New York Conservation Innovation Grants FY11 | Apply Online

New York Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) FY11 - FAQs

What is the New York Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) FY11 opportunity?

The New York Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) FY11 opportunity is a competitive grant program offered through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in New York. It is intended to encourage new and improved conservation practices by stimulating the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies.

What is the main purpose of this grant program?

The main purpose is to support innovation that improves natural resource outcomes, particularly in agricultural and related landscapes. The program focuses on practical conservation approaches that can be tested, demonstrated, and moved toward adoption.

Is this a competitive grant or a formula/entitlement program?

This is a discretionary, competitive grant opportunity. Applications are expected to be evaluated against criteria described in the full announcement.

Which agency is offering this funding?

The program is offered through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in New York.

Is this opportunity tied to any specific CFDA program?

Yes. It is tied to CFDA 10.912, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Proposals are expected to align with on-the-ground conservation priorities supported by NRCS.

How much total funding was anticipated for the New York FY11 competition?

NRCS anticipated approximately $250,000 in total funding for this New York-specific competition for FY 2011.

What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?

The award ceiling for this opportunity is $75,000.

Is there a minimum award amount (award floor)?

No minimum award amount is stated. The award floor is listed as $0.

What type of award is made under this opportunity?

Awards are made as grants.

How long can funded projects run?

Funded projects are expected to run between 1 and 3 years.

What kinds of projects does the 1-to-3-year timeframe suggest NRCS is looking for?

The stated timeframe suggests NRCS is interested in projects that can move from concept to testing, demonstration, and early adoption within a relatively short period, rather than open-ended research.

Are projects required to be located in New York State?

Yes. Projects must be located entirely within the State of New York.

Is there a cost-share or matching requirement?

Yes. A cost-sharing or matching requirement applies, so applicants should be prepared to contribute non-federal resources. The notice indicates this can include cash and/or eligible in-kind support, depending on program rules.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes individuals as well as many organizations and governments. Eligible applicants include state governments, county governments, city or township governments, federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations (including 501(c)(3) nonprofits and certain nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education in that latter category).

Are individuals eligible to apply?

Yes. Individuals are listed as eligible applicants.

Are tribal governments and tribal organizations eligible?

Yes. Federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations are included in the eligibility list.

Are universities and higher education institutions eligible?

Yes. Public and state-controlled institutions of higher education are eligible under the stated eligibility categories.

Are nonprofits eligible? Do they need to be 501(c)(3) organizations?

Nonprofits are eligible, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits and certain nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status (with the noted exception that institutions of higher education are excluded from that specific latter category).

Are small businesses eligible to apply?

Yes. Small businesses are included as eligible applicants.

What kinds of partners does NRCS appear to want to attract through broad eligibility?

The broad eligibility is designed to attract a mix of partners such as producers, conservation districts, local governments, universities, and nonprofit conservation groups that can pilot and demonstrate innovative conservation practices.

How are proposals typically evaluated in a competitive CIG opportunity?

Based on the notice, proposals would typically be evaluated using criteria set out in the full announcement. Example criteria mentioned include the level of innovation, expected conservation benefits, feasibility, transferability to other producers or sites, and how clearly the project plan and budget support the proposed outcomes.

What dates were associated with this FY11 opportunity?

The posted and creation date was April 8, 2011. The application deadline (original and current closing date) was April 29, 2011. The opportunity was archived on May 29, 2011.

When was the application due?

The application deadline was April 29, 2011.

Is this opportunity still open?

No. The listing indicates the opportunity was archived on May 29, 2011.

Who was the contact person for questions about the announcement?

Questions or requests for help accessing the full announcement were directed to Kimberley A. Glenn, Management Program Analyst.

What phone number was provided for the program contact?

The phone number listed for the contact was 315-477-6518.

What should applicants keep in mind about alignment with NRCS priorities?

Because the opportunity is tied to EQIP (CFDA 10.912), proposals are expected to align with practical, on-the-ground conservation priorities that NRCS supports, particularly in agricultural and related landscapes.