Capacity Building Grant Program

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) is released by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announcing the potential availability of funds for agreements. The core purpose of this grant program is to leverage NRCS resources, address local natural resource issues, foster collaboration, and develop state-and-community-level conservation leadership within Texas. Proposals must focus exclusively on projects based in Texas and adhere to conservation priority topics outlined in Section A of the full notice. Collaborative projects offering on-the-ground support for Texas NRCS Field Offices are highly encouraged, aligning the program with the broader federal mission of supporting sustainable natural resource management and conservation efforts at the local level. The intended target beneficiaries include a diverse array of governmental and non-profit entities equipped to carry out these conservation agreements. Eligible applicants range from City, County, Special District, and State governments to federally recognized and other Native American tribal governments and organizations. Nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status, as well as private and public institutions of higher education, are also eligible. Notably, research proposals are explicitly excluded from consideration. The immediate impact goal is to facilitate meaningful, on-the-ground conservation support, ensuring that funding directly translates into action addressing specific local resource challenges and building community conservation capacity. The strategic priority is clearly defined by the required Texas location and the focus on conservation priority topics. The program places a high value on encouraging collaboration and developing leadership. By prioritizing collaborative projects that support Texas NRCS Field Offices, the program aims to maximize the reach and effectiveness of federal conservation efforts. The estimated funding available per agreement is substantial, with a floor of $25,000 and a ceiling of $300,000 for the Federal share, indicating that the funding is intended for robust, outcome-driven agreements rather than small-scale initiatives. The expected measurable results revolve around the successful execution of these conservation agreements and the subsequent impact on natural resource issues within Texas communities. While specific metrics are deferred to Section A of the NFO, the overarching expected outcome is improved natural resource health, enhanced local collaboration, and stronger conservation leadership. The theory of change implicit in this NFO suggests that by providing targeted funding to a broad range of local partners, the NRCS can amplify its impact, ensuring that conservation needs are met efficiently through community-led action supported by federal resources. The agency anticipates making selections by June 15, 2024, and executing awards by September 15, 2024, signaling a rapid progression toward measurable conservation results on the ground.