The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Classic for FY 2026 is a grant opportunity from the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. It aims to support projects that address natural resource concerns on farms, ranches, and private forest lands. The program encourages collaboration between NRCS and partners to implement conservation projects that improve environmental quality. Up to $310 million is available, with specific funds set aside for partnerships with Indian tribes.
Who it's for: This grant is for a wide range of entities including state and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, for-profit organizations, educational institutions, nonprofits, and individuals who are interested in partnering with NRCS to address natural resource concerns.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Failure to submit proposals by the deadline
- Not meeting the cost-sharing requirement
- Lack of collaboration with State Conservationists
- Incomplete proposal submissions
- Not using the RCPP portal for submission
What You May Need
- Access to the RCPP portal
- Level 2 eAuthentication or Login.gov credential
- Completed State Conservationist questionnaire
- Detailed project proposal
- Cost-sharing plan
- Documentation of collaboration with partners
- Participation in informational webinars
Cautions
- Ensure you have the necessary credentials for the RCPP portal
- Engage with State Conservationists early
- Be aware of the cost-sharing requirement
- Proposals without State Conservationist collaboration may score lower
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include state governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, county governments, other Native American tribal organizations, independent school districts, for-profit organizations, special district governments, public and state institutions of higher education, nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status, city or township governments, individuals, and private institutions of higher education. This broad eligibility allows a wide range of entities to apply, provided they can partner with NRCS to address conservation challenges.
Overview
This grant is for a wide range of entities including state and local governments, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, for-profit organizations, educational institutions, nonprofits, and individuals who are interested in partnering with NRCS to address natural resource concerns.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Failure to submit proposals by the deadline
- Not meeting the cost-sharing requirement
- Lack of collaboration with State Conservationists
- Incomplete proposal submissions
- Not using the RCPP portal for submission
Use of Funds
Funds can be used to co-invest in projects that address on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns. This includes planning and implementing conservation activities on farms, ranches, and private forest lands.
Total Program Funding
$310,000,000
Expected Awards
120
Cost Sharing
Required
Important Dates
- Posted
- Jun 23, 2026
- Deadline
- Aug 24, 2026(61 days)
- Archive Date
- Sep 23, 2026
Application Checklist
- Register for a Login.gov or eAuthentication credential
- Contact State Conservationists and RCPP coordinators
- Complete the State Conservationist questionnaire
- Prepare a detailed project proposal
- Develop a cost-sharing plan
- Submit the proposal through the RCPP portal
- Attend informational webinars