California Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Announced: Deadline May 3, 2005

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.

The Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC), represented by the California NRCS State Conservationist, must receive applications for participation by 3 p.m., Pacific Standard Time (PST), on Tuesday, May 3, 2005.

They may be mailed or delivered to:
Ray Miller
Contract Specialist
USDA NRCS
430 G St. #4164
Davis, CA 95616-4164

Funds will be awarded through a statewide competitive grants process. CIG will emphasize projects that have a goal of providing benefits over a large geographic area and meet program objectives.

These projects may be watershed-based, regional, or statewide in scope. State, tribal, and local governmental entities, non-governmental organizations, and individuals may apply. Selection will be based on the criteria established in this notice, and selected applicants may receive grants of up to 50 percent of the total project cost. Applicants must provide non-Federal funding for at least 50 percent of the project cost. Up to 50 percent (25 percent of the total project cost) of the applicant’s match may be from in-kind contributions. The remainder must be cash.

For more information and grant applications, see the CIG Web site.