Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NRCS MA CIG 22 NOFO0001154
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) opportunity for Massachusetts (FY 2022) is a competitive grant program meant to spark new, practical conservation ideas and speed up their real-world adoption. The central goal is to support projects that develop and test innovative approaches or technologies that improve conservation outcomes in agriculture and natural resource settings. This particular announcement is limited to projects carried out in the state of Massachusetts, with NRCS making up to a total of $200,000 available through the Massachusetts state competition for FY 2022.
Eligibility is broad. NRCS invites applications from non-federal entities and from individuals, with one clear exclusion: federal agencies cannot apply. The program is structured to support time-limited projects rather than open-ended efforts, with project periods allowed to run from one to three years. The funding range reflects both smaller pilot efforts and more robust demonstration projects. The estimated federal funding floor (minimum federal share per award) is $40,000, and the estimated federal funding ceiling (maximum federal share per award) is $200,000. In other words, awards are expected to land somewhere within that band, and the stated ceiling also represents the maximum amount NRCS will provide for any single award under this FY 2022 Massachusetts competition.
The application process runs through Grants.gov, and applicants were required to submit complete applications by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 13, 2022. The notice emphasizes that Grants.gov account setup and submission can take time, especially for new users, and it directs first-time applicants to consult the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO), particularly the section that outlines the steps needed before submitting through Grants.gov. For technical submission problems, applicants are told to work directly with Grants.gov Applicant Support (phone and email are provided), since NRCS program staff do not provide troubleshooting support for Grants.gov accounts or system issues.
NRCS also sets expectations about communications during the competition. Questions are supposed to be limited to clarifying information already in the NFO (for example, confirming dates, pointing to page numbers, or resolving inconsistencies). The agency indicates it will not respond to questions about whether an applicant is eligible in a specific situation or whether a particular project concept is strong, competitive, or advisable. This is meant to keep the process fair and ensure all applicants rely on the same published guidance rather than informal feedback.
In terms of timeline after submission, NRCS anticipated making selections by June 20, 2022, and expected to execute awards by September 15, 2022 (the notice presents these as estimates that could change). The opportunity listing also notes an expectation of around four awards, which aligns with the total state allocation and the maximum award size, though the exact number could vary depending on the final award amounts.
Finally, the announcement underscores that this funding is federal financial assistance and encourages applicants, especially those less familiar with federal grants management, to take the free "Grants 101" training hosted at cfo.gov. The training covers the major building blocks of federal assistance compliance, including the legal/regulatory framework, types of assistance mechanisms, Uniform Guidance administrative requirements, cost principles, and risk management and single audit concepts. This is a practical hint that award recipients will be expected to follow standard federal grants rules and documentation practices, and that NRCS views basic grants management readiness as important for successful project administration.
Key identifiers from the posting include the title "Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS' Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2022 - Massachusetts," the opportunity number "USDA NRCS MA CIG 22 NOFO0001154," CFDA number 10.912, and the agency as USDA NRCS. The opportunity category is discretionary, the instrument type is a grant, and the activity areas fall under agriculture, environment, and natural resources.Apply for USDA NRCS MA CIG 22 NOFO0001154
- The Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service in the agriculture, environment, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2022 –Massachusetts" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.912.
- This funding opportunity was created on Mar 14, 2022.
- Applicants must submit their applications by May 13, 2022 Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 1159 pm Eastern Time on May 13, 2022.. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $200,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 4 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
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FAQs: USDA NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) - Massachusetts (FY 2022)
What is this grant opportunity?
This is the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) opportunity for Massachusetts for Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2022. It is a competitive grant program intended to spark new, practical conservation ideas and speed up their real-world adoption.
What is the main goal of the Massachusetts CIG competition?
The central goal is to support projects that develop and test innovative approaches or technologies that improve conservation outcomes in agricultural and natural resource settings, and help move those innovations into broader, real-world use.
Is this opportunity limited to Massachusetts?
Yes. This announcement is limited to projects carried out in the state of Massachusetts under the FY 2022 Massachusetts state competition.
How much funding is available through this Massachusetts CIG competition?
NRCS is making up to a total of $200,000 available through the Massachusetts state competition for FY 2022.
What is the expected federal funding range per award?
The estimated federal funding floor (minimum federal share per award) is $40,000, and the estimated federal funding ceiling (maximum federal share per award) is $200,000.
What is the maximum amount NRCS will provide for a single award in this competition?
The stated ceiling for the federal share is $200,000, and that ceiling also represents the maximum NRCS will provide for any single award under this FY 2022 Massachusetts competition.
How many awards does NRCS expect to make?
The opportunity listing notes an expectation of around four awards, though the exact number could vary depending on final award amounts.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad. NRCS invites applications from non-federal entities and from individuals.
Who is not eligible to apply?
Federal agencies cannot apply.
Is this grant intended for ongoing programs or time-limited projects?
The program is structured to support time-limited projects rather than open-ended efforts.
How long can a project last?
Project periods are allowed to run from one to three years.
How do applicants submit an application?
Applications are submitted through Grants.gov.
What was the application deadline for this FY 2022 Massachusetts opportunity?
Applicants were required to submit complete applications by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 13, 2022.
What does NRCS emphasize about Grants.gov submissions?
The notice emphasizes that Grants.gov account setup and submission can take time, especially for new users, and first-time applicants are directed to consult the full Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) for the steps needed before submitting through Grants.gov.
If there is a technical problem submitting through Grants.gov, who provides support?
For technical submission problems, applicants are told to work directly with Grants.gov Applicant Support. NRCS program staff do not provide troubleshooting support for Grants.gov accounts or system issues.
What kinds of questions will NRCS answer during the competition?
NRCS indicates questions should be limited to clarifying information already in the NFO (for example, confirming dates, pointing to page numbers, or resolving inconsistencies).
What kinds of questions will NRCS not answer?
NRCS states it will not respond to questions about whether an applicant is eligible in a specific situation or whether a particular project concept is strong, competitive, or advisable.
Why does NRCS limit questions to clarifications of the NFO?
The notice explains this approach is meant to keep the process fair and ensure all applicants rely on the same published guidance rather than informal feedback.
When did NRCS anticipate making selections?
NRCS anticipated making selections by June 20, 2022. This date is presented as an estimate that could change.
When did NRCS expect to execute awards?
NRCS expected to execute awards by September 15, 2022. This is also presented as an estimate that could change.
What type of funding is this considered?
This funding is federal financial assistance.
Is there any training recommended for applicants or award recipients?
Yes. The announcement encourages applicants, especially those less familiar with federal grants management, to take the free "Grants 101" training hosted at cfo.gov.
What topics does the recommended "Grants 101" training cover?
The training covers the major building blocks of federal assistance compliance, including the legal/regulatory framework, types of assistance mechanisms, Uniform Guidance administrative requirements, cost principles, and risk management and single audit concepts.
What does the inclusion of grants management training suggest about expectations for recipients?
It suggests award recipients will be expected to follow standard federal grants rules and documentation practices, and that NRCS views basic grants management readiness as important for successful project administration.
What is the official title of this funding announcement?
The title listed is "Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS' Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2022 - Massachusetts."
What is the opportunity number for this announcement?
The opportunity number is USDA NRCS MA CIG 22 NOFO0001154.
What is the CFDA number for this program?
The CFDA number listed is 10.912.
Which agency is offering this grant?
The agency is the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS).
What is the opportunity category and funding instrument type?
The opportunity category is discretionary, and the instrument type is a grant.
What activity areas does this opportunity fall under?
The activity areas fall under agriculture, environment, and natural resources.
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Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (USDA NRCS MA CIG 22 NOFO0001154) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Conservation Innovation Grants State Program Apply for USDA NRCS IA CIG 22 NOFO0001153 Funding Number: USDA NRCS IA CIG 22 NOFO0001153 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Georgia NRCS Technical Outreach and Education for Fiscal Year 2022 Apply for USDA NRCS GA MULTI 22 NOFO0001144 Funding Number: USDA NRCS GA MULTI 22 NOFO0001144 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2022 Apply for USDA NRCS TX CIG 22 NOFO0001180 Funding Number: USDA NRCS TX CIG 22 NOFO0001180 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2022 – South Carolina Apply for USDA NRCS SC CIG 22 NOFO0001186 Funding Number: USDA NRCS SC CIG 22 NOFO0001186 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| Mississippi Conservation Delivery Technical Assistance – FY2022 Apply for USDA NRCS MS CONTA 22 NOFO0001196 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MS CONTA 22 NOFO0001196 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Conservation Innovation Grants Maine State Program Apply for USDA NRCS ME CIG 22 NOFO0001177 Funding Number: USDA NRCS ME CIG 22 NOFO0001177 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| AL NRCS Technical Assistance for FY2022 Apply for USDA NRCS AL CTA NOFO0001200 Funding Number: USDA NRCS AL CTA NOFO0001200 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2022 – VIRGINIA Apply for USDA NRCS VA CIG 22 NOFO0001199 Funding Number: USDA NRCS VA CIG 22 NOFO0001199 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $200,000 |
| TN FY2022 Collaborative Outreach and Education Apply for USDA NRCS TN OUTRE 22 NOFO0001169 Funding Number: USDA NRCS TN OUTRE 22 NOFO0001169 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Great Lakes Invasive Species Control Monitoring Project Apply for USDA NRCS IN CTA 22 NOFO0001175 Funding Number: USDA NRCS IN CTA 22 NOFO0001175 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| NRCS Vermont Easement Support (Outreach, Acquisition, Stewardship, and Ecological Monitoring) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2022 Apply for USDA NRCS VT MULTI NOFO0001152 Funding Number: USDA NRCS VT MULTI NOFO0001152 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| NRCS Vermont Easement Support (Restoration and Maintenance) Apply for USDA NRCS VT MULTI 22 NOFO0001163 Funding Number: USDA NRCS VT MULTI 22 NOFO0001163 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $275,000 |
| Kansas – Conservation Collaboration Agreements Apply for USDA NRCS KS MULTI 22 NOFO0001201 Funding Number: USDA NRCS KS MULTI 22 NOFO0001201 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $2,500,000 |
| Conservation Innovation Grants Kansas State Program Apply for USDA NRCS KS CIG 22 NOFO0001202 Funding Number: USDA NRCS KS CIG 22 NOFO0001202 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $125,000 |
| NRCS Vermont Program Assistance Apply for USDA NRCS VT MULTI 22 NOFO0001170 Funding Number: USDA NRCS VT MULTI 22 NOFO0001170 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| NRCS Vermont Conservation Planning Apply for USDA NRCS VT MULTI NOFO0001172 Funding Number: USDA NRCS VT MULTI NOFO0001172 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $800,000 |
| Watershed Assessment for the National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI) in Western Massachusetts Apply for USDA NRCS MA NWQI 22 NOFO0001187 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MA NWQI 22 NOFO0001187 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $50,000 |
| New Mexico Conservation Technical Assistance for Outreach and Education Apply for USDA NRCS NM CTA 22 NOFO0001198 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NM CTA 22 NOFO0001198 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $20,000 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Tennessee NRCS General Conservation Agreements Apply for USDA NRCS TN GEN 22 NOFO0001174 Funding Number: USDA NRCS TN GEN 22 NOFO0001174 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| Conservation Collaboration Cooperative Agreements Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Funding– NEBRASKA Apply for USDA NRCS NE MULTI 22 NOFO0001184 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NE MULTI 22 NOFO0001184 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
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