GAINESVILLE — On May 9, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Florida will invest up to $1,000,000 for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for urban agriculture, water conservation, carbon sequestration, and soil health.

The deadline to submit a proposal for this CIG grant funding opportunity is July 14,2023, before 11:59 p.m., EST.

Grants between $50,000 to $250,000 will be awarded to applicants matching those funds on a dollar-for-dollar basis from non-federal sources that can include cash or in-kind contributions. U.S. based, non-federal entities and individuals are eligible to apply for projects carried out in Florida.

Up to 10 percent of the funds are for proposals from historically underserved producers, veteran farmers or ranchers, or community-based organizations representing these entities. The funding announcement seeking proposals will be published on grants.gov and Conservation Innovation Grants - Florida | Natural Resources Conservation Service (usda.gov). The funding notice details CIG requirements and the information required from applicants.

Conservation Innovation Grants are competitive grants that drive public and private sector innovation in resource conservation. CIG projects inspire creative problem solving that boosts production on farms, ranches, and private forests that improve water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat. Under the state CIG, public and private grantees develop the tools, technologies, and strategies to support next-generation conservation efforts on working lands and develop market-based solutions to resource challenges.

Grant Application Webinar

A webinar will be held on how to apply for the state Conservation Innovation Grants and give an overview of the priorities: Urban Agriculture, Water Conservation, Soil Health, and Carbon Sequestration.

• Webinar will be held on May 17 at 2 p.m. EST and can be accessed here via Zoom: https://www.zoomgov.co/j/1607854680?pwd=ZzVpSm12MnErTk5rZmxnTmdiY2N3QT09

• Individuals who require special accommodations or materials in an alternative format or language contact Hilary Barnhart, 850-633-7204 by May 15, 2023.