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Rural Development is accepting applications for the Rural Energy For America Program.  The next grant application deadline is March 31, 2022. This grant application deadline is for projects which request $20,000 or less and for projects which request up to $500,000.

In brief, this program is designed to assist rural, small, for-profit businesses and agricultural producers install renewable energy systems or make energy efficiency improvements to their operations. These improvements can help eligible applicants control energy costs and improve the overall profitability of their operations. The grant program can cover up to 25% of the eligible project costs while the loan guarantee can cover up to 75% of the eligible project costs.  Federal participation cannot exceed 75% of eligible project costs.

Grants can range from $1,500 to $500,000 with loan guarantees up to $25,000,000.

This program has helped farmers replace grain dryers; replace fans and lights for livestock operations; and install solar PV arrays to help offset electrical consumption.

Small businesses have benefited through the replacement of lighting with high efficiency LED lighting; improvements to HVAC systems; and the installation of a renewable energy system to help offset electrical consumption.  

Additional information can be found at: Rural Energy for America Program.

Should you be interested in discussing a specific project or in receiving an application for your project, please contact one of the persons listed below:

• Danielle Fry, Business Program Specialist,              [email protected]
• Ann Stahl, Business Program Specialist                   [email protected]
• Jennifer Brown, Business Program Specialist        [email protected]
• Marcy Lucas, Business Program Specialist              [email protected]
• Evan Kohler, Business Program Specialist               [email protected]