Grants for Farmers & Rural Businesses

1. For Grants: Grants can cover up to 25% of eligible project costs. Applications for renewable energy or energy efficiency grants are due each year on March 31 (all projects) and October 31 (projects $80k or less). Projects requesting grants of up to $20,000 ($80,000 or less total project cost) can fill out a shorter application.
2. For Loans: Loans can cover up to 75% of eligible project costs. The Guaranteed Loan-only program will now accept and process applications on a continual basis throughout the year so applications can be submitted at any time.

Are you eligible?

• All farms who make at least 50% of their gross income from agricultural production are eligible for REAP.
• Other farms and rural small businesses that are located in communities with populations less than 50,000 are also eligible.

See eligibility

As part of the REAP application process you’ll need to get an energy audit. If you haven’t gotten one before, watch the video below to learn more. Talk to your electric utility about whether or not they provide audits and see auditors around Minnesota on the Clean Energy Project Builder website.

Find energy auditor

You might also consider applying for the Livestock Investment Program Grant and a Farm Opportunity Loan from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.