Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials for fiscal year (FY) 2026

The U.S. Department of Agriculture through its Natural Resources Conservation Service administers the Conservation Innovation Grants On-Farm Conservation Innovation Trials program. This federal initiative operates under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and is designed to accelerate the adoption and evaluation of innovative conservation practices on agricultural lands. The program emphasizes partnerships between eligible entities and agricultural producers to test emerging approaches that have demonstrated potential but have not yet been widely adopted. By funding applied, on-the-ground trials, the agency aims to generate data that can inform future conservation policy, technical standards, and program design. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to stimulate innovation in conservation practices through structured, multi-site trials conducted on working lands. Projects must address at least one priority area, including irrigation management technologies, nutrient management, grazing land management, or soil health demonstration systems. These projects are expected to provide both technical assistance and financial incentives to participating producers, enabling them to implement and evaluate new conservation methods while mitigating financial risk. A critical component of each project is rigorous evaluation, including environmental, economic, and conservation outcomes. Funding is structured to support projects lasting between three and five years, with total award amounts ranging from 250000 to 5000000 dollars. The program provides up to 50000000 dollars in total funding and anticipates approximately 20 to 30 awards. Funds must be used to deliver technical assistance, incentive payments to producers, and project evaluation activities. Notably, indirect costs are not allowable under this program, and applicants must clearly outline how funds will be allocated across project activities. Incentive payments must include direct financial compensation to producers and may also include equipment, supplies, or other implementation-related costs. Eligibility is broad and includes public and private institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, state and local governments, tribal governments and organizations, and for-profit entities engaged in agriculture. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to recruit and manage a network of agricultural producers, as NRCS does not assist with recruitment. Applications must be submitted by a single entity, although partnerships may be included as subrecipients. Individuals and foreign organizations are not eligible. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov and include a comprehensive set of materials such as the SF-424 form, project narrative, budget narrative, budget table, and supporting documentation. The project narrative is limited to 18 pages and must address detailed sections including objectives, methodology, evaluation, producer involvement, and expected outcomes. Applications are evaluated through a competitive process based on technical merit, project management capability, evaluation approach, and anticipated outcomes. Peer review panels and NRCS officials assess proposals before final selections are made. The application deadline for this funding opportunity is July 27, 2026 at 11:59 pm Eastern Time. A webinar for applicants is scheduled for June 17, 2026. The agency anticipates making award selections in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2026, with awards executed shortly thereafter. Projects are expected to begin around September 2026. Interested applicants may contact the NRCS Grants and Agreements Division via email or phone for additional guidance on application preparation and submission.

Strong proposals demonstrate clear evaluation methods, proven ability to recruit producers, and well-justified budgets with direct conservation impact.