technical contact for program questions?
The Technical Contact listed is Erik Suffridge. Phone: 406 587 6849. Email: erik.suffridge@mt.usda.gov.
Who is the administrative contact for application or administrative questions?
The Administrative Contact listed is Marsha Harris. Phone: 406 587 6859. Email: marsha.harris@mt.usda.gov.
What should someone do if they have trouble accessing the full announcement electronically?
The notice states that applicants could contact Marsha Harris (Contracting Officer) for assistance using the same phone number and email provided in the announcement: 406 587 6859 and marsha.harris@mt.usda.gov.
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