The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) continues to invite potential conservation partners to submit project applications for federal funding through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). NRCS will award up to $360 million to locally driven, public-private partnerships that improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat and protect agricultural viability.
Requests between $250,000 and $10 million in RCPP funding can be made by partners, who then are expected to offer value-added contributions to amplify the impact of RCPP funding in an amount equal or greater to the NRCS investment. Funding is open to private industry, non-government organizations, Indian tribes, state and local governments, water districts, universities and more.
Since it was first authorized by the 2014 Farm Bill, RCPP has combined nearly $1 billion in NRCS investments with close to $2 billion in non-NRCS dollars to implement conservation practices across the nation. There are 336 active RCPP projects that have engaged more than 2,000 partners.
Eligible lead partners are encouraged to apply, as USDA is accepting proposals for RCPP through November 4, 2020. For more information visit the RCPP website.