Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2023 – Ohio

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary

NRCS is announcing the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) State Program funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted from eligible entities (Section C) for projects carried out in the state of Ohio. A total of up to $300,000 is available for the Ohio CIG competition in FY 2023. All non-federal entities (NFE) and individuals are invited to apply, with the sole exception of federal agencies. Projects may be between one and three years in duration. The maximum award amount for a single award in FY 2023 is $150,000. 

For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Completing all steps required to start an application can take a significant amount of time, plan accordingly.

Key Dates

Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 19, 2023. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. 

A webinar for CIG applicants is scheduled for Friday March 31, 2023 at 2 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Information on how to participate in the webinar will be posted to the Ohio State CIG website. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Ohio State CIG website to learn more about the CIG program. 

The agency anticipates making selections by June 15, 2023 and expects to execute awards by September 30, 2023. These dates are estimates and are subject to change. 

Miscellaneous

• Individuals
• Unrestricted

Nonprofit

• Other Native American tribal organizations
• Nonprofits non-higher education without 501(c)(3)
• Nonprofits non-higher education with 501(c)(3)

Government

• Public and Indian housing authorities
• County governments
• State governments
• Special district governments
• Federally recognized Native American tribal governments
• City or township governments

Education

• Private institutions of higher education
• Public and state institutions of higher education
• Independent school districts

Business

• Small businesses
• For-profit organizations other than small businesses