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

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

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

Grant

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


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

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

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

Trials

Stewardship

Marketing

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

Irrigation

Water Quality

Waterway Protection

Wetland Conservation

Trade Relief

Legal & Finance

Alternative Energy

Labor

Transition

Applicants must apply to the RFA electronically; no other method or response is accepted. 
Read the RFA for detailed instructions for how to create an account on Grants.gov and apply for this opportunity.

Applications to the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Request for Applications (RFA) must focus on approaches that promote transformational changes in the U.S. food and agriculture system. NIFA seeks creative and visionary applications that take a systems approach for projects&#x2004;are expected to significantly improve the supply of affordable, safe, nutritious, and accessible agricultural products, while fostering economic development and rural prosperity in America. These approaches must demonstrate current needs and anticipate future social, cultural, behavioral, economic, health, and environmental impacts. Additionally, the outcomes of the work being proposed should result in societal benefits, including promotion of rural prosperity and enhancement of quality of life for all those involved in food and agricultural value chains from production to utilization and consumption. 



Applications to the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative - Sustainable Agricultural Systems (SAS) Request for Applications (RFA) must focus on approaches that promote transformational changes in the U.S. food and agriculture system. NIFA seeks creative and visionary applications that take a systems approach for projects are expected to significantly improve the supply of affordable, safe, nutritious, and accessible agricultural products, while fostering economic development and rural prosperity in America. These approaches must demonstrate current needs and anticipate future social, cultural, behavioral, economic, health, and environmental impacts. Additionally, the outcomes of the work being proposed should result in societal benefits, including promotion of rural prosperity and enhancement of quality of life for all those involved in food and agricultural value chains from production to utilization and consumption. 

- Land-Grant Institutions
- Non-Profits
- State Controlled Institutions of Higher Learning
- For-profit Businesses
- Native American Tribal Orgs
- State Agricultural Experiment Stations

- Request For Applications
- Information Page
- NIFA Grants Overview
- NIFA Grants Application Guide

Local Food

Farmers Market

Public Health

Compliance

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.

Español

Native Americans

People Of Color

Women

Historically Underserved

Food Systems

The Application is currently closed, but applications will be made through MA's unified Climate Smart Agriculture Program Portal.

Check back in early 2022 to learn how to apply.	

Gerry Palano

**As of 2023, this program has been consolidated into the [Massachusetts Climate Smart Agriculture Program](https://ambrook.com/funding/ma-csap).**


The Agricultural Climate Resiliency & Efficiencies (ACRE) program is a competitive, reimbursement grant program that funds materials and labor for the implementation of practices that address the agricultural sector’s vulnerability to climate change, improves economic resiliency and advances the general goals identified in the Massachusetts Local Action Food Plan. 

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (“MDAR”) invites responses from Massachusetts farmers who raise&#x2004;and sell agricultural products who wish to participate in the Agricultural Climate Resiliency & Efficiencies (ACRE) Program. ACRE provides reimbursement funds to agricultural operations for the implementation of practices that address the agricultural sector’s vulnerability to climate change, improve economic resiliency and advance general goals identified in the Massachusetts Local Action Food Plan. Innovative proposals are sought for practices that protect the environment, ensure food safety, improve soil health, protect water resources, increase energy efficiency and/or promote renewable energy.  




As of 2023, this program has been consolidated into the Massachusetts Climate Smart Agriculture Program.

The Agricultural Climate Resiliency & Efficiencies (ACRE) program is a competitive, reimbursement grant program that funds materials and labor for the implementation of practices that address the agricultural sector’s vulnerability to climate change, improves economic resiliency and advances the general goals identified in the Massachusetts Local Action Food Plan. 
The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (“MDAR”) invites responses from Massachusetts farmers who raise and sell agricultural products who wish to participate in the Agricultural Climate Resiliency & Efficiencies (ACRE) Program. ACRE provides reimbursement funds to agricultural operations for the implementation of practices that address the agricultural sector’s vulnerability to climate change, improve economic resiliency and advance general goals identified in the Massachusetts Local Action Food Plan. Innovative proposals are sought for practices that protect the environment, ensure food safety, improve soil health, protect water resources, increase energy efficiency and/or promote renewable energy.  


Agricultural operations engaged in production agriculture for commercial purposes as defined in Massachusetts law M.G.L c. 128, Sec. 1A.
Responder must own, or be a Co-Responder with the owner of the agricultural operation, who has a legal interest in the land whether by deed or written agreement and approval to implement the project on the land, which must be in active agricultural use and managed as a commercial enterprise by the Responder for at least the three (3) previous years.
Produce operations applying for post-harvest practice upgrades must have an average annual value of produce sold during the previous three-year period of $25,000 or more. Sales must be for produce covered under the Produce Safety Rule (PSR).


- Apply through MA's unified Climate Smart Agriculture Program

The ACRE Program is broken into two project categories:
Adaptation & Mitigation Projects 
Projects that help the agricultural sector reduce vulnerability to expected climate change (adaptation), mitigate climate change (mitigation), and improve economic resiliency. This includes projects that improve soil management, improve water use efficiency and availability, and/or promote efforts to reduce or limit greenhouse gas emissions or to enhance greenhouse gas sequestration including produce post-harvest practice upgrades.

Agricultural Energy Projects
Projects that improve energy efficiency or facilitate clean energy adoption. 

The Application is currently closed, but applications will be made through MA's unified Climate Smart Agriculture Program Portal.
Check back in early 2022 to learn how to apply.	

**As of 2023, this program has been consolidated into the [Massachusetts Climate Smart Agriculture Program](https://ambrook.com/funding/ma-csap).**


The Agricultural Energy Grant Program (ENER) is a competitive grant program that funds agricultural energy projects in an effort to improve energy efficiency and the adoption of alternative energy by Massachusetts farms. The goal of the program is that farms can become more sustainable and the Commonwealth can maximize the environmental and economic benefits from these technologies.



As of 2023, this program has been consolidated into the Massachusetts Climate Smart Agriculture Program.

The Agricultural Energy Grant Program (ENER) is a competitive grant program that funds agricultural energy projects in an effort to improve energy efficiency and the adoption of alternative energy by Massachusetts farms. The goal of the program is that farms can become more sustainable and the Commonwealth can maximize the environmental and economic benefits from these technologies.

Applicant must be an agricultural operation as defined by M.G.L. c. 128, Section1A that is principally and substantially engaged in the business of production agriculture or farming for commercial purposes and:
- To be eligible for participation in the Program, an Applicant must own, or be a Co-Responder with the owner of the agricultural operation, who has a legal interest in the land whether by deed or written agreement and approval to implement the project on the property, which must be in active agricultural use and managed as a commercial enterprise by the Responder for at least the three (3) previous years. This three (3) year management requirement may be waived if the operator has substantial direct management experience in farming;
- Are legally recognized entities within the Commonwealth and have the ability to enter a legally binding agreement with the Commonwealth;
- Awards are limited to one per agricultural operation using a unique tax identification number per round of funding;
- Priority will be given to applicants who are established in commercial agriculture and whose primary source of income is derived from the agricultural operation and that do not anticipate any change of ownership in the next five years;
- Have demonstrated the capacity to implement and administer projects and programs as defined in the responsive proposals to this RFR; and
- Additionally, eligible farm stands shall comply with M.G.L. c. 40A, Setion. 3 and demonstrate that the purpose of the farm stand shall be to sell agricultural products, a majority of which are produced by the applicant’s agricultural operation.


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

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&#x2004;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) .



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)

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