Get INNOVATIVE With A Conservation Grant!

Champaign, IL—For 2009 Illinois’ USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will offer a new state component under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). It’s called the Conservation Innovation Grant (CIG) program and according to NRCS State Conservationist Bill Gradle, a website with information and application criteria is available to guide Illinois producers and groups through the voluntary program progress. All application proposals must be submitted by May 1, 2009. Visit www.il.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig to learn more.

The CIG program is designed as a competitive grant option to stimulate creation and adoption of new conservation approaches and technologies that protect and enhance natural resources. As a sub-set of EQIP, CIG strives to speed the transfer and use of the type of technologies and methods that show promise in solving Illinois’ top natural resource problems.

EQIP is NRCS’ most diverse and solution-oriented program. General EQIP funds are geared toward tried-and-true conservation practices and management methods. “With CIG, NRCS can review, field test, and demonstrate practices and ideas that have yet to be successfully mainstreamed into the NRCS portfolio of practice options,” Gradle explains.

“Our goal is to select projects that will eventually find a secure and stable spot in regular EQIP approved practices and funding choices for all Illinois conservation farmers,” adds Gradle.

Since 2002, NRCS offered a nationally competitive Conservation Innovation Grants program. Now Illinois NRCS can dedicate specific funds toward Illinois-specific projects. For 2009, projects must involve EQIP-eligible producers and fall under one or more of the following natural resource sub-categories:

  1) Energy        2) Soil Quality       3) Air Quality      4) Water Quality       5) Invasive Species                  

“It’s important to point out that CIG is NOT a research grant program,” says Gradle. “It’s more of a vehicle to stimulate popular use of conservation strategies that have been studied, that show real promise, and that NRCS can support in a technical and a practical sense,” adds Gradle.

This year, Illinois NRCS will dedicate up to $600,000 for high-ranking, selected CIG applicants. Individual grant awards are capped at $75,000 each and typically help carry out structural, vegetative or management practices that offer more options for environmental enhancements that work for production agriculture. 

All producers, including beginning farmers and socially disadvantaged producers are also eligible. While 50% matching funds are required; 25% of the total cost can be derived from in-kind contributions. Grant applications are accepted from State or local units of government, non-governmental organizations, and individuals.  To learn more about Illinois NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants, visit www.il.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/cig or call your local NRCS county office.