USDA NRCS California – Conservation Contribution Agreements

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA NRCS) in California is offering Conservation Contribution Agreements for 2024, announced with the funding opportunity number: USDA-NRCS-CA-MULTI-24-NOFO0001335. The goal of these grants is to support endeavors in soil, water, and agricultural conservation as well as environmental quality incentives.

For specifics on grants and assistance listings, visit the Federal Assistance Listings on Sam.gov. The relevant programs for this opportunity include the Soil and Water Conservation, Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, Agricultural Conservation Easement Program, and Conservation Reserve Program.

Keep in mind the actual amount of funding available for these grants for the fiscal year 2024 may vary based on future resolutions or appropriations acts. For those interested in applying for these grants, it's advisable to familiarize yourself with the procedures on Grants.gov before submitting an application.

All applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Time on April 8, 2024. After submission, if you encounter technical difficulties or need more specific details about the application process, directly contact Grants.gov Applicant Support or refer to the federal awarding agency contact in section G of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO).

Take note that selected applicants will be informed of their success by May 3, 2024, and the agency plans to formally award the funds by September 6, 2024. However, these dates are subject to change based on unforeseen circumstances.

As for the funding specifications, the minimum amount that will be awarded per agreement (the funding floor) is estimated at $25,000, and the maximum funding amount per agreement (the ceiling) is estimated at $150,000.

To better understand the policy, procedure, and management of federal grants, applicants are encouraged to take the free Grants 101 Training available on the cfo.gov website. The training covers five main topics, including laws, financial assistance mechanisms, administrative requirements, cost principles, and risk management.

Remember, these funds are meant to further conservation efforts that comply with federal financial assistance regulations and may also apply to non-assistance awards such as non-assistance cooperative agreements.