Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026
About
Federal Awarding Agency Name: U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) Funding Opportunity Title: Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026 Funding Opportunity Number: USDA-NRCS-NHQ-RCPP-AFA-26-NOFO0001451 Assistance Listing: 10.932, Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Due Date: NRCS must receive proposals by 4:59 p. m. Eastern Time on August 24, 2026. Note: The RCPP AFA and Classic FY 2026 notices of funding opportunity (NOFO) will run concurrently. For information on Classic proposals please see USDA-NRCS-NHQ- RCPP-Classic-26-NOFO0001450. The RCPP promotes the coordination of NRCS conservation activities with partners that offer value-added contributions to expand our ability to address on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns. Through the RCPP, NRCS seeks to co-invest with partners to implement projects that provide solutions to conservation challenges thereby measurably improving the resource concerns they seek to address. RCPP promotes collaboration with partners, stakeholders, and various communities, which is paramount to achieving equity in NRCS programs and services. Partners use this notice to propose projects that improve natural resources in one or more states or focus on priority concerns in NRCS-designated Critical Conservation Areas (CCAs). NRCS works with these partners to.
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) for FY 2026 is a federal grant opportunity administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) designed to support collaborative conservation initiatives across the United States. This program is ideal for agricultural organizations, government entities, Indian tribes, farmer cooperatives, water districts, and other conservation-focused groups seeking to address natural resource concerns on farms, in watersheds, and across regions. The RCPP promotes co-investment partnerships between NRCS and eligible organizations to implement conservation projects that measurably improve resource conditions. Funding ranges from $250,000 to $10,000,000, making this suitable for mid-to-large-scale conservation initiatives. The program emphasizes collaboration, equity, and stakeholder engagement to tackle priority conservation challenges. Organizations can propose projects that span one or more states or focus on NRCS-designated Critical Conservation Areas (CCAs). This is an excellent opportunity for entities committed to sustainable agriculture, water management, soil conservation, and environmental stewardship to secure substantial federal funding while partnering with NRCS to amplify conservation impact.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
August 24, 2026
Award Amount
$250K - $10M
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
$250K - $10M
Deadline
2026-08-24
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual (FY 2026 deadline: August 24, 2026)
Best For
Agricultural organizations, producer associations, government entities, Indian tribes, farmer cooperatives, water districts, and conservation-focused organizations addressing natural resource and environmental challenges
Eligibility
a. an agricultural or silvicultural producer association or other group of producers;b. a state or unit of local government;c. an Indian tribe;d. a farmer cooperative;e. a water district, irrigation district, acequia, rural water district or association, or other organization with specific water delivery authority to agricultural producers on agricultural land;f. a municipal water or wastewater tr
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026?
Eligible applicants include: agricultural or silvicultural producer associations or groups of producers; state or local government units; Indian tribes; farmer cooperatives; water districts, irrigation districts, acequia, rural water districts or associations, and organizations with water delivery authority to agricultural producers; and municipal water or wastewater treatment entities. For a complete and current list of eligible entities, visit the official USDA NRCS funding opportunity announcement (NOFO #USDA-NRCS-NHQ-RCPP-AFA-26-NOFO0001451).
How much funding does Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026 provide?
The RCPP AFA for FY 2026 offers funding ranging from $250,000 to $10,000,000 per project. The specific amount awarded depends on project scope, conservation impact, partner contributions, and NRCS priorities. Consult the official NOFO for detailed funding parameters and allocation details.
How do I apply for Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026?
Applications must be submitted to NRCS by 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 24, 2026. Proposals should outline conservation projects, partner contributions, resource concerns being addressed, and expected outcomes. Detailed application instructions, forms, and submission requirements are available on the official USDA NRCS funding opportunity announcement. Note that the RCPP AFA and Classic FY 2026 NOFOs run concurrently; ensure you submit to the correct track.
What can Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026 funding be used for?
RCPP AFA funding supports conservation projects addressing on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns through collaborative co-investment with NRCS. This includes implementing conservation practices, improving water management, addressing soil and environmental challenges, and supporting sustainable agriculture and silviculture. Projects may focus on state-wide initiatives or NRCS-designated Critical Conservation Areas (CCAs). For specific eligible activities and use restrictions, review the official NOFO documentation.
Last updated: July 5, 2026