Browse Ambrook’s collection of grants, loans, discounts, cost shares, easements, and insurance for energy efficiency.

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/360205

AFRI Grant Coordination Team

This competitive grant program, administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), supports both foundational and applied research, education, and extension in agriculture. The program targets six core priority areas:

- Plant Health & Production and Plant Products

- Animal Health & Production and Animal Products

- Food Safety, Nutrition, & Health

- Bioenergy, Natural Resources, & Environment

- Agriculture Systems & Technology

- Agricultural Economics & Rural Communities 


This program funds a diversity of project types—research-only, extension-only, education-only, and integrated efforts—across standard, conference, and Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) grants. 




This competitive grant program, administered by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), supports both foundational and applied research, education, and extension in agriculture. The program targets six core priority areas:
- Plant Health & Production and Plant Products
- Animal Health & Production and Animal Products
- Food Safety, Nutrition, & Health
- Bioenergy, Natural Resources, & Environment
- Agriculture Systems & Technology
- Agricultural Economics & Rural Communities 

This program funds a diversity of project types—research-only, extension-only, education-only, and integrated efforts—across standard, conference, and Food and Agricultural Science Enhancement (FASE) grants. 


Eligibility varies by project type:
- Research/Education/Extension (single-function):
    - State agricultural experiment stations
    - Colleges and universities (including 2-year institutions)
    - University research foundations
    - Federal agencies
    - National labs
    - Private organizations or corporations
    - U.S. individuals (citizens, nationals, or permanent residents)

Integrated Projects (combining functions):
- Colleges and universities (as defined under eligibility)
- 1994 Land-Grant Institutions
- Hispanic-Serving Agricultural Colleges and Universities

Other Eligible Entities (depending on category):
- 1862 and 1890 Land-Grant Institutions
- Tribal Organizations (non-federally recognized)
- Nonprofits (501(c)(3) and others)
- Small businesses
- Other entities as defined in the RFA





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

Grant

Public Health

Compliance

Alternative Energy

See specific funding project type for more detailed information on terms of this grant. 


To apply, submit the below Pre-qualification Submission Form (PQS) and any attachments to service@copace.com. 

Colorado C-PACE enables owners of eligible commercial and industrial buildings to finance up to 100% of energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation eligible improvements. Financing is provided by private capital providers at competitive rates with repayment terms up to 25 years.



Eligible properties must
- Be located in a participating C-PACE county
- Require financing for eligible energy improvements
- Be current on property taxes and municipal assessments
- Not be in bankruptcy or mortgage default
- Be used for commercial, industrial, or agricultural purposes

- Participating Counties
- Find a Contractor
- Find a C-PACE Project Developer
- Case Studies
- Pre-Qualification Submission Form
- Program Brochure
- Program Guide


Once an Agricultural Energy Management Plan (AgEMP) or other qualifying energy audit has been completed, eligible producers can apply for EQIP assistance for the purchase, installation, or retrofit of certain buildings or equipment to improve energy efficiency. 

Applications for EQIP​ financial assistance are accepted throughout the year. Specific deadlines are set for ranking and funding opportunities within each state. The best way to learn if EQIP is a good fit for you is by contacting your local NRCS office. If you choose to move forward, your local NRCS conservationist will guide you through applying for the program.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) On-Farm Energy Initiative helps farmers and ranchers make voluntary improvements that can boost energy efficiency on the farm. This emerging agricultural trend produces benefits, including reduced input costs, increased productivity per unit of energy consumed by equipment and lighting, and reduced air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions caused when energy&#x2004;is generated for agricultural use.


Financial assistance is available to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify opportunities to improve efficiency through the development of an Agricultural Energy Management Plan (AgEMP). **The AgEMP, or energy audit, is completed by NRCS-certified [Technical Service Providers](https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/technical/tsp) (TSPs) and provides:**

- Itemized energy use by individual systems to establish a baseline for electricity and other fuel improvements,

- Recommendations for equipment improvements and upgrades,

- Potential energy reductions and financial savings for each recommendation

- Cost estimates of potential improvements, and

- Length of expected payback for energy efficiency upgrades


Once an AgEMP or other qualifying energy audit has been completed, eligible producers can apply for EQIP assistance for the purchase, installation, or retrofit of certain buildings or equipment to improve energy efficiency. ** Examples of items eligible for energy efficiency improvements include**:

- Lighting

- Plate coolers

- Ventilation and fans

- Irrigation pumps

- Grain dryers

- Greenhouse improvements

- Maple syrup evaporators

- Heating and refrigeration units

- Insulation and building envelope sealing

- Motor controls and variable speed drive



The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) On-Farm Energy Initiative helps farmers and ranchers make voluntary improvements that can boost energy efficiency on the farm. This emerging agricultural trend produces benefits, including reduced input costs, increased productivity per unit of energy consumed by equipment and lighting, and reduced air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions caused when energy is generated for agricultural use.

Financial assistance is available to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify opportunities to improve efficiency through the development of an Agricultural Energy Management Plan (AgEMP). The AgEMP, or energy audit, is completed by NRCS-certified Technical Service Providers (TSPs) and provides:
- Itemized energy use by individual systems to establish a baseline for electricity and other fuel improvements,
- Recommendations for equipment improvements and upgrades,
- Potential energy reductions and financial savings for each recommendation
- Cost estimates of potential improvements, and
- Length of expected payback for energy efficiency upgrades

Once an AgEMP or other qualifying energy audit has been completed, eligible producers can apply for EQIP assistance for the purchase, installation, or retrofit of certain buildings or equipment to improve energy efficiency.  Examples of items eligible for energy efficiency improvements include:
- Lighting
- Plate coolers
- Ventilation and fans
- Irrigation pumps
- Grain dryers
- Greenhouse improvements
- Maple syrup evaporators
- Heating and refrigeration units
- Insulation and building envelope sealing
- Motor controls and variable speed drive

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

Cost Share

Biofuel

Hydro Power

Solar Power

Wind Energy

Air Quality

Carbon Capture

Certification

High Tunnel

Landscape

Soil Health

Wildlife & Pollinator Habitat

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Water Management

Infrastructure

Equipment

Regenerative

Conservation

How to Apply
1. Review the full Request for Applications (FY 2024 linked as a sample) for the complete details on eligible projects/applicants and the full application process.
2. Register in WebGrants (may take up to two business days).
3. Visit the Working Lands application frequently asked questions for resources and to get support on your application. 
4. Complete your application in WebGrants using our Application Guide.

Key Dates and Deadlines - sample
- October 6, 2023: Request for Applications (RFA) released and application opens for submission
- October 11, 2023 12-1: Applicant webinar with Q&A. View the slides and recording.
- October 30, 2023 at 12:00 PM/noon: Deadline to Request Optional Assistance with Grant Project Planning: Contact Clare Salerno at Clare.Salerno@vermont.gov to be referred to a business advisor from the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program.
- November 20, 2023: Application deadline
- Early January 2024: Applicants notified of funding decisions
- Late January 2024: Grantee documentation due
- February 2024: Estimated project start date
- 

Clare Salerno

Diana Ferguson

WebGrants Technical Assistance

This grant is currently closed for applications. Check back in fall 2024 for the next round, which will be the&#x2004;fiscal year 2025 cycle. Below is information about the most recent round. Many aspects of the application will stay the same but the award amounts, funds available, timeline, process, eligibility, and application questions are all subject to change. 


## **Grant Overview**

- Award amounts $15,000 - $50,000

- Project types:

    - **Market development** – professionalizing a marketing and/or branding approach to new or expanded markets; hiring a professional marketing/branding contractor to develop strategy and/or content; implementing the strategy and/or content developed by the contractor (e.g., branding, website, or social media development) 

    - **Research and development** – testing new systems or technology 

    - **Infrastructure development** – project-specific planning, permitting, engineering or architectural plans; building and equipment costs, including for labor and/or energy efficiency enhancements, such as lighting, refrigeration/cooling, heat pumps, solar panels, low-energy water management, ventilation systems, and/or energy generation; may include equipment installation and/or technical assistance costs 

    - **Workforce training and development** – technical skill training for staff, business management training, and/or business succession planning, including hiring a consultant to support any of these processes 

- Grant recipients must provide matching funds at a 100% (one-to-one) rate using cash (e.g., funds in the bank, paid staff labor hours) or a combination of cash and in-kind items (e.g., businesses time contributed to project, use of equipment, donated goods, pro bono services, volunteer labor) that the grantee organization has a from other sources. Match sources must be identified by the time of application submission and commitments in place by the time of grant agreement signing. Matching funds may not be sourced from other federal funding opportunities. Under limited circumstances, the matching requirement may be reduced or waived for applicants who demonstrate a clear need for this accommodation.



This grant is currently closed for applications. Check back in fall 2024 for the next round, which will be the fiscal year 2025 cycle. Below is information about the most recent round. Many aspects of the application will stay the same but the award amounts, funds available, timeline, process, eligibility, and application questions are all subject to change. 

Grant Overview
- Award amounts $15,000 - $50,000
- Project types:
    - Market development – professionalizing a marketing and/or branding approach to new or expanded markets; hiring a professional marketing/branding contractor to develop strategy and/or content; implementing the strategy and/or content developed by the contractor (e.g., branding, website, or social media development) 
    - Research and development – testing new systems or technology 
    - Infrastructure development – project-specific planning, permitting, engineering or architectural plans; building and equipment costs, including for labor and/or energy efficiency enhancements, such as lighting, refrigeration/cooling, heat pumps, solar panels, low-energy water management, ventilation systems, and/or energy generation; may include equipment installation and/or technical assistance costs 
    - Workforce training and development – technical skill training for staff, business management training, and/or business succession planning, including hiring a consultant to support any of these processes 
- Grant recipients must provide matching funds at a 100% (one-to-one) rate using cash (e.g., funds in the bank, paid staff labor hours) or a combination of cash and in-kind items (e.g., businesses time contributed to project, use of equipment, donated goods, pro bono services, volunteer labor) that the grantee organization has a from other sources. Match sources must be identified by the time of application submission and commitments in place by the time of grant agreement signing. Matching funds may not be sourced from other federal funding opportunities. Under limited circumstances, the matching requirement may be reduced or waived for applicants who demonstrate a clear need for this accommodation.

Eligibility
- Applicant organizations/businesses must be based in Vermont. Businesses or organizations headquartered outside of VT may be eligible if the project or service being proposed is 100% focused on Vermont’s working landscape and businesses. Please contact Clare.Salerno@vermont.gov to discuss eligibility for out-of-state applicants.
- All structures are eligible (e.g., Partnerships, Limited Liability Corporations, Sole Proprietorships, Cooperatives, Corporations, S Corporations, L3Cs, B Corporations, and/or non-profits that are involved in the support of production of agriculture and/or forest products).
- All legally incorporated enterprises must be registered with the VT Secretary of State. Sole proprietors using a business name other than their own name must have their assumed business name (formerly known as a trade name) registered with the Secretary of State. 
- Previous Working Lands Standard Business and COVID-19 Response Business Development grantees are eligible to re-apply for funding during Fiscal Year 2024. Previous Working Lands Supply Chain Impact, Market Level Infrastructure Impact, ARPA Primary Producer, or Meat Slaughter and Processing Development Grants are eligible to apply for further Working Lands funding after three years, meaning that Fiscal Year 2021 and earlier grantees are eligible to apply this year.


- Request for Applications
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Application Guide

Distribution

Diversification

Events

Trade Show

Trials

Irrigation

Water Quality

Waterway Protection

Wetland Conservation

Trade Relief

Legal & Finance

Labor

Transition

You can apply online, over the phone, by email, by mail, or in person at your local Community Action Agency (CAA). As a first step, find your local CAA below. Then choose how to apply:
 
Apply online: Online applications are now open.

Apply by phone: Call your local Community Action Agency and request assistance applying for CEAP over the phone (see ‘Phone Number’ below).

Apply by email: Download and complete the CEAP application. Email your complete application and required documents to your local Community Action Agency (see ‘Email Address’ below).

Apply by mail: Download and complete the CEAP application. Mail your complete application and required documents to your local Community Action Agency (see ‘Mailing Address’ below).

Apply in person: Call your local Community Action Agency and schedule an in-person appointment. Remember to review the CEAP application before your appointment and bring all of your required documents to your appointment.

The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps Connecticut residents afford to heat their homes. Applications for CEAP typically take 30-45 minutes. Basic benefits towards your heating bill range between $180 and $530 depending on your situation. These benefits are usually paid directly to your&#x2004;utility company or fuel supplier. Households that heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for additional free tank fills.


You may also qualify for heating shut-off protections, become eligible to sign up for a payment plan to reduce your primary utility heating costs, and receive free heating equipment replacement and/or repairs.


The program is administered by Connecticut’s Department of Social Services in partnership with local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) throughout the state.



The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps Connecticut residents afford to heat their homes. Applications for CEAP typically take 30-45 minutes. Basic benefits towards your heating bill range between $180 and $530 depending on your situation. These benefits are usually paid directly to your utility company or fuel supplier. Households that heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for additional free tank fills.

You may also qualify for heating shut-off protections, become eligible to sign up for a payment plan to reduce your primary utility heating costs, and receive free heating equipment replacement and/or repairs.

The program is administered by Connecticut’s Department of Social Services in partnership with local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) throughout the state.

Your household may be eligible for CEAP if you can answer YES to the following questions:
 
- Are you a Connecticut resident?
- Do you meet one of the following income guidelines?
    - You receive food stamps (SNAP), SSI, TANF, or other benefits from the Department of Social Services
    - Your annual household income falls at or below the income levels in the table below (i.e. 60% of the state’s median income)
Annual income limit by household size
- 1: $41,553
- 2: $54,338
- 3: $67,124
- 4: $79,910
- 5: $92,695
- 6: $105,481
- 7: $107,878
- 8: $110,275

Farms submit a Letter of Intent for the initial round via the online application portal. Projects that are chosen as finalists by the grant review committee are invited to complete a second, more-detailed application.

Founded in 2012, The FruitGuys Community&#x2004;Fund (TFGCF) is a 501c3 under fiscal sponsorship of [Community Initiatives](https://communityin.org/). TFGCF grew out of The Farm Steward Program at [The FruitGuys](https://fruitguys.com/), a family-run office fruit & snack delivery service and Certified B Corp. Founded in 1998 in San Francisco, CA, The FruitGuys sources locally-grown produce from farms near 17 regional hubs and works with 200+ US farms. Founder and CEO, Chris Mittelstaedt, was struck by farmers’ personal stories and how a small project can impact a farm’s livelihood. These stories informed the program’s creation and continue to influence the evolution of our grant program.



Founded in 2012, The FruitGuys Community Fund (TFGCF) is a 501c3 under fiscal sponsorship of Community Initiatives. TFGCF grew out of The Farm Steward Program at The FruitGuys, a family-run office fruit & snack delivery service and Certified B Corp. Founded in 1998 in San Francisco, CA, The FruitGuys sources locally-grown produce from farms near 17 regional hubs and works with 200+ US farms. Founder and CEO, Chris Mittelstaedt, was struck by farmers’ personal stories and how a small project can impact a farm’s livelihood. These stories informed the program’s creation and continue to influence the evolution of our grant program.

1. Only U.S. farms are eligible.
2. Applicant is an owner/operator of the farm or has long-term, legal access to the land. If farming on leased land, a letter of support from the landowner specifying length of the lease agreement must be provided with the grant application.
3. Agricultural nonprofits are also encouraged to apply.
4. The applicant farm must be an established working farm with at least 1 year of experience that is looking to improve operations.
5. Farms are welcome to re-apply for the same project or a different one if they have not been funded in an earlier grant cycle.
6. Farm is small to medium-sized as determined by acreage in agricultural production. Farms with more than 300 acres in agricultural production are ineligible to apply.

Local Food

Español

Native Americans

People Of Color

Women

Farmers Market

Historically Underserved

Food Systems

To apply, read the RFR carefully and then return your application by email, in person, or by physical mail.

Email
laura.maul@mass.gov

Mailing Address
Laura J. Maul
Program Coordinator
Department of Agricultural Resources
30 Riverside Drive, Suite 202
Lakeville, MA 02347

Hand-Delivery Address
Laura J. Maul
Program Coordinator
Department of Agricultural Resources
30 Riverside Drive, Suite 202
Lakeville, MA 02347

Laura J. Maul

Gerry Palano

**Notice**: _On April 14, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the cancellation of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC). The USDA plans to reform the program into the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) initiative. Contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) for more information on how to apply to the&#x2004;AMP initiative. _


The Climate Smart Agriculture Program (“CSAP”) combines MDAR’s water, energy, and climate grants into one application. The three grant programs combined in this application are the Agricultural Climate Resiliency & Efficiencies (“ACRE”) Grant, the Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program Grant (“AEEP”) and the Ag-Energy Program Grant (“ENER”) . By bringing the three grants under one program, MDAR seeks to simplify the application process.

The first round of funding combines the applications for ACRE and AEEP into Part I: Environmental Projects. This section will provide financial incentives to allow agricultural operations to proactively address risks and strengthen their economic and environmental resiliency. 

Applications for ENER, previously under the Agricultural Energy Grant Program, are in Part II: Energy Efficiency & Renewable Projects. Projects include energy efficiency projects and renewable energy projects that help farms become more sustainable and resilient while also working towards the interim goals of the Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan (“CECP”) for 2030 and long term goals of the Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2050 (2050 CECP) .



Notice: On April 14, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced the cancellation of the Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities (PCSC). The USDA plans to reform the program into the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) initiative. Contact your local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) for more information on how to apply to the AMP initiative. 

The Climate Smart Agriculture Program (“CSAP”) combines MDAR’s water, energy, and climate grants into one application. The three grant programs combined in this application are the Agricultural Climate Resiliency & Efficiencies (“ACRE”) Grant, the Agricultural Environmental Enhancement Program Grant (“AEEP”) and the Ag-Energy Program Grant (“ENER”) . By bringing the three grants under one program, MDAR seeks to simplify the application process.
The first round of funding combines the applications for ACRE and AEEP into Part I: Environmental Projects. This section will provide financial incentives to allow agricultural operations to proactively address risks and strengthen their economic and environmental resiliency. 
Applications for ENER, previously under the Agricultural Energy Grant Program, are in Part II: Energy Efficiency & Renewable Projects. Projects include energy efficiency projects and renewable energy projects that help farms become more sustainable and resilient while also working towards the interim goals of the Massachusetts Clean Energy and Climate Plan (“CECP”) for 2030 and long term goals of the Clean Energy and Climate Plan for 2050 (2050 CECP) .

- Applicant must be an agricultural operation as defined by M.G.L. c. 128, § 1A that is principally and substantially engaged in the business of production agriculture;
- Property must be in active agricultural use and managed as a commercial enterprise by the Applicant for at least the three (3) previous years to the date of the application.

- FY2024 Climate Smart for Agriculture (CSAP) - Request for Response (RFR)

Before you apply, read the full Request for Proposals (PDF) for complete details of the program. You can also review the list of past projects and read prior issues of the Greenbook, which contains summaries, findings, and locations of previous grants. Using these resources will help you design a competitive project.

Then, apply through MDA's online application system.
- If you are a new user, you will need to create an account.
- Once you are logged in, select AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant FY23.

Kelly Anderson

Eric Nooker

MDA Grants Line

The AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant supports innovative on-farm research and demonstrations. It funds projects that explore sustainable agriculture practices and systems that could make farming more profitable, resource efficient, or personally satisfying. Findings are published in the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s annual _[Greenbook](https://www.mda.state.mn.us/greenbook)_.



The AGRI Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant supports innovative on-farm research and demonstrations. It funds projects that explore sustainable agriculture practices and systems that could make farming more profitable, resource efficient, or personally satisfying. Findings are published in the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s annual Greenbook.

Applicant eligibility
Applications from Minnesota farmers receive priority, but the program also funds Minnesota nonprofits and educational organizations that meaningfully involve Minnesota farmers in projects.
Your project must last two to three years and you must be willing to share what you learn with others.
Project eligibility
MDA will fund projects that explore the profitability, energy efficiency, and environmental benefits of sustainable agriculture practices or systems. Projects can include, but are not limited to:
- Practices that increase environmental sustainability and improve soil health
- Conservation tillage and weed management methods
- Novel cover crops and crop rotations
- Input reduction strategies, including nutrient and pesticide management
- On-farm energy production, such as wind, methane, or biomass, or improvements in energy efficiency
- Developing/refining/improving marketing opportunities, including season extension and post-harvest storage and handling
- Novel enterprise diversification, including organic production, using traditional and non-traditional crops and livestock
- Other creative ideas that focus on environmental benefits, energy savings or production, profitability, and/or farmers’ quality of life

- Request for Proposals - Sustainable Agriculture Demonstration Grant 2023
- How to fill out your online application
- Greenbook

Stewardship

Marketing

All eligible applicants should have been contacted and received online application information already. If you have not been contacted or would like to discuss alternate methods of submitting your application, please be in touch with Betsy McGavisk by email (betsy@vhcb.org) or phone (802-828-5562)

Betsy McGavisk

When funding is available, Farm & Forest Viability Implementation Grants are available on a competitive basis to farm businesses that have completed an up-to-date business plan or transfer plan through the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program to help implement specific goals of the business plans created through the program. 



The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program is available on a competitive basis to Viability Program clients who participated in the Viability Program in 2022 or 2023.

List of Agricultural Funding for Energy Efficiency