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South Dakota Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) - FAQs

What is the South Dakota Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program?

The South Dakota CIG program is a competitive grant opportunity run by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in South Dakota. It is designed to accelerate the development and real-world adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies that improve environmental outcomes while supporting agricultural production.

What is the main goal of this grant opportunity?

The main goal is to speed up adoption of innovative conservation practices by funding projects that apply, demonstrate, and scale proven (or emerging and promising) conservation approaches so they are more widely adopted by producers and other land managers.

What types of projects is NRCS looking to fund?

NRCS is looking for practical, field-focused, on-the-ground conservation work. Examples include pilot projects and field demonstrations that show how an approach works under real operating conditions, what it costs, what barriers exist, and what it takes to implement at scale.

Is traditional research eligible for funding?

Traditional research is generally not supported. The one exception described is on-farm conservation research, which must be designed to answer a specific conservation question using a statistically valid approach and must be conducted using farm-scale equipment on actual farm fields.

What qualifies as on-farm conservation research under this program?

On-farm conservation research is narrowly defined as research that (1) answers a specific conservation question, (2) uses a statistically valid approach that includes an appropriate number of replications and statistical analysis, and (3) is carried out using farm-scale equipment on actual farm fields. The research must be directly tied to stimulating innovative natural resource management alongside agricultural production.

Does the program prioritize adoption and scaling over early-stage development?

Yes. The emphasis is on taking conservation practices that are already proven or are emerging and promising, then using funding to apply, demonstrate, and scale them so they move into broader use.

What is a key expectation for successful projects?

A key expectation is that successful projects help move new conservation technologies, management systems, or innovative approaches (including market-based tools) into NRCS technical manuals and guidance, or otherwise position them for broader adoption in the private sector.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad. Eligible entities include federally recognized Native American tribal governments; state and local governments (including counties, cities/townships, and special districts); public and private institutions of higher education; nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; individuals; and small businesses.

Do applicants need to be based in South Dakota?

The opportunity describes eligibility as including a range of applicants based in or applying from South Dakota.

Are multi-year projects allowed?

Yes. NRCS will accept proposals for either single-year or multi-year projects.

What is the maximum project period?

Project periods cannot exceed three years.

How competitive is the application process?

The process is competitive and includes multiple review steps, including an initial screening for completeness and compliance, a technical peer review, and additional review by NRCS leadership in South Dakota.

What happens during the initial screening?

Proposals are screened for completeness and compliance with the solicitation requirements. Submissions that are incomplete or that do not follow the rules are removed from consideration and applicants are notified.

How are proposals evaluated after the initial screening?

Proposals that pass the initial screening are evaluated by a technical peer review panel using the evaluation criteria described in the program instructions (referenced as Section V.B. in the notice).

Who makes the final funding decision?

After technical review, proposals and reviewer input are forwarded to the NRCS South Dakota Review Board, which makes recommendations to the NRCS State Conservationist. The State Conservationist makes the final funding selections.

What is the funding opportunity number for this grant?

The funding opportunity number is USDA NRCS SD CIG 16 01.

What is the CFDA number for this program?

This opportunity is listed under CFDA 10.912.

How is this grant categorized?

It is described as a discretionary grant categorized under agriculture, environment, and natural resources.

What is the maximum award amount (ceiling)?

The maximum award amount (ceiling) listed is $75,000.

How many awards are expected?

The posting indicates an expectation of up to 50 awards.

What is the application closing date?

The original and current closing date listed is June 17, 2016.

When was this opportunity posted?

The opportunity was created and posted on May 4, 2016.

What kinds of outcomes should a strong project demonstrate?

Based on the program description, strong projects should demonstrate how an innovative conservation approach works in real operating conditions, clarify costs, identify barriers to implementation, and show what is needed for broader, scalable adoption by producers and other land managers.

Are market-based tools eligible as part of an innovative approach?

Yes. The program description specifically includes innovative approaches such as market-based tools among the types of innovations that could be advanced toward broader adoption.

Does the program focus on environmental benefits as well as agricultural production?

Yes. The stated purpose is to improve environmental outcomes while supporting agricultural production.