Grant + loan guarantee
Rural Energy for America Program
USDA Rural Development
What you can get
New grant awards are suspended pending updated regulations; guaranteed loans remain available. • Guaranteed-loan financing can cover up to 75% of eligible project costs; borrower provides at least 25%. Rates are negotiated with the lender. Grant applications and new grant awards are suspended pending updated regulations. • Supports renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. Applicants without a fully executed Financial Assistance Agreement will need to reapply under a future notice.
- Readiness
- Prep docs first
- Who can apply
- producer, rural business, small business
- Coverage
- Available nationwide
- Deadline & timing
- Guaranteed loan applications are being accepted. REAP grant applications are not: the program page says "The Agency is not accepting REAP grant applications at this time. Guaranteed loan applications may be submitted." Contact your state Rural Development energy coordinator to start a loan application.
- Eligibility
- Agricultural producers must derive at least 50% of gross income from agricultural operations. Producer projects associated with on-site production may be in nonrural areas; rural small-business projects require an eligible rural location. Contact the state Rural Development energy coordinator. Match requirement: For currently available guaranteed loans, applicants must provide at least 25% of eligible project costs. Grant intake is suspended..
Optional expert service · $249
Turn program research into an application package.
An eligibility screen for one farm, a shortlist of up to three relevant programs, and draft practice justifications and a document checklist for one selected application. Delivered within 7 business days after intake.
Last verified Oct 10, 2026. Always confirm current terms and deadlines on the official site before applying.
Plan your next step
Run a quick soil assessment or ask an agronomist how this program fits your fields.