Brings farmers, communities, and partner organizations together to address regional resource challenges through nature-based solutions such as wetland restoration, soil health improvements, and water management infrastructure.

	Supports nature-based solutions		Encourages public-private partnerships
	Has a regional or watershed focus

Application cycle: To find out if there is an active RCPP project in your area that is accepting applications, please contact your NRCS State RCPP Coordinator.

Summary: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is designed to tackle conservation challenges by uniting NRCS with agricultural producers, state and local governments, and non-profits. The program has two distinct funding tracks: RCPP Classic, which are implemented by NRCS, and RCPP Grants, which are managed by the lead partner. The program addresses flooding through watershed-scale projects that enhance water management, reduce nutrient runoff, and promote regenerative agriculture. The program is best suited for applicants that can identify a strong lead partner and are addressing natural resource concerns in areas such as private working lands, such as lands used for agriculture or forestry.

Eligible applicants: Eligible partners for the RCPP program include agricultural or forestry producer groups, state and local governments, Indian tribes, farmer cooperatives, water and irrigation districts, municipal water or wastewater entities, institutions of higher education, and conservation-focused organizations. Additionally, entities with farmland or grassland protection programs and conservation districts are eligible to participate.

• Filter – Public Private Partnerships: RCPP is partner-driven and supports projects led by coalitions of public entities and eligible private partners.

Eligible activities: Partners can propose a wide range of activities to address local resource concerns. For flood resilience, eligible activities may include:

• Restoring wetlands and floodplains.
• Creating or improving water retention and management structures.
• Using soil health practices like cover crops to improve water infiltration.
• Placing land in easements to preserve natural floodplains and buffers.
• Implementing public works on a watershed scale for flood prevention and control.

Funding: $250,000 – $25,000,000.

Cost share: Cost sharing requirements are not fixed, but stronger non-federal contributions will make applications more competitive. Contributions can include both cash and in-kind services, such as staff time for project management, outreach to producers, or the use of equipment.

Application process: Interested applicants must work with state RCPP coordinators and use the RCPP portal for submission. A completed State Conservation Questionnaire is mandatory.

• Filter – In-kind Contributions: RCPP accepts documented partner in-kind contributions (e.g. staff time, equipment, services, unrecovered indirects) when included in the partnership agreements and tied to project outcomes, note that RCPP funds can’t serve as “non-federal” match for other federal programs.