Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NRCS MO MULTI 24 NOFO0001345
The Missouri Conservation Partnership, Outreach, and Education grant opportunity is a discretionary funding program from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that aims to strengthen conservation outcomes in Missouri by funding partner-led outreach and education. The notice is being released ahead of final fiscal year 2024 funding decisions, meaning the ultimate amount available could change depending on appropriations or continuing resolutions. Within that uncertainty, NRCS is clearly signaling that it wants to invest in strong, mission-aligned partners who can expand awareness of NRCS programs, bring in new participants, and improve access to conservation assistance across communities that have historically been left out.
The program supports projects that advance one of two main objectives. The first objective focuses on outreach that increases diversity, equity, and inclusion in Farm Bill conservation programs through workshops, conferences, and virtual learning. These projects are meant to boost awareness of NRCS programs, build trust and relationships between NRCS, partner organizations, and producers, and ultimately increase participation among Historically Underserved (HU) agricultural producers. The NFO highlights veterans, minority producers, and limited resource landowners and producers as key audiences, and it expects proposals to be intentionally designed around current agricultural topics that are relevant to underserved segments of Missouri agriculture.
The second objective supports technical workshops and/or field days centered on urban and small-scale agriculture initiatives and general awareness. These projects are intended to create practical learning opportunities that educate NRCS staff and partner conservation planners and/or Missouri producers about urban agriculture production systems and approaches. Applicants are expected to show that they can convene or connect members of the agriculture science and technology community so that knowledge can be shared in a way that is useful to producers and other stakeholders. In practice, that points toward hands-on demonstrations, field-based learning, and training events that translate technical expertise into actionable conservation and production practices suited to smaller-scale and urban settings.
Equity is a major theme of the opportunity and is treated as a core operating principle rather than an add-on. NRCS frames equity as fair, just, and impartial access to programs and services, with attention to individuals and communities that have faced persistent barriers. The notice ties this approach to federal equity directives and uses the USDA definition of Historically Underserved groups, which include Beginning Farmers or Ranchers, Socially Disadvantaged producers, Veteran Farmers or Ranchers, and Limited Resource producers. The NFO also provides detail on what these categories mean in practical terms, such as time-in-farming thresholds for beginning and veteran farmers, income and sales thresholds for limited resource status, and the race/ethnicity-based definition used for socially disadvantaged status (with an added clarification that gender alone is not treated as a covered group under NRCS conservation program authorities).
From an applicant and compliance standpoint, NRCS emphasizes that proposals must follow the instructions in the full notice and be complete and compliant at submission. Applications are screened first for completeness and compliance, and any submission that is incomplete or noncompliant is removed from consideration. NRCS also notes that the Missouri State Conservationist retains the discretion not to fund any applications, even if eligible, reinforcing that awards will be competitive and dependent on priorities and available funding. The program allows single-year or multi-year applications, offering flexibility for partners proposing either a focused short-term outreach effort or a longer campaign with multiple events and follow-up engagement.
Eligibility is broad and includes a range of public and nonprofit institutions that commonly deliver conservation outreach and education. Eligible applicants include state governments, independent school districts, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, federally recognized tribal governments, tribal organizations, public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, and nonprofits both with and without 501(c)(3) status. The funding mechanism is a grant, the assistance listing is CFDA 10.902, and the activity areas align with agriculture, environment, and natural resources. The posted award ceiling is $500,000, and NRCS anticipates making approximately five awards, which suggests a relatively competitive pool with awards large enough to support meaningful statewide or regional programming.
Key dates are clearly laid out. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. The agency draws a firm boundary between technical submission help and program content questions: Grants.gov support handles account and system issues, while NRCS will only address questions that relate to the contents of the NFO itself (for example, clarifying a date, resolving a discrepancy, or pointing to a page/section). NRCS indicates it does not provide feedback on whether an organization is eligible or whether a specific project idea is strong, which is typical for competitive federal opportunities. The agency expects to announce selections by May 3, 2024 and execute awards by July 1, 2024, while noting these dates are estimates and may shift.
To support prospective applicants, NRCS scheduled an informational webinar for 9:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on Wednesday, February 15, 2024, hosted via Microsoft Teams. The notice provides points of contact for webinar participation and general NFO-related inquiries, directing applicants to Jenny Long and Nate Goodrich by phone and email. NRCS also indicates that webinar details and frequently asked questions will be posted on the Missouri NRCS grants and agreements webpage, which is the main hub for updates tied to this funding opportunity.Apply for USDA NRCS MO MULTI 24 NOFO0001345
- The Natural Resources Conservation Service in the agriculture, environment, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Missouri Conservation Partnership, Outreach, and Education" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.902.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2024-02-08.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-03-19. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $500,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 5 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities, Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education.
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Missouri Conservation Partnership, Outreach, and Education Grant (USDA NRCS) - FAQs
What is the Missouri Conservation Partnership, Outreach, and Education grant?
It is a discretionary funding opportunity from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) designed to strengthen conservation outcomes in Missouri by funding partner-led outreach and education activities. The goal is to expand awareness of NRCS programs, bring in new participants, and improve access to conservation assistance, especially in communities that have historically faced barriers.
Is this funding amount final for FY 2024?
No. The notice is being released ahead of final fiscal year 2024 funding decisions. The total amount ultimately available may change depending on appropriations or continuing resolutions.
What are the main objectives supported by this grant?
The opportunity supports projects that advance one of two objectives: (1) outreach that increases diversity, equity, and inclusion in Farm Bill conservation programs, and (2) technical workshops and/or field days focused on urban and small-scale agriculture initiatives and general awareness.
What types of activities fit Objective 1 (DEI-focused outreach)?
Objective 1 supports outreach activities such as workshops, conferences, and virtual learning intended to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in Farm Bill conservation programs. These efforts are meant to boost awareness of NRCS programs, build trust and relationships between NRCS, partners, and producers, and increase participation among Historically Underserved (HU) agricultural producers.
Which audiences are emphasized for Objective 1?
The notice highlights Historically Underserved audiences and specifically calls out veterans, minority producers, and limited resource landowners and producers as key audiences. Proposals are expected to be intentionally designed around current agricultural topics relevant to underserved segments of Missouri agriculture.
What types of activities fit Objective 2 (urban and small-scale agriculture workshops/field days)?
Objective 2 supports technical workshops and/or field days that create practical learning opportunities about urban agriculture production systems and approaches. These events are intended to educate NRCS staff and partner conservation planners and/or Missouri producers, with an emphasis on hands-on demonstrations, field-based learning, and training that translate technical knowledge into actionable practices suited to smaller-scale and urban settings.
Who is expected to benefit from Objective 2 projects?
Objective 2 is designed to educate NRCS staff and partner conservation planners and/or Missouri producers. Applicants are expected to show they can convene or connect members of the agriculture science and technology community so knowledge can be shared in a useful way for producers and other stakeholders.
How does NRCS define "equity" in this opportunity?
NRCS treats equity as a core operating principle and describes it as fair, just, and impartial access to programs and services, with attention to individuals and communities that have faced persistent barriers. The notice ties this to federal equity directives.
What does "Historically Underserved" (HU) mean for this funding opportunity?
The notice uses the USDA definition of Historically Underserved groups, which includes Beginning Farmers or Ranchers, Socially Disadvantaged producers, Veteran Farmers or Ranchers, and Limited Resource producers. The notice also describes these categories in practical terms (including time-in-farming thresholds for beginning and veteran farmers, and income and sales thresholds for limited resource status).
How does NRCS define "Socially Disadvantaged" in this notice?
The notice describes a race/ethnicity-based definition used for socially disadvantaged status and clarifies that gender alone is not treated as a covered group under NRCS conservation program authorities.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad and includes: state governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments; tribal organizations; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; and nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status.
Is this opportunity a grant or a contract?
This opportunity uses a grant funding mechanism.
What is the assistance listing (CFDA) number?
The assistance listing (CFDA) number is 10.902.
What general activity areas does this funding relate to?
The activity areas align with agriculture, environment, and natural resources.
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The posted award ceiling is $500,000.
How many awards does NRCS expect to make?
NRCS anticipates making approximately five awards.
Are applications competitive?
Yes. The notice indicates awards will be competitive and dependent on priorities and available funding, and it emphasizes that submissions must be complete and compliant to be considered.
Can NRCS decide not to fund any applications?
Yes. The notice states that the Missouri State Conservationist retains discretion not to fund any applications, even if they are eligible.
Are incomplete or noncompliant applications reviewed?
No. Applications are screened first for completeness and compliance, and any submission that is incomplete or noncompliant is removed from consideration.
Are single-year and multi-year projects allowed?
Yes. The program allows single-year or multi-year applications, which can support either a focused short-term outreach effort or a longer campaign with multiple events and follow-up engagement.
How do applicants submit an application?
Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov.
What is the application deadline?
Applications are due by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on Tuesday, March 19, 2024.
Where should applicants go for help with Grants.gov technical issues?
The notice draws a clear line between technical and program questions: Grants.gov support handles account and system issues related to submission.
What kinds of questions will NRCS answer?
NRCS indicates it will address questions related to the contents of the notice of funding opportunity (NFO), such as clarifying a date, resolving a discrepancy, or pointing to a specific page/section.
Will NRCS tell an organization whether it is eligible or whether a project idea is strong?
No. The notice indicates NRCS does not provide feedback on whether an organization is eligible or whether a particular project concept is strong.
When does NRCS expect to announce selections?
NRCS expects to announce selections by May 3, 2024. This is described as an estimate and may change.
When does NRCS expect to execute awards?
NRCS expects to execute awards by July 1, 2024. This is an estimate and may shift.
Was an informational webinar offered for prospective applicants?
Yes. NRCS scheduled an informational webinar for 9:00 a.m. Central Standard Time on Wednesday, February 15, 2024, hosted via Microsoft Teams.
Who are the points of contact for webinar participation and NFO-related inquiries?
The notice directs applicants to Jenny Long and Nate Goodrich (by phone and email) for webinar participation and general NFO-related inquiries.
Where will NRCS post webinar details and additional FAQs?
NRCS indicates webinar details and frequently asked questions will be posted on the Missouri NRCS grants and agreements webpage, which is the main hub for updates tied to this opportunity.
What is NRCS signaling it wants to fund through this opportunity?
Even with funding uncertainty, the notice signals NRCS wants to invest in strong, mission-aligned partners who can expand awareness of NRCS programs, bring in new participants, and improve access to conservation assistance across communities that have historically been left out.
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| FY 24 Arkansas Technical Assistance Projects Apply for USDA NRCS AR MULTI 24 NOFO0001357 Funding Number: USDA NRCS AR MULTI 24 NOFO0001357 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
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