EAST LANSING — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is investing up to $15 million to support the development of new tools, approaches, practices and technologies to further natural resource conservation on private lands through the Conservation Innovation Grants program.

This year, funded Conservation Innovation Grants will focus on climate-smart strategies for water resources, soil health focused on carbon sequestration and climate resilience, nutrient management, grazing lands conservation, and strategies to increase conservation adoption.

“Through Conservation Innovation Grants, we’re able to co-invest with partners on the next generation of agricultural conservation solutions,” said USDA State Conservationist Garry Lee, in a news release. “Using creative problem solving and innovation, CIG partners work to address our nation’s most pressing natural resource concerns, all while helping to ensure the health and longevity of American agriculture.”

All U.S.-based non-federal entities and individuals are eligible to apply. Proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov by 11:59 p.m. July 19.

The Conservation Innovation Grant program supports early pilot projects or demonstrations of promising new conservation approaches, tools and technologies. Program grantees must match each federal dollar invested at least one to one. NRCS intends to expend at least 10% of the total funding for grant projects that are focused on providing conservation benefits to historically undeserved producers.

For more information on Conservation Innovation Grants, including complete funding announcement information, visit https://bit.ly/3vclmOg.