Capacity Building Grant Program

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), aims to leverage NRCS resources for addressing local natural resource issues, fostering collaboration, and developing conservation leadership at the state and community levels. This program aligns with a mission to promote environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management, particularly in Texas. The NFO prioritizes projects based in Texas that focus on specific conservation priority topics, encouraging collaborative efforts that directly support Texas NRCS Field Offices. The overall strategic priority is to enhance natural resource conservation through community engagement and on-the-ground support. Target beneficiaries for this funding opportunity include a wide range of governmental and non-profit entities within Texas. Eligible applicants span city, township, county, state, and special district governments, as well as federally recognized and other Native American tribal governments and organizations. Nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status, and public and private institutions of higher education are also encouraged to apply. The impact goal is to strengthen conservation efforts across Texas by empowering local entities to address natural resource challenges effectively. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined, emphasizing projects that deliver on-the-ground support for Texas NRCS Field Offices and address specific conservation priority topics outlined in Section A of the NFO. Research proposals are explicitly excluded, indicating a focus on practical, implementable conservation actions. This highlights a theory of change centered on direct action, local ownership, and collaborative partnerships to achieve tangible environmental benefits. Expected outcomes include improved natural resource conditions, increased collaboration among local entities, and the development of stronger conservation leadership within Texas communities. While specific measurable results are not detailed in this summary, the emphasis on "on-the-ground support" and "addressing local natural resource issues" suggests that successful projects will demonstrate quantifiable improvements in areas such as soil health, water quality, habitat restoration, and sustainable land management practices. The funding floor of $25,000 and ceiling of $300,000 per agreement also provide a framework for the scale of anticipated impact.