Grants
There are a number of grants available that are relevant to woody biomass utilization projects. This section explains and identifies relevant programs. Although many woody biomass to energy grant and secured loan programs are available from the Department of Energy and USDA, there are actually very few programs that can benefit smaller and non-energy projects.
Grant programs are constantly changing and we aim to keep you up to date with the latest developments in the most relevant programs.
Current Grants (Updated 12/1/2014)
USDA Forest Service Wood Innovations Grant Program
Wood Innovations and Community Wood Grants
This is a national program that has operated on an annual basis since 2005. It has undergone some changes in recent years; in 2011, the program changed to only fund engineering studies of wood to energy projects, in 2014, management of the program changed from the USFS State and Private Forestry Technology Marketing Unit (TMU homepage) to the USFS Wood Education and Resource Center (WERC). In the 2015 program, funding will support expansion of wood product markets in addition to wood energy project support from previous years.
Current updates on this grant program including announcements on application deadlines and informational webinars can be found on our Wood Innovations and Community Wood Grants page. Maps of successful applicant locations and funding amounts over the past several years can also be found there. For additional information on this grant, check the WERC homepage.
Other Funding resources
California Energy Commission
California Energy Commission EPIC Grants Biomass Energy Contract ProposalsCool California Funding Wizard
CoolCalifornia is a website developed by a partnership of State Government Agencies, Universities, and Next10, a nonprofit organization. CoolCalifornia is designed to provide all Californians with quick, easy-to-use and reliable tools for all Californians to protect the climate and keep California cool. The Funding Wizard provides an exhaustive list of available grants, loans, and other funding opportunities to assist with development of renewable energy projects.
Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE)
DSIRE is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is currently operated by the N.C. Solar Center at N.C. State University, with support from the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, Inc. DSIRE is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities, Inc.
Wood-to-energy joint venture endowment waste and residual wood to heat and energy pellets biodiesel working forests value streams forest reliant communities
Other Federal Grants
Previous Grant Opportunities
USDA Farm Service Agency Biomass Crop Assistance Program
FSA Biomass Crop Assistance Program
BCAP provides financial assistance to producers or entities that deliver eligible biomass material to designated biomass conversion facilities for use as heat, power, biobased product, or biofuels. Initial assistance will be for the Collection, Harvest, Storage and Transportation (CHST) costs associated with the delivery of eligible materials. For additional information, please see the Farm Services BCAP homepage.
California Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (CARC&DC) Biomass Technical Assistance Grant
CARC&DC Technical Assistance Grant
This grant was aimed at biomass conversion technologies which utilize large amounts of wood fuel from national forests and other areas to reduce wild fire hazards, especially in the wildland urban interface. The program ended in December 2010.
ShadeFund: A program of The Conservation Fund
ShadeFund Loans
ShadeFund is a new progressive group encouraging green business. Established by The Conservation Fund in 2010, this organization provides loans to entrepreneurs whose models use natural resources in innovative and responsible ways.
Types of Loans: ShadeFund is a non-profit lender providing loans up to $50,000 to forest related businesses and other green small businesses throughout the US. Most ShadeFund loans are expected be $20,000 or less.