U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development is accepting applications for the Rural Energy for America Program. The next grant application deadline is March 31. This grant application deadline is for projects that request $20,000 or less and for projects that request up to $500,000.

 

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

 

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

 

The 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.

 

For more information, Rural Energy for America Program.