REAP changed on October 1, 2026. USDA now funds projects after they are built and running. See what changed
News & insights

News & Insights

Stay up to date on recent news with USDA REAP Updates, funding insights and guidance on the USDA's REAP program.

All articles have been updated for USDA's October 1, 2026 REAP rule. See what changed.

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September 24, 2025 · Clint Morris

How Solar Power Reduces Long-Term Operating Costs for Rural Businesses

How solar cuts long-term operating costs for rural businesses, and how USDA REAP grants work under the October 2026 rule for finished solar projects.

Two people reviewing an application on a laptop screen

September 18, 2025 · Maggie Bailey

How to Avoid Mistakes on Your USDA REAP Grant Application

Common USDA REAP application mistakes and how to avoid them under the October 2026 rule, from eligibility and timing to costs, scoring, and documents.

Red tractor pulling a farm trailer across a dry field

September 16, 2025 · Clint Morris

Why Many Rural Businesses Miss Out on Federal Grant Opportunities

Six reasons rural businesses miss out on federal grants like USDA REAP, updated for the October 2026 REAP rule, and how to avoid each one.

Printed page with the word Steps circled in green highlighter

September 10, 2025 · Maggie Bailey

What Happens After You Submit a USDA REAP Grant Application?

Step by step, what USDA does with a REAP grant application under the October 2026 rule: completeness, eligibility, risk, scoring, selection, and reporting.

Green seedling growing out of a pile of coins

September 8, 2025 · Clint Morris

How to Finance a Solar Project: Grants, Tax Credits, and Incentives

How to pay for a solar project with USDA REAP grants, tax credits, depreciation, and incentives, updated for the October 2026 REAP rule.

Two business people shaking hands

September 4, 2025 · Maggie Bailey

Do Grant Experts Save Time and Money?

How a grant expert saves time and money on federal and USDA REAP applications, and what the October 2026 REAP rule means for your paperwork.

Wall of electric utility meters on a commercial building

September 2, 2025 · Maggie Bailey

How Small Businesses Are Cutting Utility Bills with Grant Funding

How rural small businesses and farms use USDA REAP grants to cut utility bills, and what the October 2026 rule requires to qualify.

Stacks of copper and gold coins on a white surface

August 27, 2025 · Maggie Bailey

How to Finance a Solar Project

Ways to pay for solar on a farm or rural business: REAP grants paid after the project is done, tax credits, state incentives, and loans.

Farmland and vineyard rows at sunset with wind turbines on the horizon

August 25, 2025 · Clint Morris

What Is the REAP Grant? A Simple Guide for Farmers and Rural Businesses

A plain-English guide to the USDA REAP grant under the October 2026 rule: who can apply, which projects qualify, grant limits, and how to get started.

Ground-mounted solar array in a grassy field under a cloudy sky

August 21, 2025 · Clint Morris

How to Qualify for USDA Renewable Energy Grants

Who qualifies for a USDA REAP grant under the October 2026 rule: applicant and project rules, required reports, financial tests, and how scoring works.

Vintage incandescent light bulb with a glowing filament

August 19, 2025 · Clint Morris

Energy Efficiency Upgrades That Qualify for Federal Grant Funding

Which farm and small business efficiency upgrades can fit USDA REAP under the October 2026 rule, what REAP pays, and what you need to qualify.

Seedling growing from a glass jar filled with coins

August 18, 2025 · Clint Morris

Renewable Energy Incentives

An overview of renewable energy incentives for rural businesses and farms, with USDA REAP grant and loan rules updated for the October 2026 REAP rule.

Close-up of a glowing light bulb filament

August 15, 2025 · Maggie Bailey

Energy Efficiency Grants for Small Businesses

How USDA REAP grants can cover part of a finished energy efficiency upgrade under the October 2026 rule, which upgrades fit, and what you need to apply.

Tall stacks of paper files and documents in an office

August 14, 2025 · Maggie Bailey

What Documents Do I Need for a USDA Grant Application?

The documents a USDA REAP grant application needs under the October 2026 rule, from business records to energy data, and how CGF helps gather them.

Rows of solar panels on grass under a clear sky

August 13, 2025 · Maggie Bailey

Grant Opportunities for Rural Businesses

Federal grant and loan options for rural businesses, including how the October 2026 REAP rule works: finished projects, 25% grants, and scoring.

Rows of ground-mounted solar panels under a blue sky

August 12, 2025 · Maggie Bailey

Do You Need a Grant Writer?

A checklist to decide if you need a grant writer, what onboarding looks like, and what the October 2026 USDA REAP rule means if you apply for REAP.

Aerial view of solar panels on green grass

July 10, 2025 · Maggie Bailey

REAP Grant Assistance for Small Businesses: What You Need to Know

How the USDA REAP grant works for rural small businesses under the October 2026 rule, what changed, and how CGF helps you prepare an application.

Abstract pink geometric mountain illustration

July 1, 2025 · Clint Morris

USDA Pauses REAP Grant Applications for Q3 2025

Our July 2025 report on the Q3 2025 REAP grant pause, with an October 2026 update on the new REAP final rule and the key changes for applicants.

Rows of solar panels on a large commercial rooftop at sunset

May 1, 2025 · Maggie Bailey

Do I Qualify for a USDA REAP Grant?

A plain checklist for the October 2026 REAP rule: who qualifies, which projects count, why projects must be finished first, and how to check your fit.

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