Conservation innovation grants (CIG) classic program

The Department of Agriculture National Resources Conservation Service is soliciting applications for the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Classic Program to fund innovative conservation approaches and technologies for agricultural producers, with applications due by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on July 27, 2026.

Eligible applicants include all non-Federal entities and individuals based in the United States, excluding U.S. Federal Government entities. Applications must involve Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)-eligible producers or community colleges and cannot include NRCS staff involvement in proposal development. A required 50 percent non-federal cost share applies to all awards.

NRCS anticipates distributing $15 million across 18–22 awards, with individual grants ranging from $250,000 to $2,000,000. Projects will run 1–3 years with an estimated start date of September 2026. The agency expects to make selections and execute awards by the fourth quarter of 2026, though these dates are estimates and subject to change.

Applicants must address one of five priority areas: Farmer-Focused Conservation Outcomes; Water Management (quantity and quality); Soil; Habitat Improvement; or Conserving Ecosystems by Managing Pest Pressure. Administrative focus areas include projects involving community colleges, precision agriculture integration, holistic farm solutions, and agricultural conservation workforce development. Projects must develop technical manuals, guides, and practical instruction to transfer conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches to agricultural producers.

Merit review assesses applications on a 100-point scale: Project Purpose and Proposed Innovation (25 points), Project Approach and Evaluation (30 points), Project Management (20 points), and Benefits and Transferability (25 points). The project narrative is limited to 20 pages. A webinar for applicants is scheduled for June 18, 2026 at 3 p.m. Eastern Time.