Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NRCS NHQ RCPP CLASSIC 26 NOFO000145
The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Classic for FY 2026 is a competitive USDA grant opportunity run by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), with funding provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). The program is designed to bring NRCS together with project partners so they can jointly invest in conservation work that tackles real, measurable natural resource problems on farms, ranches, and private forestlands. The core idea is coordination and co-investment: NRCS conservation tools and funding are combined with partner-led expertise, outreach capacity, and contributed resources to scale up conservation outcomes across a watershed, a multi-county region, one or more states, or within NRCS-designated Critical Conservation Areas (CCAs). The program also emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders and communities as a key part of expanding equitable access to NRCS programs and services.
This opportunity is titled "RCPP Classic for federal fiscal year (FY) 2026" and is posted under Funding Opportunity Number USDA-NRCS-NHQ-RCPP-Classic-26-NOFO0001450, Assistance Listing (CFDA) 10.932. Proposals must be received by NRCS no later than 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 24, 2026. NRCS notes that the RCPP Classic notice and the Alternative Funding Arrangement (AFA) notice for FY 2026 will be open at the same time; applicants considering the AFA track are directed to a separate NOFO (USDA-NRCS-NHQ-RCPP-AFA-26-NOFO0001451). In practical terms, applicants need to choose the pathway that fits their project structure and financing approach, while recognizing that both tracks are part of the overall FY 2026 RCPP funding availability.
Funding availability for FY 2026 RCPP projects is listed as up to $310 million total across the RCPP Classic announcement and the FY 2026 AFA announcement combined, using funds provided under the Working Families Tax Cut Act (Public Law 119-21). Within that overall pool, up to $30 million is reserved for NRCS to enter into programmatic partnership agreements with Indian tribes, and that tribal set-aside is shared across both the Classic and AFA announcements. The posting also indicates an award ceiling of $10,000,000 and anticipates roughly 31 awards, which signals a relatively selective competition where project scale, readiness, partner capacity, and measurable conservation outcomes are likely to matter a great deal.
Geographic eligibility is broad. NRCS will accept proposals covering any of the 50 states, as well as the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands) and U.S. territories in the Pacific Island Areas (including Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands). Projects can be structured to address conservation priorities in one or more states, or they can be tailored to priority concerns within Critical Conservation Areas designated by NRCS. The intent is to support locally relevant solutions while still achieving meaningful, trackable improvements in the targeted resource concerns, whether those concerns relate to soil health, water quality, sediment reduction, wildlife habitat, drought and water management challenges, or broader landscape-scale resource needs.
Eligible applicants are described in two ways: a general grants.gov-style eligibility list and a more specific statutory/program list of the partner types NRCS expects to see leading RCPP projects. The eligible partner categories include producer associations or groups, state and local governments, Indian tribes, farmer cooperatives, water and irrigation districts (including acequias and other entities with water delivery authority), municipal water or wastewater treatment entities, institutions of higher education, conservation organizations or entities with a documented history of working with producers to address local conservation priorities or watershed-scale issues, entities with farmland or grassland protection programs that purchase agricultural land easements (as defined in 7 CFR Part 1468.3), and conservation districts. The broader eligibility list also includes nonprofits (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)), for-profit organizations (including small businesses), special district governments, and public and private institutions of higher education. In RCPP terms, the common thread is that the applicant must be able to function as a credible partner that can organize a project, bring contributions to the table, and coordinate implementation with producers and NRCS.
NRCS makes it clear that proposal selection is competitive and will be based on several factors that reflect program intent: the expected conservation impact, the value and strength of partner contributions, and how well the partnership is designed and managed. In other words, it is not just about having a good conservation idea; it is also about demonstrating that the partnership can execute, that resources are aligned, and that the project will produce measurable improvements in the resource concerns being targeted. The program supports funding that can benefit both partners and producers, with NRCS working alongside selected partners to plan and carry out the project on eligible private working lands.
The submission process is handled through the RCPP portal rather than by email or paper submission. Applicants should plan ahead because portal access requires either a Level 2 eAuthentication credential or a Login.gov credential, and setting up Login.gov can take multiple steps over several days. NRCS points applicants to the "How to Apply to RCPP" webpage for the most current instructions and portal guidance, which is especially important for organizations that do not routinely use USDA authentication systems.
A major practical requirement in this NOFO is pre-submission coordination with NRCS at the state level. Applicants are expected to contact the relevant State Conservationist and the state RCPP coordinator before submitting. NRCS will use a State Conservationist questionnaire to structure these conversations so proposals align with state-level needs and program rules. The NOFO warns that proposals submitted without this meeting and completed questionnaire risk reduced ranking scores, partly because applicants may be unable to answer required questions in a way that demonstrates alignment with NRCS priorities and compliance expectations. Contact information for state RCPP coordinators is maintained on the How to Apply to RCPP page, and general questions can be directed to the program inbox at rcpp@usda.gov.
NRCS is also offering applicant support through webinars tied to the FY 2026 NOFO. These include a general applicant webinar scheduled for June 30, 2026 (2:00 to 4:00 p.m. ET) and an easement-focused webinar scheduled for July 9, 2026 (2:00 to 4:00 p.m. ET). Webinar links and any additional sessions are expected to be posted on the How to Apply to RCPP page, alongside other applicant resources. These sessions are meant to help applicants understand program expectations, the mechanics of applying, and specialized topics such as easement components that may be part of certain RCPP projects.
Overall, RCPP Classic FY 2026 is best understood as a large-scale conservation partnership funding opportunity where NRCS is looking for well-organized, outcome-driven projects that combine federal support with strong partner contributions. The strongest proposals are typically those that show clear conservation need, credible partners with defined roles, a realistic implementation plan for working lands, and a solid approach to tracking and demonstrating measurable improvements in the targeted resource concerns, all while reflecting coordination with NRCS priorities at the state and regional levels.Apply for USDA NRCS NHQ RCPP CLASSIC 26 NOFO000145
- The Natural Resources Conservation Service in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Classic for federal fiscal year (FY) 2026" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.932.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-06-23.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-08-24. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $10,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 31 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For-profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses, Others.
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RCPP Classic FY 2026 (USDA NRCS) FAQs
1) What is the RCPP Classic FY 2026 opportunity?
RCPP Classic for FY 2026 is a competitive USDA conservation partnership grant opportunity administered by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), with funding provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC). It is designed for NRCS and project partners to jointly invest in conservation work that addresses real, measurable natural resource problems on farms, ranches, and private forestlands.
2) What is the main goal of RCPP Classic?
The core idea is coordination and co-investment. NRCS conservation tools and funding are combined with partner-led expertise, outreach capacity, and contributed resources to scale conservation outcomes across a defined geography (such as a watershed, multi-county region, one or more states, or NRCS-designated Critical Conservation Areas).
3) What is the official title and funding opportunity number?
The opportunity is titled "RCPP Classic for federal fiscal year (FY) 2026." The Funding Opportunity Number is USDA-NRCS-NHQ-RCPP-Classic-26-NOFO0001450.
4) What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number?
The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number is 10.932.
5) When is the application deadline?
Proposals must be received by NRCS no later than 4:59 p.m. Eastern Time on August 24, 2026.
6) How competitive is this program?
NRCS states that proposal selection is competitive. The posting anticipates roughly 31 awards and lists an award ceiling of $10,000,000, indicating a selective process where conservation impact, partner capacity, readiness, and measurable outcomes are likely to be important.
7) What is the maximum award size (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling listed is $10,000,000.
8) How much total funding is available for FY 2026 RCPP?
Funding availability is listed as up to $310 million total across the RCPP Classic announcement and the FY 2026 Alternative Funding Arrangement (AFA) announcement combined, using funds provided under the Working Families Tax Cut Act (Public Law 119-21).
9) Is there funding reserved for Indian tribes?
Yes. Up to $30 million is reserved for NRCS to enter into programmatic partnership agreements with Indian tribes. This tribal set-aside is shared across both the RCPP Classic and AFA announcements.
10) What is the difference between RCPP Classic and the AFA track?
NRCS notes that the RCPP Classic notice and the Alternative Funding Arrangement (AFA) notice for FY 2026 are open at the same time. Applicants considering AFA are directed to a separate NOFO (USDA-NRCS-NHQ-RCPP-AFA-26-NOFO0001451). Applicants should choose the pathway that best fits their project structure and financing approach.
11) Can an applicant apply to both Classic and AFA?
The information provided indicates both notices are open at the same time and that applicants need to choose the pathway that fits their project structure and financing approach. No additional instructions about applying to both were provided here.
12) What geographic areas are eligible?
NRCS will accept proposals covering any of the 50 states, the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands), and U.S. territories in the Pacific Island Areas (including Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands).
13) Do projects have to be within a Critical Conservation Area (CCA)?
No. Projects can be structured to address conservation priorities in one or more states, or they can be tailored to priority concerns within NRCS-designated Critical Conservation Areas (CCAs).
14) What kinds of land does RCPP focus on?
The program targets conservation work on farms, ranches, and private forestlands, with implementation on eligible private working lands.
15) What types of conservation issues can be addressed?
The opportunity is intended to support measurable improvements in targeted resource concerns. Examples mentioned include soil health, water quality, sediment reduction, wildlife habitat, drought and water management challenges, and broader landscape-scale resource needs.
16) Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible partners include producer associations or groups, state and local governments, Indian tribes, farmer cooperatives, water and irrigation districts (including acequias and other entities with water delivery authority), municipal water or wastewater treatment entities, institutions of higher education, conservation organizations or entities with a documented history of working with producers on local conservation priorities or watershed-scale issues, entities with farmland or grassland protection programs that purchase agricultural land easements (as defined in 7 CFR Part 1468.3), and conservation districts. The broader eligibility list also includes nonprofits (both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3)), for-profit organizations (including small businesses), special district governments, and public and private institutions of higher education.
17) What does NRCS look for in an RCPP partner?
The common thread described is that the applicant must be able to function as a credible partner that can organize a project, bring contributions, and coordinate implementation with producers and NRCS.
18) How are proposals evaluated and selected?
NRCS indicates selection is based on factors reflecting program intent, including expected conservation impact, the value and strength of partner contributions, and how well the partnership is designed and managed.
19) What does "measurable outcomes" mean in the context of this NOFO?
The opportunity emphasizes conservation work that tackles real, measurable natural resource problems and produces trackable improvements in targeted resource concerns. The strongest proposals are described as outcome-driven and having a solid approach to tracking and demonstrating measurable improvements.
20) How do applicants submit proposals?
The submission process is handled through the RCPP portal rather than by email or paper submission.
21) Are email or paper applications accepted?
No. The NOFO information provided states that submission is through the RCPP portal, not by email or paper.
22) What login credentials are required to use the RCPP portal?
Applicants should plan ahead because portal access requires either a Level 2 eAuthentication credential or a Login.gov credential.
23) Why should applicants plan extra time for portal access?
NRCS notes that setting up Login.gov can take multiple steps over several days, so applicants are encouraged to plan ahead.
24) Is pre-submission coordination with NRCS required?
Applicants are expected to contact the relevant State Conservationist and the state RCPP coordinator before submitting.
25) What is the State Conservationist questionnaire?
NRCS will use a State Conservationist questionnaire to structure pre-submission conversations so proposals align with state-level needs and program rules.
26) What happens if an applicant does not complete the pre-submission meeting and questionnaire?
The NOFO warns that proposals submitted without this meeting and completed questionnaire risk reduced ranking scores, in part because applicants may be unable to answer required questions in a way that demonstrates alignment with NRCS priorities and compliance expectations.
27) Where can applicants find the state RCPP coordinator contact information and application instructions?
NRCS points applicants to the "How to Apply to RCPP" webpage for the most current instructions, portal guidance, and state RCPP coordinator contact information.
28) Is there a general contact email for questions?
Yes. General questions can be directed to rcpp@usda.gov.
29) Are there webinars for applicants?
Yes. NRCS is offering applicant support webinars tied to the FY 2026 NOFO, including a general applicant webinar and an easement-focused webinar.
30) When is the general applicant webinar?
The general applicant webinar is scheduled for June 30, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
31) When is the easement-focused webinar?
The easement-focused webinar is scheduled for July 9, 2026, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
32) Where will webinar links and updates be posted?
Webinar links and any additional sessions are expected to be posted on the "How to Apply to RCPP" page.
33) Does RCPP Classic support easement-related components?
The information provided references an easement-focused webinar and identifies as eligible certain entities with farmland or grassland protection programs that purchase agricultural land easements (as defined in 7 CFR Part 1468.3), indicating easement-related topics may be relevant for some projects.
34) What is the overall emphasis of the FY 2026 RCPP Classic competition?
RCPP Classic FY 2026 is presented as a large-scale conservation partnership opportunity where NRCS is looking for well-organized, outcome-driven projects that combine federal support with strong partner contributions, clear roles, a realistic implementation plan for working lands, and coordination with NRCS priorities at state and regional levels.
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