NSAC's Blog
Deadline for FY2012 CIG Pre-Proposals due January 31
January 4, 2012
On Wednesday, January 4, USDA issued a press release to remind program applicants that the deadline to submit a pre-proposal for a fiscal year (FY) 2012 Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) is January 31.
You can download the FY 2012 CIG Announcement of Program Funding from USDA’s CIG webpage. Those who are interested in proposing a CIG project can apply electronically via http://www.grants.gov.
According to the press release, FY 2012 CIG projects will “focus on nutrient management, energy conservation, soil health, wildlife and CIG projects assessment.”
NRCS will prioritize project that demonstrate:
- Optimal combinations of nutrient source, application rate, placement and timing that improve nutrient recovery by crops.
- Procedures for refining the usefulness of the phosphorous index in reducing phosphorous losses.
- Suites of conservation practices that protect water quality.
- Renewable energy systems that reduce the use of fossil fuels and increase energy efficiency on farms.
- The impacts of cover crops, crop rotations, tillage and other conservation practices on soil health.
- Conservation practices that increase the water-holding capacity of soils.
- Decision tools that help producers assess their operations and conservation needs in order to improve wildlife habitat.
- The technology transfer potential of completed CIG projects.
While individuals can apply for a CIG, applicants are typically non-governmental organizations, State or local governments, or federally recognized Indian Tribes. Projects “must encompass the development and assessment, evaluation and implementation of either of the following: conservation adoption approaches or incentive systems, including market-based systems; or promising conservation technologies, practices, systems, procedures or activities.”
Program Background
The CIG program is administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) as a subprogram within the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
According to USDA, CIG “is a voluntary program intended to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production.” These projects help to transfer technology to address critical resource concerns. Grantees must match 50 percent of the funds provided by the CIG award.
For examples of past projects, including NSAC’s own CIG project, and more information about the program, you can read our earlier blog post on last year’s round of CIG awards.
Categories: Conservation, Energy & Environment, Grants and Programs
We aren’t a match for the above grant but hope you can suggest some funding matches. Here’s what we are trying to established.
We are a establishing a Native American grass roots residential training farm in Southeast Oklahoma called IN A GOOD WAY. We are a 501 c 3 nonprofit, goal-oriented, transitional farm providing tools to improve the lives of Native Americans returning to society and family after life changing events, such as incarceration, addiction or abuse.
Through an agricultural training program, we will offer a chance for productive work and skill development in a community setting, based on Native American values. As trainees refine and implement their Individualized Training Plan, they move toward an independent, responsible and productive future.
IAGW will focus on job skills training and education, problem solving skills, anger management, and cultural traditions. Our goal is to foster independent success, responsibility and to boost the competence and confidence necessary to integrate successfully back into families and society.
Our training farm program is based on a model showing a person with 5 acres of land, 50 head of goats, 20 chickens, a small vegetable garden and 2 hives of bees can be self sustaining and can support a family of 5.
Our residential farm will be open to Native American men from any state. We will also provide a day program open to our local community. The day program will be open to all men or women.