The Vermont Conservation Solutions Through Strategic Partnerships program for FY2024, administered by the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Vermont, invites proposals from conservation partners to enhance Vermont's natural resource management through strategic collaborations. This funding opportunity aims to support projects that provide technical assistance and services to enhance conservation delivery in alignment with the NRCS Vermont Strategic Plan. The total anticipated funding for the program is up to $1.2 million, with individual awards ranging from $10,000 to $1.2 million. Projects can span 1 to 5 years, with an estimated start date of May 1, 2025.

The program objectives are structured around key goals that include increasing the NRCS conservation delivery capacity, supporting outreach for conservation planning, and strengthening locally-led conservation efforts. This involves providing training for new urban agriculture specialists, improving Farm Bill contract development and implementation, and fostering conservation plans that focus on climate-smart agriculture and forestry. Proposals should address one or more of these goals, and all activities must align with NRCS guidelines and manuals.

Eligible applicants include a broad range of entities, such as local governments, tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and educational institutions. Partnerships are encouraged, and projects that involve collaboration with multiple entities are welcome. However, only one organization may be the lead applicant per proposal. Applicants must meet eligibility criteria by the submission deadline to be considered, and they are encouraged to submit multiple applications if proposing different projects. Individuals and foreign entities are not eligible to apply.

There is no matching funds requirement for this funding opportunity, although applicants who voluntarily provide matching funds or services may include this information in their proposals. Cost principles and indirect costs must adhere to federal guidelines, and the use of non-domestic software is prohibited if it will be used by the federal government or hosted on federal systems.

Proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov by October 12, 2024, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Applications should include a project narrative (up to 25 pages), a detailed budget (SF-424A), and supporting documentation. Applicants should ensure that their submission adheres to formatting and submission guidelines, as non-compliant applications may be rejected without review. The selection process will be based on a technical review, and final decisions will be made by the Vermont State Conservationist, with awards expected by December 31, 2024.

Projects will be evaluated based on their design, impact, partner involvement, and targeting of underserved producers. The project design must clearly address Vermont’s conservation needs, with a realistic timeline and reasonable budget. Proposals that effectively engage historically underserved producers, including socially disadvantaged, beginning, limited-resource, and veteran farmers, are highly prioritized. Strong partnerships with a history of collaboration and a robust strategy for outreach and education will also enhance a proposal’s competitiveness.

Awardees will be required to provide quarterly progress reports and may be subject to audits to ensure compliance with federal regulations. This program is part of the Justice40 Initiative, which aims to ensure that 40% of the benefits from certain federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities, so applicants are encouraged to consider how their projects can contribute to this initiative.