The NRCS is offering grants for Small-Scale and Urban Agriculture Development in Tennessee.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing the potential availability of funding for the development of small-scale and urban-focused agriculture production activities. The Tennessee NRCS Small-Scale Urban-Focused Agriculture Project is an effort to challenge local Conservation Districts, non-profit organizations, non-government organizations, institutions of higher learning and other community partners to work toward the development of  demonstration urban, community, and pollinator gardens across Tennessee.   Awarded projects will demonstrate the process of planning and applying natural resource conservation practices, systems, and treatment in urban agricultural environments. Awarded structural practices will promote agricultural production and optimize environmental benefits in urban agricultural environments.

Proposals will be accepted from eligible entities for projects located in Tennessee. NRCS anticipates the total amount awarded under this announcement in Federal fiscal year 2024 will be approximately $320,000.00. Proposals are requested from eligible entities for projects with a one (1) to three (3)-year duration. Entity types that may be eligible under these criteria include the following:

a.     City or township governments

b.     County governments

c.     Independent school districts

d.     Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education)

e.     Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education)

f.      Private institutions of higher education

g.     Public and State-controlled institutions of higher education

h.     Special district governments

i.       State governments

For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.

Key Dates

Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on June 21st, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.

For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.

The agency anticipates making selections by July 1st, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 15, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.