The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) is a grant opportunity from the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. It's designed to support projects that improve natural resources on farms, ranches, and private forest lands. The program encourages partnerships to tackle conservation challenges, and up to $310 million is available for projects in 2026. This funding can help with innovative conservation approaches and large-scale infrastructure investments.
Who it's for: This grant is for a wide range of applicants, including for-profit organizations, city or township governments, private and public institutions of higher education, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, state governments, other Native American tribal organizations, individuals, nonprofits (both with and without 501(c)(3) status), county governments, independent school districts, and special district governments.
More details
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not submitting through the RCPP portal
- Lack of a level 2 eAuthentication or Login.gov credential
- Failure to meet with state conservationists and complete the questionnaire
- Not addressing NRCS-designated Critical Conservation Areas
- Proposals not demonstrating capacity for quick implementation
What You May Need
- Level 2 eAuthentication or Login.gov credential
- Completed proposal submitted through the RCPP portal
- Meeting with state conservationists and completed questionnaire
- Detailed project plan demonstrating capacity and resources
- Cost-sharing or matching funds documentation
- Participation in RCPP webinars for guidance
Cautions
- Ensure you have the necessary credentials for the RCPP portal
- Meet with state conservationists to avoid reduced ranking scores
- Be prepared for a competitive selection process
- Cost-sharing or matching funds are required
- Pay-for-performance projects require clear quantifiable benefits
Generated from official source details for readability
Eligibility
Eligible Applicant Types
Additional Criteria
Eligible applicants include for-profit organizations, city or township governments, private institutions of higher education, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, state governments, other Native American tribal organizations, individuals, nonprofits with and without 501(c)(3) status, county governments, public and state institutions of higher education, independent school districts, and special district governments. Proposals are accepted from all 50 States, the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and U.S. territories in the Pacific Island Areas (Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).
Overview
This grant is for a wide range of applicants, including for-profit organizations, city or township governments, private and public institutions of higher education, federally recognized Indian tribal governments, state governments, other Native American tribal organizations, individuals, nonprofits (both with and without 501(c)(3) status), county governments, independent school districts, and special district governments.
Likely Disqualifiers
- Not submitting through the RCPP portal
- Lack of a level 2 eAuthentication or Login.gov credential
- Failure to meet with state conservationists and complete the questionnaire
- Not addressing NRCS-designated Critical Conservation Areas
- Proposals not demonstrating capacity for quick implementation
Use of Funds
Funds can be used for projects that improve natural resources, including innovative conservation approaches, pay-for-performance methods, and large-scale infrastructure investments. The funds are intended to support both technical and financial assistance for conservation implementation.
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 level 2 eAuthentication or Login.gov credential
- Prepare a comprehensive project proposal
- Schedule and conduct a meeting with state conservationists
- Complete the state conservationist questionnaire
- Submit proposal through the RCPP portal by the deadline
- Gather documentation for cost-sharing or matching funds
- Attend RCPP webinars for additional guidance