Browse Ambrook’s collection of grants, loans, discounts, cost shares, easements, and insurance that have applications closing soon

To complete an application for this program, you must be pre-registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) and also have a Data Universal Number System (DUNS) number. Neither of these applications cost money, but they can take time so be sure to get this taken care of right away. If you are already registered with these systems, you do not need to do it again. 

If you have any questions about the registration process, or are ready to apply, speak to your local RD office at the contact details above.

**Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements**


The&#x2004;program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.


**How may the funds be used?**

Funds may be used for renewable energy systems, such as:

- Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels).

- Geothermal for electric generation or direct use.

- Hydropower below 30 megawatts.

- Hydrogen.

- Small and large wind generation.

- Small and large solar generation.

- Ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation.

Funds may also be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as:

- High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).

- Insulation.

- Lighting.

- Cooling or refrigeration units.

- Doors and windows.

- Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots.

- Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor.

- Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.


Agricultural producers may also use guaranteed loan funds to install energy efficient equipment and systems for agricultural production or processing.



Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements

The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.

How may the funds be used?
Funds may be used for renewable energy systems, such as:
- Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels).
- Geothermal for electric generation or direct use.
- Hydropower below 30 megawatts.
- Hydrogen.
- Small and large wind generation.
- Small and large solar generation.
- Ocean (tidal, current, thermal) generation.
Funds may also be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as:
- High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).
- Insulation.
- Lighting.
- Cooling or refrigeration units.
- Doors and windows.
- Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots.
- Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor.
- Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.

Agricultural producers may also use guaranteed loan funds to install energy efficient equipment and systems for agricultural production or processing.

Who may apply for this program?
- Agricultural producers with at least 50 percent of their gross income coming from agricultural operations.
- Small businesses in eligible rural areas.

NOTE: Agricultural producers and small businesses must have NO outstanding delinquent federal taxes, debt, judgment or debarment.

Who may qualify for loan guarantees?
Eligible borrowers are:
- Rural small businesses
- Agricultural producers

What are the borrowing restrictions for loan guarantees? 
- Individual borrowers must be citizens of the United States or reside in the U.S. after being legally admitted for permanent residence.
- Private-entity borrowers must demonstrate that loan funds will remain in the U.S.

What is an eligible area?
- Businesses must be in located in rural areas with populations of 50,000 residents or less. 
- Check eligible business addresses.
- Agricultural producers may be in rural or non-rural areas.

A lump sum of money for a specific purpose that does not need to be paid back.

Grant

A payment that requires some percentage of matching contributions by the recipient.

Cost Share

A payment that must be returned to the provider following specified terms of repayment and interest rate.

Loan

- Program Fact Sheet
- USDA Energy Investment Map
- USDA Energy Matrix

Biofuel

Hydro Power

Solar Power

Wind Energy

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Buildings

Construction

Fencing

Greenhouse

High Tunnel

Irrigation

Storage

Air Quality

Carbon Capture

Certification

Landscape

Regenerative

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Alternative Energy

Equipment

Infrastructure

Water Management

What funding is available?
- Loan guarantees on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs.
- Grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs.
- Combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75% of total eligible project costs.

What is the maximum amount of a loan guarantee?
The loan guarantee percentage is published annually in a Federal Register notice. 

What are the loan guarantee terms?
The lender, with Agency concurrence, will establish and justify the guaranteed loan term based on the use of guaranteed loan funds, the useful economic life of the assets being financed and those used as collateral, and the borrower's repayment ability. The loan term will not exceed 40 years.

What are the interest rates for the loan guarantee?
- Interest rates are negotiated between the lender and borrower.
- Rates may be fixed or variable.
- Variable interest rates may not be adjusted more often than quarterly.

What are the applicable fees for the loan guarantee?
- There is an initial guarantee fee, currently 1 percent of the guaranteed amount.
- There is a guarantee retention fee, currently 0.25 percent of the outstanding principal balance, paid annually.
- Reasonable and customary fees for loan origination are negotiated between the borrower and lender.

What are the underwriting requirements for the loan guarantee?
- The lender will conduct a credit evaluation using credit documentation procedures and underwriting processes that are consistent with generally accepted prudent lending practices and also consistent with the lender's own policies, procedures and lending practices.
- The lender's evaluation must address any financial or other credit weaknesses of the borrower and project and discuss risk mitigation requirements.
- The lender must analyze all credit factors to determine that the credit factors and guaranteed loan terms and conditions ensure guaranteed loan repayment.
- Credit factors to be analyzed include but are not limited to character, capacity, capital, collateral, and conditions.  

What are the grant terms?
Renewable Energy System Grants:
- $10,000 minimum
- $500,000 maximum

Energy Efficiency Grants:
- $6,000 minimum
- $250,000 maximum

Are there additional requirements?
- Applicants must provide at least 75 percent of the project cost if applying for a grant only.
- Applicants must provide at least 25 percent of the project cost if applying for loan.
- All projects must have technical merit and utilize commercially available technology. 
- Energy efficiency projects require an energy audit or assessment.

An electronic copy of the application and supporting materials in Microsoft Word format must be submitted to the NPS Program. All applications must be completed on the appropriate form which can be found below.

Email the proposal to the attention of Ben Coverdale & Ashley Barnett at NPS.Grants@delaware.gov with the subject "FY23 Nonpoint Source Section 319 Grant Proposal"

Ben Coverdale

The Delaware [Nonpoint Source Program](https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/watershed-stewardship/nps/) administers a competitive grant program made possible through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The grant provides funding for projects designed to reduce nonpoint source (NPS) pollution in Delaware.

Nonpoint source pollution is any pollution that originates from a diffuse source (such as an open field or a road) and is transported to surface or ground waters through leaching or runoff.

A&#x2004;good way to reduce nonpoint source pollution is to incorporate specific best management practices (BMPs) into project workplans. Projects may target any source of NPS pollution, but most frequently involve agriculture, silviculture, construction, marinas, septic systems, and hydromodification activities.

Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 319 grants are awarded to the state based on the federal fiscal year (October through September). A request for proposals for each awarded fiscal year grant is posted, and advertised, in December of each calendar year and/or at the NPS Program’s discretion.



The Delaware Nonpoint Source Program administers a competitive grant program made possible through Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The grant provides funding for projects designed to reduce nonpoint source (NPS) pollution in Delaware.
Nonpoint source pollution is any pollution that originates from a diffuse source (such as an open field or a road) and is transported to surface or ground waters through leaching or runoff.
A good way to reduce nonpoint source pollution is to incorporate specific best management practices (BMPs) into project workplans. Projects may target any source of NPS pollution, but most frequently involve agriculture, silviculture, construction, marinas, septic systems, and hydromodification activities.
Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 319 grants are awarded to the state based on the federal fiscal year (October through September). A request for proposals for each awarded fiscal year grant is posted, and advertised, in December of each calendar year and/or at the NPS Program’s discretion.

Project can be sponsored by public or private entities, including local governments, tribal authorities, cities, counties, regional development centers, local school systems, colleges and universities, local nonprofit organizations, state agencies, federal agencies, watershed groups, for-profit groups, and individuals. Project grants to individuals are limited to demonstration projects.
Priority will be given to those projects whose goal is to improve the water quality of water bodies identified as having nonpoint source pollution impairments and implemented in those watersheds that have approved watershed management plans.

Water Quality

Waterway Protection

Wetland Conservation

Inputs

Proposals are reviewed and evaluated, and those which are determined to meet specific requirements are eligible for funding. All projects must include matching funding from a non-Federal source totaling at least 40% of the federal grant funds requested.

Application will post when it becomes live. 

The application, which consists of both short answer and essay questions, is comprised of five main focus areas: military service, educational background, prior farming experience, business and financial planning, and short-term and long-term goals.
Applicants are evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Farm training/experience and/or transferable skills
- Personal investment in their farm business
- Strength of funding request and ability to show how an award will help grow their farm business
- Vision and goals for the future of their business
- Community involvement

Required Documents
Throughout the course of completing the application you will be required to upload the following additional document:
- A business plan
- Proof of service


Rachel Petitt

The Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund is a small grant program that provides direct assistance to veterans who are in their beginning years of farming or ranching. The Fellowship Fund does not give money directly to the veteran, but rather to third-party vendors for items the veteran has identified will make a crucial difference in the launch of their farm business. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000, and nearly $3 million has been awarded to veterans since 2011.



- Must be a member of Farmer Veteran Coalition. Click here to join now.
- Have served or are currently serving in any branch of the United States Military.
- Received an ‘Honorable’ characterization of service upon discharge from the military. Other characterizations of service may be accepted on a case-by-case basis.
- Currently serving service members must provide a letter of support from their commanding officer or designated representative attesting to their characterization of service.
- Must have an agricultural business in operation and a business plan.
- Previous Fellowship recipients are ONLY eligible to apply again if previously awarded $1,000 or less.
- Must be willing to fully participate in the Fellowship Program, which includes periodic progress reports, mentoring other farmer veterans and a desire to make a positive impact on the farmer veteran community
- The Fellowship is designed to support for profit agricultural businesses, non-profit entities are not eligible to apply.

- Information Page
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Fellowship Application Review and Business Planning Video
- Free Business Plan Template
- Opening Email Notification

Historically Underserved

Farmer veterans who are selected as Fellowship recipients have six (6) months to use their award as outlined in their application or risk losing it to another deserving farmer veteran.

Upon notification of their award, Fellowship recipients may begin seeking out third-party vendors to make their purchase. All third-party vendors must be approved by the Fellowship Fund manager prior to purchase.

After an approved third-party vendor has been selected, the Fellowship Fund manager makes the payment on the farmer veteran’s behalf.

All are welcome to apply to receive equipment through Kubota’s ‘Geared To Give’ program. The application for the Geared to Give program is integrated into the Fellowship Fund Application.

Apply online on Crosshatch's Application Portal.

Daniel Marbury

The [Grain Train Natural Foods Market](https://graintrain.coop/), [Oryana Community Co-op](https://www.oryana.coop/) and Crosshatch have partnered to support the&#x2004;local food and farm economy by providing microloans for farmers and food entrepreneurs.

This project aims to enhance an existing local food or farming venture or to help start a new one in Northwest Lower Michigan. The ideal candidate will propose an idea that would boost a farm or food business and elevate the region’s local food system. Applicants using sustainable practices are strongly encouraged, but proposals are not limited to particular practices or scale.



The Grain Train Natural Foods Market, Oryana Community Co-op and Crosshatch have partnered to support the local food and farm economy by providing microloans for farmers and food entrepreneurs.
This project aims to enhance an existing local food or farming venture or to help start a new one in Northwest Lower Michigan. The ideal candidate will propose an idea that would boost a farm or food business and elevate the region’s local food system. Applicants using sustainable practices are strongly encouraged, but proposals are not limited to particular practices or scale.

Farmers and entrepreneurs from the following Michigan counties are eligible:
- Antrim
- Charlevoix
- Cheboygan
- Emmet
- Otsego
- Benzie 
- Grand Traverse
- Kalkaska
- Leelanau
- Manistee
- Missaukee
- Wexford

Farmers Market

Local Food

Food Systems

- Applicants may request $500 - $10,000 based on evidence of project potential
- Repayment terms negotiable (typical repayment time frame is 12 - 18 months)
- 0% interest rate
- No application fee

To apply, fill out the RFP in its entirety and save as a single PDF file. then email the entire proposal to: 
Cheryl Fischnich
AMP Office Associate
fischnich.1@osu.edu 

An electronic signature will be accepted, or the signed cover page can be faxed to 330-263-3686.

Douglas Jackson-Smith

Interim Director Agricultural Ecosystems Management Program

The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Sustainable Agriculture Team and Agroecosystems Management Program (AMP) are offering interdisciplinary grants to promote on-farm research in sustainable agriculture. This program is made available through the Paul C. and Edna H. Warner Endowment Fund established specifically for on-farm research in sustainable agriculture related to crop (agronomic and horticultural) and animal production systems that are intended for&#x2004;human consumption.


Sustainable agriculture is characterized by a state of balance between: 

- Practices and values that promote environmental stewardship and conservation of resources 

- Long-term economic viability of farms and rural communities 

- Preservation of the quality of life for farm families and support for rural communities. 


Research is intended to identify and publicize sustainable agricultural practices and systems that are profitable, socially responsible, energy efficient and improve water quality and other environmental concerns relevant to Ohio farmers. 



The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Sustainable Agriculture Team and Agroecosystems Management Program (AMP) are offering interdisciplinary grants to promote on-farm research in sustainable agriculture. This program is made available through the Paul C. and Edna H. Warner Endowment Fund established specifically for on-farm research in sustainable agriculture related to crop (agronomic and horticultural) and animal production systems that are intended for human consumption.

Sustainable agriculture is characterized by a state of balance between: 
- Practices and values that promote environmental stewardship and conservation of resources 
- Long-term economic viability of farms and rural communities 
- Preservation of the quality of life for farm families and support for rural communities. 

Research is intended to identify and publicize sustainable agricultural practices and systems that are profitable, socially responsible, energy efficient and improve water quality and other environmental concerns relevant to Ohio farmers. 

Proposals must come from OSU CFAES faculty and extension personnel as principal investigators. Interested farmers, graduate students, and members of agricultural or environmental organizations are strongly encouraged to contact OSU faculty and extension agents in their communities to suggest or initiate collaborative research projects. A mandatory criterion is collaboration with farmers who are identified in the proposal. 

Farmers and others can receive help in connecting with an appropriate principal investigator, and OSU faculty can connect with producer organizations listed to find farmers with a specified area of interest through the contacts

Grants may be made only to applicants residing or located in the state. An applicant is eligible to receive only one grant at a time. Grantees must have completed projects and submitted reports to be eligible for future awards.

The program objectives are to research the profitability, energy efficiency, social consequences and environmental soundness of sustainable agriculture practices and production systems. Also, the program aims to help farmers solve problems on their own farms, possibly applying those principles to other farms as well.

Grants may include, but are not limited to the following areas:
- Enterprise diversification using traditional and non-traditional crops and livestock
- Cover crops and crop rotations to improve nutrient efficiency and conservation
- Conservation tillage and weed management, especially in the context of sustainable farming systems
- Integrated pest management systems for insects, weeds and diseases
- Livestock production and manure management systems
- Nutrient, pesticide and sediment management systems that reserve water quality
- Growing for and accessing greater marketing opportunities including season extension, direct marketing, adding value and on-farm storage handling of products

Trials

Fertilizer

Waste & Manure Management

Weeds

Public Health

Compliance

Grant awards are available to maximum of $5,000 to fund supplies, transport costs, services and labor. Recent awards have been in the $2,000 - $4,000 range. Funding is distributed through the OSU principal investigator, and is transferred to the OSU investigator’s chosen account as a reimbursement for documented project expenses. Grants are for a single year, with a final report expected by the end of December in the year the grant is awarded. Eligibility for future funding is dependent upon submission of a final report for any previous grant. Proposals for ongoing research on the same topic will be considered with no special status over other proposals, and the team should clearly describe progress on previous work and how the new proposal is for a new and independent set of objectives.

Warner Grants may provide seed funding for multiyear research proposals to state, federal or other programs, and assistance from AMP will be available for development of such proposals if they are built on Warner Grant projects and results.

Funding may not be used for capital expenditures (e.g. buildings) or livestock purchases. However, fuel, seed, production inputs, and normal maintenance costs may be covered with the awarded funds. Stipends for graduate students and labor costs for farmers or undergraduate students may also be funded. Funding for participation in professional association meetings or for travel to such meetings will not be provided. However, travel for research purposes will be supported.

- Upcoming Application Cycles:
    - February 10 – March 7, 2025
- Current OTP grantees need not re-apply.
- The application is available in both English and Spanish.
- For more information, contact Larissa Hernandez at grants@ccof.org or (831) 346-6324.


Larissa Hernandez

When farmers transition their land from conventional to organic, they have to wait three years before achieving certification and selling their products as organic. During this three-year period, farmers are learning new farming techniques, creating new systems for their business, and generating new markets for their soon-to-be-organic products, all while cultivating products that are not yet able to earn certified organic premiums.

Organic Transition grants provide financial support to farmers who want&#x2004;to shift into to organic production. These grants and technical assistance are available to farmers and ranchers in California who are interested in transitioning to organic production.

Program participants receive grants, mentorship, and technical support in agronomy, business and financial literacy, marketing, and market development over a three-year period.

**Grant Amount: **$10,000 per year for three years, for a total of $30,000.

There may be the opportunity for eligible transitioning farmers to qualify for an additional $1,000/transitioning acre up to 30 acres for soil building practices.



When farmers transition their land from conventional to organic, they have to wait three years before achieving certification and selling their products as organic. During this three-year period, farmers are learning new farming techniques, creating new systems for their business, and generating new markets for their soon-to-be-organic products, all while cultivating products that are not yet able to earn certified organic premiums.
Organic Transition grants provide financial support to farmers who want to shift into to organic production. These grants and technical assistance are available to farmers and ranchers in California who are interested in transitioning to organic production.
Program participants receive grants, mentorship, and technical support in agronomy, business and financial literacy, marketing, and market development over a three-year period.
Grant Amount: $10,000 per year for three years, for a total of $30,000.
There may be the opportunity for eligible transitioning farmers to qualify for an additional $1,000/transitioning acre up to 30 acres for soil building practices.

Organic Transition grant applicants must:

- Be farming or ranching in California (and must reside in California)
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Already be practicing regenerative organic production methods
- Provide written documentation of landowner’s approval to transition if renting/leasing
- Have a business plan, marketing plan (for after certification), and/or an Organic Systems Plan for transitioning to certified organic production and/or be in the process of completing these plans
- Demonstrate financial need
- Submit supporting financial documentation (i.e. Profit and Loss Statements from current and previous years)
- Have a minimum of five years of agricultural production experience
- Have at least two years of running or owning a farming or ranching business and/or equivalent experience
- Be willing to conduct an interview as part of the application process
- Submit a Letter of Reference with your application
- Submit a yearly report and a final report at the end of the grant period
Producers of all crop and livestock eligible for organic certification are encouraged to apply.
Applicants from underserved and socially disadvantaged communities, as well as small and medium sized farms and ranches, will be prioritized.  

Marketing

Conservation

Research

Grantees will be required to track and retain all records of grant funding expenditures;

Grantees will be required to cooperate with the CCOF Foundation to provide information related, but not limited to certification, acreage, crops, land mapping, and organic transition plans.
Allowable Costs:
- Organic livestock, poultry, and related expenses, such as animal health management required by organic standards;
- Organic feed;
- Educational materials, training on organic certification and production, or meeting attendance, in addition to services offered by CCOF;
- Inspection and certification fees;
- On-farm water or soil testing fees;
- Outside consultant fees if desired, as for development of an Organic System Plan (OSP);
- Farming supplies to be applied to organic farming on the transitioning acres, such as organic-approved plastic mulch;
- Farm equipment and repair to that equipment, where equipment is specific or widely preferred for organic farming of the type expected to occur on the transitioning acres. Qualifying equipment must be drawn from the following list, or authorized by CDFA:
    - Compost production, storage or spreading installations and equipment;
    - Weed management tools such as flamers or tines, tarps, row cover;
    - Transplanting or direct seeding equipment;
    - Intercropping equipment and modifications;
    - IPM-aligned equipment;
    - Other cover-cropping equipment;
- On-farm processing and distribution equipment (e.g., peelers, coolers, produce washing, sorting and sizing bins, refrigerated vehicles for transporting whole or minimally processed food) where it is applicable to the products expected from transitioning acres.
Unallowable Costs: 
- Property or land rent or lease;
- Taxes;
- Owner or employee labor;
- Inputs for land outside the defined transitioning field(s), or for animals not dependent on the transitioning field(s).


List of Agricultural Funding with Applications Closing Soon