Welcome back! This installment of the A’s to Z’s of Grants with Ease covers U, V, and W.
Utility Company Grants: Energy improvement projects may qualify for additional utility company incentives to reward you for your commitment to the environment. Grant writers and consultants for FamilyFarms Group, Bruce and Janet Everly have worked with utility companies in the past and would be glad to assist you with these and other opportunities. You may call them directly at their Energy Improvement Matters office at (317) 228-0134 or e-mail them at info@midwestEIM.com.
VAPG: VAPG (Value Added Producer Grants). The primary objective of the VAPG program is to help agricultural producers enter into value-added activities related to the processing and/or marketing of bio-based value-added products. Generating new products, creating and expanding marketing opportunities, and increasing producer income are the end goals of this program. You may receive priority if you are a beginning farmer or rancher, a socially-disadvantaged farmer or rancher, a small or medium-sized farm or a farmer or rancher cooperative, or are proposing a mid-tier value chain, as defined in the Program Regulation. These matching grants are awarded on a competitive basis. Maximum Grant Amount: $75,000 for planning grants; $250,000 for working capital grants.
Wind: We have been successful in getting 25% of wind turbine project costs paid for in the past with the REAP program. If you are interested in this form of renewable energy, please call Certified Energy Manager, Bruce Everly at 317-228-0134.
We are almost finished with this series, where we have explored the acronyms and intricacies of grants and subsidies. We will finish off our alphabet soup next time!