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REAP

Mission West CDP / Community Economic Development / REAP Program

Rural Energy for
America Program

USDA grant funding and loan guarantees for agricultural producers and rural small businesses investing in renewable energy or energy efficiency improvements.

Talk to Karl Sutton Back to CED
USDA Rural DevelopmentGrants up to $1M3 Application Windows / Year
About This Program

Lower Your Energy Costs.
Invest in Clean Energy.

The Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) is a USDA Rural Development grant and loan guarantee program that helps agricultural producers and rural small businesses reduce energy costs and invest in renewable energy systems. Mission West CDP serves as a REAP technical assistance provider for businesses across Lake, Sanders, and Mineral counties and the Flathead Indian Reservation. REAP can fund up to 25% of eligible project costs as a grant, and up to 75% as a USDA-guaranteed loan. Grants range from $2,500 to $1,000,000 for renewable energy projects and $1,500 to $500,000 for energy efficiency improvements. Three application windows open each fiscal year. Our REAP Specialist, Karl Sutton, provides free technical assistance to help you understand eligibility, prepare your application, and navigate the USDA process from start to finish.
REAP
01 · Eligible Projects

What REAP Funds

REAP covers a wide range of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements for qualified rural businesses and agricultural operations.

Solar Energy

Solar photovoltaic systems, solar thermal, and solar-powered equipment for agricultural or rural business operations. One of the most commonly funded project types under REAP.

Biomass & Biogas

Biomass energy systems, anaerobic digesters, and biogas projects that convert agricultural waste or organic materials into usable energy.

Geothermal & Hydroelectric

Geothermal heat pump systems for heating and cooling, and small hydroelectric installations where applicable for rural properties.

Energy Efficiency Improvements

Building insulation, energy-efficient lighting, HVAC upgrades, high-efficiency motors, refrigeration improvements, and other measures that measurably reduce energy consumption.

02 · Eligibility & Process

Who Qualifies &
How to Apply

REAP has straightforward eligibility requirements. Mission West walks you through every step at no cost.

01

Check Your Eligibility

REAP is open to agricultural producers (with at least 50% of gross income from agriculture) and rural small businesses located in communities of 50,000 or fewer people. Your project must be in an eligible rural area, our REAP Specialist will confirm eligibility at no charge.

02

Get a Technical Assessment

Energy efficiency projects require a completed energy audit by a qualified auditor. Renewable energy projects require a technical report. Karl Sutton can help you identify qualified auditors and understand what documentation is needed.

03

Prepare Your Application

Applications are submitted to USDA Rural Development through the Application for Federal Assistance (SF-424) system. We assist with application preparation, project documentation, and financial forms. REAP opens three application windows per fiscal year, contact us early to not miss a deadline.

04

Receive Your Award

Approved applicants receive a grant award (up to 25% of project cost) and may also access a USDA-guaranteed loan for the remaining project costs. Grants are paid upon project completion and verification.

$1M Max Renewable Energy Grant
$500K Max Efficiency Grant
25% Max Grant Share of Project Cost
3 Application Windows Per Year
03 · Get in Touch

Talk to Our
REAP Specialist

Our REAP Specialist provides free technical assistance, from eligibility review through application submission. Reach out before the next window opens.

Karl Sutton, REAP Specialist & Brownfields Program Manager
Karl Sutton
REAP Specialist & Brownfields Program Manager
karl.sutton@missionwestcdp.org (406) 676-5901

Start the Conversation

Tell us about your property, your energy goals, and your operation. Karl will follow up to discuss eligibility and next steps.

04 · More from CED

Other Programs

01

Brownfields Program

Free EPA-funded Phase I and II environmental site assessments for contaminated properties in our service area.

→
02

Loan Programs

Working capital, equipment, expansion, and real estate financing from eight revolving loan funds.

→
03

Montana Local Food Financing Partnership

USDA-backed financing and technical assistance for rural food system businesses.

→
→

Ready to Reduce
Your Energy Costs?

REAP applications open three times a year. Reach out now so we can assess your eligibility and have your application ready before the next window opens.

Talk to Karl Sutton Back to CED
Mission West CDP

People · Place · Prosperity

Twenty-five years building rural western Montana through economic development, cooperative enterprise, and community investment.

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    Ronan, MT 59864
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Serving Lake, Sanders & Mineral counties and the Flathead Indian Reservation

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