OpportunityTitle: Kentucky NRCS EQIP CIG Grant 2014
CategoryExplanation: The purpose of CIG is to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies, while leveraging the Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection in conjunction with agricultural production.  CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches into NRCS policy, technical manuals, guides, and references, or to the private sector.  CIG does not fund research projects and projects intended to test hypotheses do not qualify for a CIG award.  CIG is used to apply or demonstrate previously proven technology.  It is a vehicle to stimulate development and adoption of conservation approaches or technologies that have been studied sufficiently to indicate a high likelihood of success, and that are candidates for eventual technology transfer or institutionalization.  CIG promotes sharing of skills, knowledge, technologies, and facilities among communities, governments, and other institutions to ensure that scientific and technological developments are accessible to a wider range of users.  CIG funds projects targeting innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations.
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: CIG applicants must be a Federally recognized Indian Tribe, State or local unit of government, non-governmental organization, or individual.  To be eligible for CIG, projects must involve landowners who meet the EQIP eligibility requirements set forth in 16 USC 3839aa-1.  Additional information regarding EQIP eligibility requirements can be found at:  http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/eqip.  Participating producers are not required to have an EQIP contract.    C. Matching Funds Requirements  Selected applicants may receive CIG grants of up to 50 percent of their total project cost not to exceed $75,000.  CIG recipients must match the USDA funds awarded on a dollar-for-dollar basis from non-Federal sources with cash and in-kind contributions.  Of the applicant&#146;s required match (at least 50 percent of the total project budget), the contribution from cash sources must be at least 50% of the federal request; the remainder may come from in-kind contributions.    The limit on in-kind contributions does not apply to projects carried out by a Beginning Farmer or Rancher, Limited Resource Farmer or Rancher, Federally recognized Indian Tribes, members of Federally recognized Indian Tribes, or a community-based organization comprised of or representing them.  Instead, the contribution from cash sources must be at least 25% of the federal request; the remainder may come from in-kind contributions.  This exception is intended to help these individuals and entities meet the statutory requirements for receiving a CIG.     Matching funds must be secured at time of application.  Applications should include written verification of commitments of matching support (including both cash and in-kind contributions) from third parties. Additional information about matching funds can be found at 2 CFR 215.
Description: Applications will be accepted from across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program in FY 2014 will be up to $150,000. Applications are requested from eligible governmental or non-governmental organizations or individuals for competitive consideration of grant awards for projects between one and three years in duration.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: work email
GrantorContactText: Tibor Horvath &lt;br/&gt;Nutr Man Specialist &lt;br/&gt;Phone 859-224-7413