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

Hydro Power

Solar Power

Wind Energy

Biofuel

Landscape

High Tunnel

Air Quality

Certification

Carbon Capture

Wildlife and Pollinator Habitat

Soil Health

HVAC

Lighting

Repairs

Certified Organic

Certified Grassfed

Cover Crops

Reduced Tillage

Water Management

Facilities

Equipment

Regenerative

Conservation

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.

Irrigation

Wetland Conservation

Waterway Protection

Water Quality

Local Food

Español

Women

People Of Color

Native Americans

Farmers Market

Food Systems

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

Public Health

Compliance

Go to the KC Grow page for more information and request a “Water Audit” to begin the process.

Kansas City, MO, in partnership with KC Community Gardens, has launched a grant program to help farmers and community gardens get access to water&#x2004;and improve their water management practices.

The program provides funding to growers in Kansas City, MO for:

- Municipal water line tap and hydrant installation

- Rainwater and storm water catchment systems

- Supply lines from existing water supplies

- Farm design/ development to maximize rain water catchment and soil management practices that improve the water holding capacity of the soil.

KC Grow Small Grants help gardeners and farmers implement their water audit recommendations. You may request a KC Grow Small Grant application after you complete a water audit. The grants fund the following:

- rainwater and storm water catchment systems

- municipal water line tap and hydrant installation

- spigot meter and PVC connection

- water pumping systems

- drip irrigation systems

Other water access projects will be considered on a case-by-case basis if they are recommended on the water audit. Grant funds can be requested to cover 90 percent of your project. You must demonstrate the ability to pay the remaining percentage of your project cost.



Kansas City, MO, in partnership with KC Community Gardens, has launched a grant program to help farmers and community gardens get access to water and improve their water management practices.
The program provides funding to growers in Kansas City, MO for:
- Municipal water line tap and hydrant installation
- Rainwater and storm water catchment systems
- Supply lines from existing water supplies
- Farm design/ development to maximize rain water catchment and soil management practices that improve the water holding capacity of the soil.
KC Grow Small Grants help gardeners and farmers implement their water audit recommendations. You may request a KC Grow Small Grant application after you complete a water audit. The grants fund the following:
- rainwater and storm water catchment systems
- municipal water line tap and hydrant installation
- spigot meter and PVC connection
- water pumping systems
- drip irrigation systems
Other water access projects will be considered on a case-by-case basis if they are recommended on the water audit. Grant funds can be requested to cover 90 percent of your project. You must demonstrate the ability to pay the remaining percentage of your project cost.

- To be eligible for the grant, your garden/farm must be in good standing with your KC Water bill for at least one year prior to your grant application
- Applicants need to be either a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status or a farm business. If your group does not have 501(c)(3) status, you would need a sponsor organization. Contact cpg@kccg.org for more details.

Grants can fund up to 90 percent of the cost of a project.

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.


Marketing

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)

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

Prepare your application and apply on Grants.gov. Find the application by searching for funding opportunity number USDA-NIFA-OP-009221.
To apply for grants on grants.gov you must be registered which is a process that can take multiple weeks, so we recommend you begin the process as soon as possible. You can register at grants.gov here.

The Urban, Indoor, and other Emerging Agricultural Production Research, Education&#x2004;and Extension Initiative (UIE) is a NIFA competitive grant program implemented in 2022 to support research, education and extension activities that facilitate development of urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production systems. The UIE emphasizes activities on several segments of the value chain, including production, harvesting, transportation aggregation, packaging, distribution, and marketing needs.


The UIE program seeks applications that address all of the following:

- Explain the magnitude of the most urgent and critical needs or problems for urban, indoor, or emerging agriculture and how they will be addressed in the grant;

- Focus on opportunities to develop and strengthen:

    - income or employment, 

    - enhanced quality of life and access to safe nutritious food for urban and Native American communities,

    - estimated or actual economic return for UIE food production systems, 

    - private industry investment, 

    - site selection and reduce barriers to land access;

- Describe a meaningful approach for blending research and extension expertise and other outreach and implementation approaches throughout the project to address principal objectives;

- Provide evidence that the project is aligned to stakeholder-provided priorities listed above;

- Present expected solutions or improvements and how these will be assessed and measured;

- Address the potential costs of a proposed solution and describe how it can be scaled to be sustainable in the short term and long term; and

- Explain how the project will strengthen urban, indoor, or other emerging agricultural and food-production systems and how results will be adopted or applied at a local, regional, or national level. 



The Urban, Indoor, and other Emerging Agricultural Production Research, Education and Extension Initiative (UIE) is a NIFA competitive grant program implemented in 2022 to support research, education and extension activities that facilitate development of urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production systems. The UIE emphasizes activities on several segments of the value chain, including production, harvesting, transportation aggregation, packaging, distribution, and marketing needs.

The UIE program seeks applications that address all of the following:
- Explain the magnitude of the most urgent and critical needs or problems for urban, indoor, or emerging agriculture and how they will be addressed in the grant;
- Focus on opportunities to develop and strengthen:
    - income or employment, 
    - enhanced quality of life and access to safe nutritious food for urban and Native American communities,
    - estimated or actual economic return for UIE food production systems, 
    - private industry investment, 
    - site selection and reduce barriers to land access;
- Describe a meaningful approach for blending research and extension expertise and other outreach and implementation approaches throughout the project to address principal objectives;
- Provide evidence that the project is aligned to stakeholder-provided priorities listed above;
- Present expected solutions or improvements and how these will be assessed and measured;
- Address the potential costs of a proposed solution and describe how it can be scaled to be sustainable in the short term and long term; and
- Explain how the project will strengthen urban, indoor, or other emerging agricultural and food-production systems and how results will be adopted or applied at a local, regional, or national level. 

Applications may only be submitted by the following entities:
- State agricultural experiment stations; 
- Colleges and universities; 
- University research foundations; 
- Other research institutions and organizations; 
- Federal agencies; 
- National laboratories; 
- Private organizations, foundations, or corporations;
- Individuals; or 
- Any group consisting of two or more of the entities described above

Trade Relief

The UIE program has NO matching requirement. NIFA will not factor matching resources into the review process as an evaluation criterion. 

1. Review the full Request for Applications 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 pre-application in WebGrants using our Application Guide between November 9 and December 16, 2022.
5. If invited back to full application round, complete your full application between February and April 2023.

Key Dates and Deadlines
- October 28, 2022: Request for Applications (RFA) released (will be linked here on that date)
- November 3, 2022: Applicant webinar with Q&A. View the recording and slides.
- November 9, 2022: Pre-application opens for submission
- December 16, 2022: Pre-application deadline
- Early February 2023: Pre-applicants notified of decisions; selected applicants can submit final application
- Early April 2023: Final application deadline
- Early May 2023: Final round applicants notified of decisions
- May 2023: Grantee documentation due
- June 2023: Estimated project start date

Clare Salerno

Diana Ferguson

WebGrants Technical Assistance

Funding Source: the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through Vermont Legislative appropriation 

Project types:

- Market development – professionalizing business marketing and/or branding approaches to establish new or expand current markets; hiring a professional marketing/branding contractor to develop strategy and/or content; implementing the strategy and/or content&#x2004;developed by the contractor (e.g., branding, website, or social media development) 

- Research and design focused on business diversification, operations and/or product development 

- Infrastructure improvements that enable scaling up of business operations; including project-specific planning, permitting, engineering or architectural plans; building and equipment costs 

- Energy focused projects – efficiency enhancements, including 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 




Funding Source: the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) through Vermont Legislative appropriation 
Project types:
- Market development – professionalizing business marketing and/or branding approaches to establish new or expand current 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 design focused on business diversification, operations and/or product development 
- Infrastructure improvements that enable scaling up of business operations; including project-specific planning, permitting, engineering or architectural plans; building and equipment costs 
- Energy focused projects – efficiency enhancements, including 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 


- All enterprises must be based in Vermont and registered with the Secretary of State.
- Applicants must be in compliance with all state regulations (i.e. water quality, taxes) and in good standing with the State of Vermont.
- Businesses must have been operational prior to January 2020.
- Only primary producers of farm or forest products are eligible to apply for the ARPA-Funded Primary Producer Impact Grant. Examples of eligible primary production activities are farming, livestock rearing, sugaring, dairy, and logging.
- While typically the forest industry includes sawmills and other primary wood manufacturing as primary production, from the forest sector only businesses involved in harvesting timber are eligible for this grant because of federal definitions of primary production.
- Primary producers can use grant funds to invest in market development, infrastructure, and workforce development initiatives that advance their usage of primary products they have produced. Grant funds can be used for investments in processing primary products. 
- Applicants will need to demonstrate how their business experienced a negative economic impact due to the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., experienced an increased operational cost, decreased revenue or gross receipts, increased costs, challenges covering payroll, or other harm that can be linked to the COVID-19 pandemic). Grant funds must be used to support your businesses recover from the economic harm experienced. Additionally, a business that received the Vermont COVID-19 Agriculture Assistance Program (VCAAP) must use these grant funds for a different scope of work. 
- Previous Working Lands Standard Business and COVID-19 Response Business Development grantees are eligible to apply for this grant.
- Previous Working Lands Supply Chain Impact, Market Level Infrastructure Impact, or Meat Slaughter and Processing Development Grants are eligible to apply for further Working Lands funding after three years, meaning that Fiscal Year 2020 and earlier grantees in those categories are eligible to apply this year.
- Secondary processors/producers or primary producers looking for smaller dollar amount grants should apply for the Business Enhancement Grant, due October 28.

- Request for Applications (RFA)
- WebGrants Application Guide

Events

Distribution

Diversification

Legal & Finance

Alternative Energy

Labor

Transition

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 received 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.

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.

- Application Instructions
- Budget Template

1. Review the full Request for Applications for the complete details on eligible projects/applicants and the full application process.
2. 
3. Register in WebGrants (may take up to two business days).
4. Visit the Working Lands application frequently asked questions for resources and to get support on your application. 
5. Complete your application in WebGrants using our Application Guide between September 23 and October 28, 2022.
Key Dates and Deadlines
- September 9, 2022: Request for Applications (RFA) released
- September 15, 2022: Applicant webinar with Q&A from 12-1pm. Watch the recording here and view the slides here.  
- September 23, 2022: Application opens for submission
- October 28, 2022: Application deadline
- Early January 2023: Applicants notified of funding decisions
- Late January 2023: Grantee documentation due
- February 2023: Estimated project start date

Formerly called Standard Business Grants.

Capital projects are a high priority for businesses and the rising costs of materials and labor has affected businesses. The Business Enhancement grant funds the same eligible projects as the former Standard Business grant, but with a higher maximum allowable award to account for inflation and rising costs.

- Award amounts $20,000 - $35,000: **\*New funding range, was previously $10,000-25,000\***

Project types:

    - Market development

    - Research and development

    - Infrastructure development

    - Energy focused projects

    - Workforce training and development



Formerly called Standard Business Grants.
Capital projects are a high priority for businesses and the rising costs of materials and labor has affected businesses. The Business Enhancement grant funds the same eligible projects as the former Standard Business grant, but with a higher maximum allowable award to account for inflation and rising costs.
- Award amounts $20,000 - $35,000: *New funding range, was previously $10,000-25,000*
Project types:
    - Market development
    - Research and development
    - Infrastructure development
    - Energy focused projects
    - Workforce training and development

- All enterprises must be based in Vermont and registered with the Secretary of State
- Applicants must be in compliance with all state regulations (i.e. water quality, taxes) and in good standing with the State of Vermont
- Previous Working Lands Standard Business and COVID-19 Response Business Development grantees are eligible to re-apply for funding during Fiscal Year 2023. Previous Working Lands Supply Chain Impact, Market Level Infrastructure Impact, or Meat Slaughter and Processing Development Grants are eligible to apply for further Working Lands funding after three years, meaning that Fiscal Year 2020 and earlier grantees are eligible to apply this year.
- Primary producers looking for larger dollar amount grants may also be eligible to apply for the ARPA-Funded Primary Producer Impact Grant

- Request for Applications
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Application Guide

List of Agricultural Funding for Energy Efficiency