Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026
The USDA is offering up to $310 million for partners to propose conservation projects that address natural resource concerns through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program for FY 2026; proposals due August 24, 2026.
Funder: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Due Dates: August 24, 2026 (Full proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $10,000,000 per award; minimum $250,000; total program funding approx. $310 million; typical project duration 5 years
Summary: Supports large-scale, partner-driven conservation projects addressing natural resource challenges on agricultural and private forest lands through innovative funding arrangements.
Key Information: Cost-sharing/matching required; proposals must be submitted via the RCPP portal and require prior consultation with state NRCS staff.
Description
This opportunity provides funding for the implementation of innovative, partner-led conservation projects through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA) for FY 2026. The program aims to address on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns by supporting projects that deliver measurable conservation outcomes on agricultural and private forest lands. RCPP-AFA emphasizes collaboration among partners, stakeholders, and communities to expand the impact and reach of conservation efforts, with a strong focus on equity and local priorities.
Projects may include land management, rental agreements, entity-held easements, and watershed-scale infrastructure. The expectation is that AFA partners have the capacity to rapidly implement projects, provide technical and financial assistance, and deliver quantifiable conservation benefits. Up to $310 million is available for RCPP projects under this and the concurrent Classic announcement, with up to $30 million specifically set aside for agreements with Indian tribes.
