Browse Ambrook’s collection of funding programs by Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM)

For more information, contact the Division of Agriculture at (401) 222-2781 or Abigail Hasenfus at (401) 574-9117 ext. 3 or abigail.hasenfus@energy.ri.gov.

Abigail Hasenfus

As part of its continued efforts to grow Rhode Island's green economy, DEM has partnered with&#x2004;the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources to administer the RI Agricultural Energy Grant Program that provides grant awards of up to $20,000 for eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at RI Farms. This funding helps local farmers "green" their operations and benefit from the related energy and cost savings through energy efficiency projects and by transitioning to renewable power. Funding for this program is made possible through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).



As part of its continued efforts to grow Rhode Island's green economy, DEM has partnered with the Rhode Island Office of Energy Resources to administer the RI Agricultural Energy Grant Program that provides grant awards of up to $20,000 for eligible energy efficiency and renewable energy projects at RI Farms. This funding helps local farmers "green" their operations and benefit from the related energy and cost savings through energy efficiency projects and by transitioning to renewable power. Funding for this program is made possible through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

Open to Rhode Island agricultural operations. Individual farms qualify — you do not need to be an institution — but the applicant has to be a commercial agricultural business, not a hobby or residential property. All tests below are from the program's own Guidance Document (Version Four, August 2024), which states: "Eligible applicants include agricultural entities and operations that fulfill all of the following requirements."

Where you must be. "Agricultural entities must have a physical location in Rhode Island with the ability to enter into a legal agreement with the State," and "The proposed clean energy investment must be implemented/installed at a Rhode Island-based location." The guidance is blunt about it: "Only Rhode Island Agricultural Operations are eligible for the program."

What you must be. "The applicant must be considered an 'Agricultural Operation.' Agricultural Operations include any commercial enterprise which has as its primary purpose: horticulture, viticulture, floriculture, forestry, stabling of horses, dairy farming, aquaculture, the raising of livestock (including the production of fiber), furbearing animals, poultry, or bees." If your operation is not on that list you are not automatically out — "Applicants may seek program eligibility for operations not listed above by requesting an eligibility determination from DEM's Chief of Agriculture." Farm stands count too: "Eligible farm stands which meet the intent of an Agricultural Operation to sell agricultural products, the majority of which are produced by the applicant's operation."

Income floor — $2,500. "The Agricultural Operation must be able to demonstrate that it has produced at least $2,500 in income from agricultural operation in one of the last two (2) calendar years through tax documentation." Two carve-outs matter: "The leasing of agricultural land to another agricultural operation is NOT considered agricultural income and does NOT count towards the agricultural income requirement," and "Agricultural entities that are considered non-profit (with a 501(c)(3) or similar non-profit designation) are considered eligible applicants for this program and are not required to meet the $2,500 agricultural income requirement to participate."

Site control. "The applicant must own the property or has otherwise received permission from the property owner on which the proposed project will be implemented." Leased ground is workable with the owner's permission.

Energy audit. "The Agricultural Operation must have received a general energy efficiency audit or commit to scheduling an energy efficiency audit prior to funds being awarded." OER may waive this "In the event the completion of an energy audit is impossible or impractical for the proposed project." Free, no-obligation audits are available to RI farms through RI Energy (1-888-633-7947) — identify your property as a farm.

Cost share. "There is an applicant cost-share requirement of at least 10% of total project costs."

Sequencing — sign with a vendor first. "After a Rhode Island Agricultural Operation enters a contract with a vendor for energy efficiency or renewable energy equipment, they are eligible to apply to OER for an Agricultural Energy Grant."

Repeat applicants — hard caps. Three separate limits apply if you have been funded before: "Applicant has not applied to the Agricultural Energy Program within one calendar year of a previous award"; "Applicant is limited to one Agricultural Energy Program grant received per calendar year, and there is a maximum of three awards received by any single agribusiness"; and "Applicant has not been previously awarded two Agricultural Energy Program grants for renewable energy projects and one Agricultural Energy Program grant for energy efficiency projects."

Eligible technologies — a published list, but NOT a closed one. Renewable energy: photovoltaics (PV), small scale wind, biomass, energy storage. Energy efficiency: envelope insulation, LED lighting, HVAC systems (especially heat pump technologies), automatic temperature controls, variable speed motors/drives/pumps, solar thermal. If your technology is not on that list you can still apply: "If there is a technology not included on this list that an Agricultural Operation would like to apply for, please contact OER prior to applying. A project will not automatically be deemed ineligible if not included on this list. All final determinations on Clean Energy Investment eligibility reside solely with OER."

Also excluded at the applicant level. "Proposals from applicants whose operation is out of compliance with any federal, state or local laws or regulations."

No acreage minimum, years-in-operation minimum, or beginning/veteran/socially-disadvantaged restriction is published. Awards are competitive: "Grant awards are based on the availability of funds and awarded from highest to lowest ranking scores," and "submission of an application does not guarantee an award."

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

Grant

Biofuel

Hydro Power

Solar Power

Wind Energy

Award ceiling. "As of the effective date of this document, the maximum energy efficiency or renewable energy grant award amount per applicant, per calendar year shall be $20,000.00. These grant funds shall be for the direct costs associated with the materials and labor related to project construction." The cap is per applicant per calendar year, and "Grants of up to $20,000.00 will be awarded on a competitive basis" — "awarded from highest to lowest ranking scores" as funds allow. No minimum award is published.

Your cost-share. "There is an applicant cost-share requirement of at least 10% of total project costs." You must also "demonstrate contributions from other sources and include those in the project economics calculation in the application form" — USDA REAP, NRCS EQIP, the RI Renewable Energy Fund, the federal ITC, or your own committed funds all count.

How you get paid — half up front, half after inspection. "Projects will receive an initial payment of 50% of their awarded amount upon contract execution with their vendor, submission of documentation to OER that materials have been purchased, and proof of payment for those materials. The remaining 50% of the award will be paid upon completion of the project and submission of a final paid invoice." Final payment requires a passed post-installation inspection: "Only once a project has been inspected and approved by OER will the awardee receive the remaining 50% of funds awarded." You submit a W-9 and documentation of incurred and paid costs before any money moves. "Any project costs incurred prior to an executed contract with OER are NOT eligible for reimbursement from OER."

Timeline. "All projects must be completed within one (1) calendar year of the award date. Extensions may be approved on a case-by-case basis at the sole discretion of OER." After the award letter you have 30 business days to return a signed W-9, a signed vendor contract, and an initial paid invoice.

Eligibility gates that affect the money. You must be a Rhode Island agricultural operation that "produced at least $2,500 in income from agricultural operation in one of the last two (2) calendar years" (501(c)(3) nonprofits are exempt from that income test); own the project site or have owner permission; and have had, or commit to schedule, an energy efficiency audit — free audits are available through RI Energy. A pre-award site visit is required, and "An initial site visit DOES NOT guarantee funding."

Eligible technologies. Renewables: photovoltaics, small-scale wind, biomass, energy storage. Efficiency: envelope insulation, LED lighting, HVAC (especially heat pumps), automatic temperature controls, variable speed motors/drives/pumps, solar thermal. Renewable projects must be net metered; you cannot combine this with the Renewable Energy Growth program. Audits and feasibility studies are not fundable, and already-completed or interconnected projects are ineligible. Funding comes from RGGI auction proceeds and is subject to availability.

Current round. "Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the summer, and are due by 5:00pm on Friday, November 6, 2026."

For additional information, contact Matt Green at the RIDEM Division of Agriculture and Forestry at (401) 537-4273 or matt.green@dem.ri.gov. See the USDA Organic Certification Cost-Share Reimbursement Application.

Matt Green

RIDEM is no longer a USDA National Organic Program (NOP)-accredited certifying agent as of November 1, 2023. Although DEM will not be certifying organic farms, the Organic Program will continue to support organic operations through technical and financial assistance, including information on organic certification cost-share and other grant programs administered by the RIDEM Division of Agriculture and Forestry to support agricultural operations.



You must already be certified organic, and located in Rhode Island. The application packet is addressed "To: Certified Organic Farms and Handlers in Rhode Island," and states the two tests in bold: "Four categories of certification are eligible for reimbursement including the producer categories of crops, wild crops and livestock, and the handler (or processor) category. Applicants must be certified operations located within the State of Rhode Island."

Individual farmers absolutely can apply — the packet's W-9 lists "Individual" among the business designations, alongside partnership, corporation, trust/estate and government/nonprofit.

The certification test in full, verbatim: "Operations must possess USDA organic certification to be eligible to receive reimbursements. To be eligible, between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, the organic operation must have paid eligible fees/expenses related to its initial or renewal organic certification from a USDA-accredited certifying agent, and the operation must have a valid organic certification under the National Organic Program at the time of application for cost-share reimbursement."

So, three things all have to be true: you paid initial or renewal certification fees inside the program year, the certifier was USDA-accredited, and your NOP certification is still valid when you file. Both producers and handlers/processors qualify — this is one of the few programs where a processor is on equal footing with a farm.

What you must submit: a completed W-9, "ITEMIZED RECEIPT FOR CERTIFICATION-RELATED EXPENSES," receipts for eligible expenses not shown on invoices, and a "PHOTOCOPY OF ORGANIC CERTIFICATE AND PROOF OF CONTINUATION OF CERTIFICATION." Only costs not already reimbursed elsewhere count: "Only eligible costs which have not been reimbursed previously may be requested for reimbursement."

No acreage minimum, income floor or ceiling, years-of-experience requirement, ownership or tenure test, or beginning/veteran/socially-disadvantaged restriction is published. Funds run out rather than being competitively scored: "In the event that demand exceeds the amount of funds allocated by USDA to Rhode Island, applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis."

One thing RIDEM no longer does: "RIDEM is no longer a USDA National Organic Program (NOP)-accredited certifying agent as of November 1, 2023." It will reimburse your certification costs, but it will not certify you — use a USDA-accredited certifier.

Two channels are open to you, and you pick one: "Certified organic operations in Rhode Island optionally may apply for USDA organic certification cost share reimbursement instead through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Kent County office."

Caution on dates: the only packet RIDEM has posted covers the 2023-2024 program year and closed October 31, 2024. The eligibility window above is that cycle's. Confirm the current program year's dates and requirements with Matt Green, (401) 537-4273, matt.green@dem.ri.gov, before you file.

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

Cost Share

Certified Organic

Certification

Marketing

Conservation

Research

Compliance

Reimbursement of organic certification fees you have already paid, at a published rate: "Payments are limited to 75% (seventy five percent) of an individual producer's or handler's allowable certification costs, up to a maximum of $750 (seven hundred fifty dollars) per certificate or category (scope) of certification, per year."

The $750 cap is per scope, not per farm — "Four categories of certification are eligible for reimbursement including the producer categories of crops, wild crops and livestock, and the handler (or processor) category" — so an operation certified in more than one scope can claim up to $750 for each.

To qualify you must already hold certification: "Operations must possess USDA organic certification to be eligible to receive reimbursements," you must have paid the eligible initial or renewal fees during the program year, and you must hold a valid NOP certification at the time you apply. Applicants must be certified operations located in Rhode Island.

The money is finite: "In the event that demand exceeds the amount of funds allocated by USDA to Rhode Island, applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis."

Paperwork: a completed W-9, itemized receipts for certification-related expenses, and a copy of your organic certificate. Only costs not previously reimbursed are eligible.

You have a choice of channel — Rhode Island operations "optionally may apply for USDA organic certification cost share reimbursement instead through the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Kent County office."

Note: these figures come from RIDEM's most recently posted application packet, which covers the 2023-2024 cycle (applications due Oct. 31, 2024). Confirm the current-year cap and deadline with RIDEM — Matt Green, (401) 537-4273, matt.green@dem.ri.gov — before you file.

For questions about the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI), please email DEM.RFSI@dem.ri.gov. Visit the RFSI website for additional information and resources at www.ams.usda.gov/rfsi.

RI DEM — Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program

The purpose of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) program is to develop and administer state-coordinated initiatives&#x2004;to build resilience across the middle of the State's food supply chain for food crops. Funds will support expanded capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products, including specialty crops, dairy, grains for consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry. DEM will work in partnership with USDA to make competitive sub-award investments in middle of the supply chain infrastructure (Infrastructure Grants) to domestic food and farm businesses and other eligible entities.



The purpose of the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI) program is to develop and administer state-coordinated initiatives to build resilience across the middle of the State's food supply chain for food crops. Funds will support expanded capacity for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, and distribution of locally and regionally produced food products, including specialty crops, dairy, grains for consumption, aquaculture, and other food products, excluding meat and poultry. DEM will work in partnership with USDA to make competitive sub-award investments in middle of the supply chain infrastructure (Infrastructure Grants) to domestic food and farm businesses and other eligible entities.

Entities eligible for Infrastructure Grants made by states will be:

- Agricultural producers or processors, or groups of agricultural producers and processors
- Nonprofit organizations operating middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution of targeted agricultural products
- Local government entities operating middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution of targeted agricultural products
- Tribal governments operating middle-of-the-supply-chain activities such as processing, aggregation, distribution of targeted agricultural products
- Institutions such as schools, universities, or hospitals bringing producers together to establish cooperative or shared infrastructure or invest in equipment that will benefit multiple producers

All applicant businesses and organizations must be domestically owned, and applicants' facilities must be physically located within the borders of Rhode Island.

Trade Relief

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Beginning Farmers

Socially Disadvantaged

Veterans

Español

Native Americans

People Of Color

Women

Equipment Grant: The maximum funding request for an equipment grant is $100,000. No match is required for equipment grants.

Infrastructure Grant: There is no maximum funding request for an infrastructure grant. However, the State of Rhode Island will be administering a total of $1.5 million in grants. Infrastructure Grant Recipients are required to contribute 50% of the total proposed project cost as a match to federal funding. For historically under-served farmers and ranchers, or for other businesses that qualify under SBA categories of Small disadvantaged business, women-owned small business, or veteran-owned small business, the required match contribution or cost share is reduced to 25% of the project cost.

Simplified Equipment-Only option: Equipment-only projects offer a simplified application to fund smaller grants between $20,000 and $100,000 for equipment purchases. The Simplified Equipment-Only option is a Fixed Price Grant, meaning it will fund only equipment purchases (and not associated facility upgrades, staffing, or other costs), and the amount awarded will be equal to the cost of the equipment up to $100,000. No match is required for this grant type.

1. Ocean State Procurement Portal registration: https://ridop.ri.gov/ocean-state-procures-osp
2. Finished Application in the GMS System
3. Filled out budget template in eCivis GMS
4. Necessary supporting documents (Lease agreements etc.)


The LASA Grant Program provides grants that directly benefit and strengthen the local food&#x2004;system in Rhode Island. The program was established by the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) of 2012 via an innovative public-private partnership between the state and three private foundations — the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, the Henry P. Kendall Foundation, and the Rhode Island Foundation. Currently, the program is made possible by funding from the State of Rhode Island. The goal of the LASA grant program is to support the growth, development, and marketing of local food and seafood in Rhode Island.



The LASA Grant Program provides grants that directly benefit and strengthen the local food system in Rhode Island. The program was established by the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) of 2012 via an innovative public-private partnership between the state and three private foundations — the van Beuren Charitable Foundation, the Henry P. Kendall Foundation, and the Rhode Island Foundation. Currently, the program is made possible by funding from the State of Rhode Island. The goal of the LASA grant program is to support the growth, development, and marketing of local food and seafood in Rhode Island.

For-profit farmers, fishermen/women, and producer groups are eligible to apply as are non-profit organizations. Please note that for-profit farmers will be prioritized over non-profit organizations, the LASA review committee will only fund projects if the non-profit cannot fund otherwise. Applicants must be based in the State of Rhode Island. The Advisory Committee will value geographic diversity in the applicant pool when making award determinations. Only Small and/or Beginning farmers, or producer groups of small or beginning farmers, are eligible to apply for capital grants. (Aquaculture operators are considered farmers in this regard). Priority will be given to grant applicants that have not received LASA award(s) in the past 3 years. Please note, any equipment or vehicles must be special use equipment for farm and/or food production.
ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
Projects/programs must serve at least one of the following purposes in order to be eligible for funding through the LASA Grants Program:
1. Assist in the marketing of Rhode Island grown agricultural products and local seafood1 for the purpose of sale and promotion.
2. Enhance the economic competitiveness of Rhode Island grown agricultural products and local seafood.
3. Provide financial and technical assistance support to organizations and producers for activities and programs which enhance the economic viability of local agriculture, and support the development of a locally based, safe and sustainable food system.
4. Perform other activities necessary to facilitate the success and viability of the state’s agricultural and seafood sectors.
In addition to providing grants for projects or programs, the LASA Grant Program may also provide capital grants to small or beginning Rhode Island farmers and aquaculture producers to support the growth and sustainability of Rhode Island’s farming and aquaculture industries.
INELIGIBLE PROJECTS
- Projects that could be funded elsewhere (e.g., high tunnels, wells, and caterpillar tunnels could all be funded by NRCS
- Applications that fail to demonstrate at least one of the program purposes
- Applications for completed projects for which the applicant seeks reimbursement
- Applicants out of compliance with any federal, state, or local laws or regulations
- Applicants who have previously received LASA Grants and failed to meet reporting obligations
- Applicants not engaged in local agriculture, aquaculture, or local seafood
- Applicants who failed to meet requirements for previous Department grants and/or assistance programs, or from individuals or groups unable to perform or currently experiencing performance issues with previous Department grant obligations
- Ineligible Project activities include non-project related travel, scholarships, general operating funds, on-going capital campaigns, political or policy advocacy campaigns, conference/workshop attendance fees, etc.
- Capital grants from fishermen/women are not eligible for LASA funding due to the originating legislation.
1. For the purposes of the LASA Grant, local seafood will be defined as product landed in Rhode Island.


Seafood

Eels

Fish

Shellfish

Atka Mackerel

Carp

Catfish

Flounder

Goosefish

Herring

Hybrid Striped Bass

Largemouth Bass

Ornamental Fish

Pacific Cod

Pacific Ocean Perch

Pollock

Recreational Sportfish

Red Drum

Sablefish

Salmon

Sole

Sturgeon

Tilapia

Trout

Tuna

Turbot

Crustaceans

Molluscs

Crab

Dungeness Crab

King Crab

Snow Crab

Southern Tanner Crab

Crayfish

Lobster

Geoduck

Squid

Aquaculture

- Request for Applications
- Additional one-on-one technical assistance will be provided by RIFPC. To request assistance, you can fill out this form. You may also contact Maggie Longo at lasahelp@rifoodcouncil.org or 401-490-5687.

Farmers Market

Air Quality

Carbon Capture

High Tunnel

Landscape

Regenerative

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Food Systems

Historically Underserved

All costs associated with developing or submitting a proposal in response to this request, or with providing oral or written clarification of proposal content, are ineligible expenses and shall be the sole responsibility of the applicant. The State assumes no responsibility for these costs.
Projects may be up to 15 months in duration. Grantees are responsible for interim and final reports. Interim reports are due on December 1, 2023, and final reports are due on June 30, 2024. Any grantees who do not provide timely interim and final grant reports will be ineligible for future LASA Grant Program funding.

Specialty crop block request for proposal 
Project Profile Template

Apply Here

The RI DEM Division of Agriculture (DEM) is pleased to announce a competitive solicitation process to award Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds for projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture. Please visit USDA’s web site at <https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp> to view a comprehensive list of eligible specialty crops, ineligible commodities, and examples of projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops under the SCBGP. 



The RI DEM Division of Agriculture (DEM) is pleased to announce a competitive solicitation process to award Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) funds for projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as fruits and vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, horticulture, and nursery crops, including floriculture. Please visit USDA’s web site at https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/grants/scbgp to view a comprehensive list of eligible specialty crops, ineligible commodities, and examples of projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops under the SCBGP. 

Projects must enhance the competitiveness of U.S. or U.S. territory-grown specialty crops in either domestic or foreign markets. Each project must identify at least one expected measurable outcome and indicator that specifically demonstrates the project’s impact in enhancing the competitiveness of eligible specialty crops. Funds will not be awarded for projects that benefit a particular commercial product or provide a profit to a single organization, institution, or individual. In addition, grant funds cannot be used to compete unfairly with private companies that provide equivalent products or services. Single organizations, institutions, and individuals are encouraged to participate as project partners. 

Proposals should be initiated by organizations, industry groups, or academic institutions, or should involve collaboration or partnerships between producers, industry groups, academics, or other organizations. Applicants may cooperate with any public or private organization, or two or more individuals or organizations may propose a joint project. Applicants should describe how the project potentially affects and produces measurable outcomes for the specialty crop industry and/or the public rather than a single organization, institution, or individual. 

Specialty Crops

Aloe Leaves

Blackberries

Fruits

Honey

Horticulture

Mamey Sapote

Maple Syrup

Mustard Greens

Parsnips

Passion Fruit

Pineapples

Plantains

Pummelos

Raspberries

Rutabagas

Tree Nuts

Vegetables

Abiu

Achachairu

Antidesma

Apples

Apricots

Bananas

Barbados Cherry

Blueberries

Breadfruit

Cacao

Caimito

Calabaza Melon

Canary Melon

Canary Seed

Caneberries

Canistel

Cantaloupes

Casaba Melon

Cherries

Chinese Bitter Melon

Chokeberry

Citron

Citron Melon

Coconuts

Cranberries

Crenshaw Melon

Custard Apple

Dates

Dragon Fruit

Durian

Elderberries

Figs

Genip

Goji

Gooseberries

Grapefruit

Grapes

Guava

Guavaberry

Honeyberries

Honeydew

Huckleberries

Israel Melons

Jack Fruit

Jujube

Juneberries

Kiwiberry

Kiwifruit

Korean Golden Melon

Kumquats

Langsat

Lemons

Limequats

Limes

Longan

Loquats

Lychee

Mangos

Mangosteen

Mayhaw Berries

Mesple

Mulberries

Nectarines

Oranges

Papaya

Passion Fruits

Pawpaw

Peaches

Pears

Pineapple

Plantain

Plumcots

Plums

Pomegranates

Prunes

Pummelo

Raisins

Rambutan

DEM anticipates grant announcements will be made in early fall.

List of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RI DEM) Funding Opportunities