The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established both the PROTECT Formula and Discretionary Grant Programs. The PROTECT Discretionary Grants Program funds projects on a competitive basis that address the climate crisis by … Read more
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) promotes coordination of Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation activities with partners that collaboratively address on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns. Through RCPP, NRCS seeks to co-invest with partners to implement projects that demonstrate innovative solutions to conservation challenges and provide measurable improvements and outcomes tied to the resource concerns they seek to address such as water and wildlife. RCPP is implemented in two forms: RCPP Classic which is co-lead with NRCS and partners and RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) which are partner-led for innovative projects not possible under RCPP Classic.
Eligible Uses
RCPP projects may include any number of authorized, on-the-ground conservation activities implemented by farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners. These activities include: land management/improvement/restoration practices, land rentals, entity-held easements, U.S.-held easements, and watershed management.
AFA: Uses innovative approaches like pay-for-performance, large-scale infrastructure investments that generate conservation benefits
Eligible Recipients
State and local governments, tribal governments, non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses, academic institutions, and U.S. territories are all eligible recipients.
Approx Annual Funding Amount
The program is funded at $300 million annually. The Inflation Reduction Act additionally invested $4.95 billion into RCPP.
Cost Share Requirements
Cost-share for RCPP varies by entity applying and through negotiation between the applicant and USDA. RCPP Classic requires a 1:1 match and in-kind contributions are accepted.
Application Cycle
RCPP application deadlines are announced annually and are typically due in the spring or summer. Find the latest information here.
Contact
Find contact information for your state coordinator here.
Other Info
- This program is covered under the Justice40 Initiative.
- RCPP Classic: NRCS and the lead partner oversee contracts with producers and landowners engaged in RCPP activities.
- RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangement: Partner-led projects that propose innovative use of federal assistance to achieve conservation benefits that are not possible under the RCPP Classic construct.
