Conservation Technical Assistance Program Grants

The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is introducing a new competitive grant opportunity under the Conservation Technical Assistance Program (CTAP). These grants are designed to support both the Regenerative Agriculture Program and the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP).

About the Conservation Technical Assistance Program

The purpose of the Conservation Technical Assistance Program (CTAP) is to deliver environmental and educational outcomes in partnership with local conservation districts within its designated service area through the Regenerative Agriculture Program (RAP) and the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP). 

The statutory authority for environmental assurance programs is found in the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA), Act 451 of 1994, Part 31 and Part 87. MAEAP and RAP are funded through a combination of general fund allocations and the Freshwater Protection Fund under the same act.

• RAP’s mission is to champion a regenerative approach to agriculture, resulting in farmer prosperity, improved farm ecosystems, increased community health, and vibrant agricultural systems. RAP provides education, tools, and resources to help farmers adopt regenerative practices, improve soil health, and access emerging market opportunities that value sustainability.
• MAEAP’s mission is to promote and recognize the adoption of practices that reduce environmental risk. This voluntary program helps farmers implement environmentally sound practices that protect Michigan’s natural resources while supporting long-term farm viability.
  
  Together, these programs enable CTAP to strengthen Michigan’s agricultural landscape by promoting conservation, advancing regenerative practices, and supporting farmers in achieving environmental stewardship and economic resilience. For inquiries about the program contact the CTAP grant staff (MDARD-CTAP@michigan.gov).  

Fiscal Year 2027 Application:

• Application Guide
• Application Form
• Project Narrative Form
• Outputs and Work Plan Form
• Budget Form
• Budget Narrative Form

Resources for Applicants:

• FY2027 Conservation Technical Assistance Program Webinar
• FY27 CTAP FAQ
• FY27 CTAP Policies and Procedures
• FY27 CTAP Program Matrix
• Historical Reports for MAEAP and RAP
• SHMP Template
• SHMP Guide
• SHMP Market Garden Example
• SHMP Row Crop Example
• SHMP Fruit Example
• Soil Health Assessment Guide
• Soil Health Sampling Guide
• Soil Health Assessment & Soil Health Sample Maps

Applicant Eligibility Requirements:

Conservation Districts meeting all statutory and grant agreement eligibility requirements may be considered for CTAP grant funding. 

1. Eligible applicants must submit approved FY26 budget.
2. The cover letter of an Independent Auditor’s Report from a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) which indicates the applicant had a successful audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America for fiscal year 2024 or 2025, or a copy of the engagement letter from a CPA to the grantee indicating an audit will be completed for fiscal year 2025. If an engagement letter is submitted, the applicant must provide the cover letter from the completed audit within six months of the start date of this grant.

Applicant Evaluation Criteria:

MDARD staff and advisors to the Conservation and Stewardship Division staff will review and score submitted proposals using the following rubric. 

Programmatic Elements

• The number of proposed new practices applied annually is meaningful based on historical data and proposed budget.
• The priority practices identified are meaningful based on historical data and location.
• Proposal located within a priority watershed (Western Lake Erie Basin, Saginaw Bay, Macatawa, Lake Allegan Watershed or other watersheds not supporting designated uses due to nonpoint source contributions from agricultural activities). Assess watershed status here: How's My Waterway - Home.
• Application coverage areas which take a multi-county approach and can demonstrate collaboration among conservation districts.

Proposal Elements

• Proposal is complete.
• Proposal has clear goals, objectives, key performance outputs, and outcomes.
• A clear justification of proposed key performance outputs. Outputs are meaningful and substantial.
• Justification exists for each budget item. Budget items are clear, specific, and meet the program requirements. Budget items and work plan tasks are clearly linked. 
• The proposal has a clear and compelling outreach plan.
• Work plan clearly includes target dates and supports the number of proposed new practices.
• Proposal demonstrates strong collaboration among partners.
• Proposal demonstrates ability to leverage complimentary conservation programs and cost-share.