MAINE CONSERVATION INNOVATION GRANTS (CIG)

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The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Maine is announcing availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted from all 50 States, Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands), and the Pacific Islands Area (Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). Maine NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program in FY 2010 will be approximately $100,000. Applications are requested from eligible governmental or non-governmental organizations or individuals for competitive consideration of grant awards for projects between 1 and 3 years in duration. Funds will be awarded through a two-phase competitive grants process which will include a pre-proposal for all applications, and a full application package only for competitively selected pre-proposal applicants, pursuant to notification by NRCS. Both phases are described in this announcement, but only pre-proposals are being solicited at this time. This notice identifies the objectives for CIG projects, the eligibility criteria for projects, and provides the instructions needed to apply to CIG. Each pre-proposal will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete applications will be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be mailed to the applicant. NRCS will request a full application package only from those applicants selected in the pre-proposal process. DATES: Pre-proposals must be received at the NRCS Vermont Headquarters by 4 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), on June 30, 2010. Full Applications: Project pre-proposals selected for funding consideration by NRCS will be notified by July 9, 2010, and if requested, a full application must be submitted to the NRCS Vermont Headquarters by 4 p.m. EST, on July 30, 2010. ADDRESSES: The address for hand-delivered, express mail, or overnight courier service for pre-proposals and applications is: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Maine Conservation Innovation Grants Program, 356 Mountain View Drive, Colchester, Vermont 05446. Pre-proposals and applications sent via the United States Postal Service must be sent to the following address: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Maine Conservation Innovation Grants Program, 356 Mountain View Drive, Colchester, Vermont 05446.To submit your application electronically, visit Grants.gov-Apply for Grants and follow the instructions. For more information contact: Christopher JonesMaine CIG Program Manager Department of AgricultureNatural Resources Conservation Service 967 Illinois Avenue, Suite #3Bangor Maine.04401 Phone: (207) 990-9563 Fax: (207) 990-9599Email: chris.jones@me.usda.gov

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