Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NRCS UT CTA 23 NOFO0001279
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is offering a competitive cooperative agreement opportunity called "Soil Health Outreach in Utah" aimed at expanding soil health knowledge and encouraging the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices across the state. The core purpose is outreach and education: funded projects are expected to showcase, demonstrate, and spread practical, innovative soil health methods that also support broader natural resource protection goals. Rather than funding on-the-ground cost-share or construction, this opportunity is centered on organizing and delivering learning experiences that help producers and partners understand and implement better soil health practices.
Funded applicants will be responsible for planning and running outreach events in Utah, using a mix of in-person and virtual formats. NRCS is looking for strong, well-organized efforts such as workshops, conventions, field days, and trainings that directly engage Utah farmers, ranchers, producers, NRCS staff, and partner organizations. Proposals are encouraged to bring in high-quality content and speakers, including keynote presenters, technical experts, and "champion" farmers who can speak from real-world experience. NRCS emphasizes collaboration and partnerships, including meaningful engagement with historically underserved communities and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, with the goal of making soil health information more accessible and widely adopted.
Eligible applicants are a broad range of non-federal entities, including state, county, and local governments; special district governments; public and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; nonprofit organizations (both with and without 501(c)(3) status); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); and small businesses. Applications will be screened first for completeness and compliance with the notice requirements, and incomplete or noncompliant submissions can be removed from consideration. NRCS will evaluate proposals based on practical criteria such as the ability to produce measurable outcomes, the strength of collaboration and partnerships, and how effectively the project will use available resources. NRCS also notes that it may choose not to fund some or all applications, depending on the results of the competition and agency priorities.
Awards under this solicitation can run from one to five years, covering a period from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2028, and all project work must take place in Utah. Applicants may request up to $550,000, and NRCS anticipates making about four awards. The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement, which generally indicates active involvement from the federal agency during the project period (for example, coordination, technical input, or shared planning), rather than a more hands-off grant structure.
Applications had to be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on July 8, 2023. For submission or system issues, applicants were directed to Grants.gov Applicant Support (1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov), and NRCS staff specifically noted they cannot help troubleshoot Grants.gov accounts. Questions about the notice itself were limited to clarifying specific information within the funding announcement (such as dates or discrepancies), and the agency would not provide feedback on eligibility edge cases or the competitiveness of a particular project idea. NRCS estimated selections by August 11, 2023, with awards expected to be executed in September 2023, noting that these dates were subject to change.
Key identifiers from the announcement include the opportunity title "Soil Health Outreach in Utah," funding opportunity number USDA NRCS UT CTA 23 NOFO0001279, CFDA number 10.902, and activity areas spanning agriculture, environment, and natural resources.Apply for USDA NRCS UT CTA 23 NOFO0001279
- The Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service in the agriculture, environment, natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Soil Health Outreach in Utah" 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 May 08, 2023.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Jul 08, 2023. (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 $550,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 4 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), 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, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses.
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Soil Health Outreach in Utah (USDA NRCS)
What is this funding opportunity called?
The opportunity is titled "Soil Health Outreach in Utah."
Which agency is offering this opportunity?
The opportunity is offered by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
What is the main purpose of the Soil Health Outreach in Utah opportunity?
The core purpose is outreach and education to expand soil health knowledge and encourage adoption of sustainable agricultural practices in Utah. Funded projects are expected to showcase, demonstrate, and spread practical and innovative soil health methods that also support broader natural resource protection goals.
Is this funding meant for on-the-ground cost-share, construction, or implementation projects?
No. The opportunity is centered on organizing and delivering learning experiences (outreach and education). It is not described as funding on-the-ground cost-share or construction activities.
What kinds of activities or events are expected to be funded?
Applicants are expected to plan and run outreach events in Utah using a mix of in-person and virtual formats. Examples mentioned include workshops, conventions, field days, and trainings that directly engage farmers, ranchers, producers, NRCS staff, and partner organizations.
Do projects need to be located in Utah?
Yes. All project work must take place in Utah.
Who is the target audience for the outreach and education activities?
The announcement highlights direct engagement with Utah farmers, ranchers, producers, NRCS staff, and partner organizations.
Does NRCS encourage using outside speakers or local producer "champions"?
Yes. Proposals are encouraged to bring in high-quality content and speakers, including keynote presenters, technical experts, and "champion" farmers who can speak from real-world experience.
Is collaboration or partnership required or encouraged?
NRCS emphasizes collaboration and partnerships. Proposals are evaluated in part on the strength of collaboration and partnerships, and how effectively the project will use available resources.
How does the opportunity address historically underserved or socially disadvantaged producers?
The announcement emphasizes meaningful engagement with historically underserved communities and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers, with the goal of making soil health information more accessible and widely adopted.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants include a broad range of non-federal entities, specifically: state, county, and local governments; special district governments; public and private institutions of higher education; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status); for-profit organizations (other than small businesses); small businesses.
Are federal agencies eligible to apply?
No. The eligibility list provided is for non-federal entities.
What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?
The funding instrument is a cooperative agreement.
What does it mean that the award is a cooperative agreement?
A cooperative agreement generally indicates active involvement from the federal agency during the project period (such as coordination, technical input, or shared planning), rather than a more hands-off grant structure.
How much funding can an applicant request?
Applicants may request up to $550,000.
How many awards does NRCS expect to make?
NRCS anticipates making about four awards.
How long can projects last?
Awards can run from one to five years.
What is the overall period of performance window mentioned in the announcement?
The solicitation covers a period from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2028.
How will applications be screened before full evaluation?
Applications are screened first for completeness and compliance with the notice requirements. Incomplete or noncompliant submissions can be removed from consideration.
What criteria will NRCS use to evaluate proposals?
NRCS indicates it will evaluate proposals using practical criteria such as the ability to produce measurable outcomes, the strength of collaboration and partnerships, and how effectively the project will use available resources.
Is funding guaranteed if an application meets eligibility requirements?
No. NRCS notes it may choose not to fund some or all applications depending on competition results and agency priorities.
What is the application deadline and submission method?
Applications had to be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on July 8, 2023.
Who should applicants contact for Grants.gov submission or technical issues?
Applicants were directed to Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov for submission or system issues.
Can NRCS staff troubleshoot Grants.gov accounts or submission problems?
No. NRCS staff specifically noted they cannot help troubleshoot Grants.gov accounts.
What kinds of questions would NRCS answer about the funding notice?
Questions were limited to clarifying specific information within the funding announcement (for example, dates or discrepancies).
Will NRCS tell an applicant whether they are eligible if the situation is borderline?
No. The announcement states the agency would not provide feedback on eligibility edge cases.
Will NRCS provide feedback on whether a project idea is competitive?
No. The agency would not provide feedback on the competitiveness of a particular project idea.
When were selections and awards expected?
NRCS estimated selections by August 11, 2023, with awards expected to be executed in September 2023. These dates were noted as subject to change.
What is the funding opportunity number for this announcement?
The funding opportunity number is USDA NRCS UT CTA 23 NOFO0001279.
What is the CFDA number listed for this opportunity?
The CFDA number is 10.902.
What activity areas does this opportunity relate to?
The activity areas span agriculture, environment, and natural resources.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources
Next opportunity: Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Consolidated Activities Program Allotments for Outlying Areas for Program Year (PY) 2023
Previous opportunity: OVC FY 2023 Targeted Training and Technical Assistance for VOCA Victim Assistance and Compensation Administrators
Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for USDA NRCS UT CTA 23 NOFO0001279
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (USDA NRCS UT CTA 23 NOFO0001279) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| New Hampshire NRCS Urban Agriculture Grants Apply for USDA NRCS NH URBAG 23 NOFO0001256 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NH URBAG 23 NOFO0001256 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| Easement Programs Restoration and Stewardship Assistance Fiscal Year 2023 Announcement for Program Funding – SOUTH CAROLINA Apply for USDA NRCS SC ACEP 23 NOFO0001295 Funding Number: USDA NRCS SC ACEP 23 NOFO0001295 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $3,800,000 |
| Conservation Innovation Grants Rhode Island State Program Apply for USDA NRCS RI CIG 23 NOFO0003101 Funding Number: USDA NRCS RI CIG 23 NOFO0003101 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $170,000 |
| Community Agriculture Grants Apply for USDA NRCS WI 23 NOFO0001225 Funding Number: USDA NRCS WI 23 NOFO0001225 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| New Jersey NRCS Community Gardens/Farm Grants Apply for USDA NRCS NJ CTA NOFO00001240 Funding Number: USDA NRCS NJ CTA NOFO00001240 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $25,000 |
| Announcement for Program Funding for NRCS’ Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2023 – South Dakota Apply for USDA NRCS SD CIG 23 NOFO0001308 Funding Number: USDA NRCS SD CIG 23 NOFO0001308 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $150,000 |
| Tennessee NRCS Urban Agriculture Grants Apply for USDA NRCS TN MULTI 23 NOFO0001248 Funding Number: USDA NRCS TN MULTI 23 NOFO0001248 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $15,000 |
| Mississippi Conservation Delivery for Outreach, Education & Technical Assistance Apply for USDA NRCS MS CONTA 23 NOFO0001303 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MS CONTA 23 NOFO0001303 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| Implementation of Restoration Activities for Iowa Floodplain Easement Programs Apply for USDA NRCS IA EWPP FPE 23 NOFO0001294 Funding Number: USDA NRCS IA EWPP FPE 23 NOFO0001294 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $5,000,000 |
| Ohio Natural Resources Conservation Service Easement Programs Restoration and Repair Apply for USDA NRCS OH ACEP 23 NOFO0001305 Funding Number: USDA NRCS OH ACEP 23 NOFO0001305 Agency: Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Louisiana Conservation Innovation Grants Fiscal Year 2016 Apply for USDA NRCS LA CIG 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS LA CIG 16 01 Agency: Utah State Office Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Iowa Monarch Butterfly Habitat Improvement Fiscal Year 2016 Apply for USDA NRCS IA ACEP 16 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS IA ACEP 16 01 Agency: Utah State Office Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Maine - Conservation Innovation Grant Apply for USDA NRCS ME CIG 17 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS ME CIG 17 01 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| NRCS Georgia Conservation Innovation Grant Apply for USDA NRCS GA CIG 17 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS GA CIG 17 01 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Conservation Innovation Grant Apply for USDA NRCS OR CIG 17 01 Funding Number: USDA NRCS OR CIG 17 01 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Maryland Conservation Innovation Grants Apply for USDA NRCS MD CIG 1701 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MD CIG 1701 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Assistance with the organization and function of the Pike River - Lake Carmi and Rock River Watersheds Planning Groups (VT) Apply for USDA NRCS VT CTA EQIP 17 03 Funding Number: USDA NRCS VT CTA EQIP 17 03 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $75,000 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Conservation Innovation Grants State Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) Apply for USDA NRCS MA CIG 23 NOFO0001259 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MA CIG 23 NOFO0001259 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $290,000 |
| Montana Collaborative Cooperative Agreements Apply for USDA NRCS MT CCA 24 NOFO0001322 Funding Number: USDA NRCS MT CCA 24 NOFO0001322 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Tennessee NRCS General Conservation Agreements Apply for USDA NRCS TN MULTI 24 NOFO0001330 Funding Number: USDA NRCS TN MULTI 24 NOFO0001330 Agency: Natural Resources Conservation Service Category: Agriculture, Environment, Natural Resources Funding Amount: $250,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants
Inside Our Applicants Portal
Access Applicants Portal
- Grants Repository - Access current and historic funding opportunities with ease. Thousands of funding opportunities are published every week. We can help you sort through the database and find the eligible ones to apply for.
- Applicant Video Guides - The grant application process can be challenging to follow. We can help you with intuitive video guides to speed up the process and eliminate errors in submissions.
- Grant Proposal Wizard - We have developed a network of private funding organizations and investors across the United States. We can reach out and submit your proposal to these contacts to maximize your chances of getting the funding you need.
Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Learn More
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "USDA NRCS UT CTA 23 NOFO0001279", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.