Grant Program Templates

Browse available grant programs. Each template includes pre-configured sections, formatting guidelines, and AI writing prompts.

Templates

Grant programs available

Agencies

Federal and state agencies

Total Sections

Pre-configured sections across all templates

USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

4 programs

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

USDA NRCS

EQIP provides financial and technical assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns on their land. Conservation districts can apply as partners to deliver EQIP-funded conservation practices in their service areas.

Sections

Required

7.9k

Words

Sections

Project Narrative
Required2,000 words
Resource Concern Statement
Required1,000 words
Work Plan and Timeline
Required1,500 words
Partnerships and Collaboration
Required800 words
Budget Narrative
Required1,000 words
Monitoring and Evaluation Plan
Required800 words
Organizational Capacity
Required800 words

Tips

EQIP applications are ranked by state NRCS offices using resource concern criteria
Higher rankings go to projects addressing state/national priority resource concerns
Beginning and limited-resource farmers may receive higher cost-share rates (up to 90%)
+1 more tips

Start Application

Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)

USDA NRCS

CSP helps agricultural producers maintain and improve their existing conservation systems and adopt additional conservation activities. It provides annual payments for maintaining existing practices and adopting new enhancements.

Sections

Required

6.5k

Words

Sections

Conservation Stewardship Proposal
Required2,000 words
Existing Conservation Practices Inventory
Required1,200 words
Proposed Enhancements
Required1,500 words
Expected Resource Benefits
Required1,000 words
Applicant Qualifications
Required800 words

Tips

CSP ranks applicants using the Conservation Measurement Tool (CMT)
Higher-ranking applications have strong existing conservation + meaningful enhancements
5-year contracts with option for renewal
+1 more tips

Start Application

Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)

USDA NRCS

CIG funds innovative conservation approaches through competitive grants. Projects must develop, demonstrate, or pilot new conservation technologies, practices, systems, or approaches. Conservation districts can apply to test innovative approaches in their service areas.

Sections

Required

9.7k

Words

Sections

Project Narrative
Required3,000 words
Statement of Innovation
Required1,000 words
Technical Work Plan
Required2,000 words
Budget Narrative and Justification
Required1,500 words
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Transfer Plan
Required1,200 words
Organizational Qualifications and Key Personnel
Required1,000 words

Tips

CIG is highly competitive — emphasize what is truly innovative
Requires 50% non-federal match (can include in-kind)
Projects typically 1-3 years, up to $2M for national competitions
+2 more tips

Start Application

Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)

USDA NRCS

RCPP brings together conservation partners to co-invest in innovative solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Conservation districts can serve as lead or contributing partners in multi-stakeholder conservation partnerships.

Sections

Required

12.0k

Words

Sections

Project Narrative
Required4,000 words
Partnership Structure and Agreements
Required2,000 words
Work Plan and Implementation Strategy
Required2,500 words
Budget and Partner Contributions
Required2,000 words
Monitoring, Reporting, and Outcomes
Required1,500 words

Tips

RCPP is highly competitive with two tracks: Classic and Alternative Funding Arrangement (AFA)
5-year agreements with NRCS funding typically $1M-$10M
Partner co-investment is critical for competitive ranking
+2 more tips

Start Application

National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD)

1 program

NACD Technical Assistance Grant

NACD

NACD distributes technical assistance funding to support conservation districts in delivering conservation programs. These grants help districts build capacity, hire staff, and provide direct technical assistance to landowners for implementing conservation practices.

Sections

Required

5.3k

Words

Sections

Project Description
Required1,500 words
Needs Assessment
Required1,000 words
Work Plan and Deliverables
Required1,200 words
Budget Justification
Required800 words
District Background and Capacity
Required800 words

Tips

NACD TA grants are typically distributed through state associations
Focus on conservation delivery outcomes, not just hiring staff
Demonstrate strong NRCS partnership and coordination
+2 more tips

Start Application

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

1 program

EPA Wetland Development Grants

EPA

EPA Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDGs) assist state, tribal, and local governments in developing or refining wetland protection programs. Conservation districts can use these grants for wetland mapping, monitoring, restoration planning, and public education related to wetland conservation.

Sections

Required

9.5k

Words

Sections

Project Narrative
Required3,000 words
Wetland Resources and Threats
Required1,200 words
Work Plan
Required2,000 words
Budget Narrative
Required1,500 words
Evaluation and Reporting Plan
Required1,000 words
Organizational Background and Capabilities
Required800 words

Tips

EPA WPDGs focus on program DEVELOPMENT, not direct restoration (though restoration planning is eligible)
Must address one or more Core Elements: Monitoring & Assessment, Regulatory, Voluntary Restoration, Water Quality Standards
25% non-federal match required
+2 more tips

Start Application

California Department of Conservation (DOC)

1 program

California Department of Conservation RCD Assistance Program

California Department of Conservation (DOC)

The California DOC RCD Assistance Program provides grants to Resource Conservation Districts for conservation projects, capacity building, and technical assistance. It supports RCDs in delivering conservation benefits across California's working lands and natural areas.

Sections

Required

7.1k

Words

Sections

Project Description
Required2,000 words
Statement of Need
Required1,000 words
Scope of Work and Timeline
Required1,500 words
Budget Narrative
Required1,000 words
District Qualifications and Experience
Required800 words
Community and Environmental Benefits
Required800 words

Tips

California DOC provides both capacity building and project implementation grants
Strong alignment with state climate and equity goals is critical
RCDs must be in good standing with the state
+2 more tips

Start Application

California Department of Conservation / Wildlife Conservation Board

1 program

Proposition 68 Watershed Restoration Grants

California Department of Conservation / Wildlife Conservation Board

Proposition 68 (California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access for All Act of 2018) provides funding for watershed restoration projects. Conservation districts can apply for grants to improve watershed health, water quality, and climate resilience.

Sections

Required

10.2k

Words

Sections

Project Description
Required3,000 words
Watershed Condition Assessment
Required1,500 words
Implementation Plan and Timeline
Required2,000 words
Budget and Cost Justification
Required1,500 words
Monitoring and Adaptive Management Plan
Required1,200 words
Community Benefits and Environmental Justice
Required1,000 words

Tips

Prop 68 strongly prioritizes projects benefiting disadvantaged communities
Multi-benefit projects score higher (water quality + habitat + recreation + climate)
Reference CalEnviroScreen for environmental justice scoring
+2 more tips

Start Application