This week we are featuring the Kentucky Agricultural Development Funds On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program, the Rural Energy for America Program Grants, and the Kentucky Proud Promotional Program Grants. 

KADF On-Farm Energy Efficiency Incentives Program

Deadline: August 29, 2019 and December 26, 2019 - Applications are accepted year round
Funding Amounts: 50% cost share - up to a $10,000 incentive, plus $150 for an approved third party energy audit
Eligible Entities: Kentucky farmers with a gross farm income of at least $25,000
Links: https://agpolicy.ky.gov/energy/Pages/default.aspx
Overview: The Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund offers an On-Farm Energy Efficiency Program to help Kentucky farmers with energy projects. These cost share funds are available to increase on farm energy efficiency and to support renewable fuel production projects. The applicant is required to have a third party energy audit completed. This program can be combined with the USDA-NRCS Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to get up to 75% of a total project cost covered. 

Rural Energy for America Program -  Grants and Guaranteed Loans

Deadline:  October 31, 2019 – Applications are accepted year round  
Funding Amount:  $1,500 to $500,000 (25% of the total project cost) 
Eligible Entities:  Farmers and rural businesses 
Links:  https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-energy-america-program-energy-audit-renewable-energy-development-assistance 
Overview:  USDA Rural Development offers REAP grants and grant/loan combos to help agricultural producers and rural businesses install renewable energy systems and do efficiency upgrade projects. A grant only application can pay up to 25% of total project costs. A grant/loan combo can fund up to 75% of total project costs. Guaranteed loan only applications do not have an application or funding deadline to be processed. Some project examples include: lighting efficiency, heating efficiency, bio-energy, solar energy, and dairy ventilation upgrades. An energy assessment or audit is required as part of the application process so if you are interested,  you need to inquire as soon as possible. The October 31 due date prioritizes "restricted" or smaller projects that have total project cost of $80,000 or less and are requesting $20,000 or less in grant funds. Fall is the best time for small projects to apply. 

Kentucky Proud Promotional Grant

Deadline: On-going
Funding Amount: Up to 10% of direct Kentucky farm impact, capped at $8,000 per year; $1 for $1 match
Eligible Entities: Kentucky farmers and agribusinesses
Links: http://www.kyagr.com/marketing/grants.html; KDA Promotional Grant Application; KY Proud Registration
Overview: The Kentucky Proud Promotional Grant is a cost-share program to help Kentucky farmers and agribusinesses pay for advertising and marketing expenses. The award amount is based on 10% of direct farm impact; for a farmer, it would be 10% of direct Kentucky farm impact. The applicant must be a registered member of Kentucky Proud to apply and use the Kentucky Proud logo/brand in marketing efforts paid for with program funds. Examples of fundable items include TV ads, radio ads, web expenses, hats, t-shirts, demos, sampling, labels, packaging, trade shows, UPC, and barcodes.