USDA Opens Up $300M for Rural Energy for America (REAP) Program
Eligible applicants: nonprofits. Applications are due: March 31, 2023
Announcement Type: Notice of Solicitation of Applications (this program is now accepting applications)
Opportunity: Notice of Solicitation of Applications for the Rural Energy for America Program for Fiscal Year 2023
Overview and Eligible Uses: The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing.
A complete list of eligible projects can be found on the REAP program page.
The IRA provided $2.025 billion for the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), with $303 million set aside for underutilized technologies and technical assistance, which will be made available over multiple years.
Amount: The program expects to make 3,000 awards.
Renewable Energy System grants can be worth up to $1M, Energy Efficiency grants can be worth up to $500,000. Grants can cover up to 40% of project costs.
Loan guarantees will guarantee up to 80% of a loan that covers up to 75% of total project costs.
Award Type: Grant, guaranteed loan, and grant and guaranteed loan combined funding.
Eligible Applicants: Agricultural producers with 50% of gross income coming from agricultural operations (regardless of location), small business located in a rural area, defined as a place with a population of 50,000 or less.
Key Dates: The deadline to apply for technical assistance grants is January 31, 2023, the deadline to submit regular grant applications is March 31, 2023, and loan applications are accepted year-round. Awards will be made by Sept. 30, 2023.
Key Links:
For a full list of currently available grant programs under the Infrastructure Law and other helpful tools, take a look at our Helpful Resources page.
This tracker will continue to send updates when new funding opportunities are announced.