Montana State Office

Description

The purpose of Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) program is 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. CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) into NRCS technical manuals or guides, or to the private sector. CIG does not fund research projects. Instead, it is a vehicle to stimulate the development and adoption of conservation approaches or technologies that have been studied sufficiently to indicate a likelihood of success and that are candidates for eventual technology transfer. CIG funds projects targeting innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. Complete applications will be evaluated by a technical peer review panel and scored based on the Criteria for Proposal Evaluation identified in this document. Scored applications will be forwarded to a Grant Review Board. The Grant Review Board will make recommendations for project approval to the State Conservationist. Final award selections will be made by the State Conservationist. The Technical Contact: is Erik Suffridge, Office: 406-587-6849, email erik.suffridge@mt.usda.gov. The Administrative Contact is Marsha Harris, Office: 406-587-6859, email: marsha.harris@mt.usda.gov.

Who can apply

• State governments
• County governments
• City or township governments
• Special district governments
• Public and State controlled institutions of higher education
• Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized)
• Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status (other than higher education)
• Private institutions of higher education
• Individuals
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses
• Small businesses

Contact

Marsha Harris <br/>Contracting Officer <br/>Phone 406-587-6859
marsha.harris@mt.usda.gov