Biochar Grants

A pile of biochar in a factor. This image was made using AI.

This table below displays grants, tax credits, loans, and other funding that support biochar production, biochar applications, and biochar research in the United States.

 

We strive to provide accurate and timely information on grants. However, please note that we have not reviewed these funding sources in detail. Grants listed may or may not be currently available or applicable to your needs. Also note that many federal grant programs have been paused indefinitely pending DOGE and White House Administrative review. Federal programs listed have been available historically through 2024.

 

This table is updated monthly.

 

For a personalized funding strategy, please contact us using the form on our Home Page.

 

ProgramFunderFunder TypeUsesEligibilityDeadlinesAward/Incentive
Wood Innovations Grant ProgramU.S. Forest ServiceFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Pilot and commercial biochar/pyrolysis systems; wood energy markets; equipment; process innovation; market developmentBusinesses, nonprofits, tribes, local/state governments, higher ed, others eligible under program22-Apr-26undisclosed
Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation ProgramU.S. Forest ServiceFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Bioenergy and innovative wood product facilities; equipment; facility expansion; shovel-ready capital projects that can include biomass-to-fuels/biochar-adjacent infrastructureNonprofits, local/state/tribal governments, businesses, higher ed, special purpose districts22-Apr-26$10,000–$1,000,000; up to $1.5 million for special cases
Wood Products Infrastructure Assistance ProgramU.S. Forest ServiceFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Establish, reopen, retrofit, expand, or improve wood-processing or energy facilities using biomass/byproducts from restoration projects; good fit for woody-feedstock biochar capacity in qualifying areasFor-profits, nonprofits, tribes, state/local governments, higher ed, school districts, communities, special purpose districts22-Apr-26$50,000–$2,000,000
Business and Workforce Development GrantsCalifornia Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE)State (if United States)Facilities, operations, professional services, workforce development, and applied R&D tied to forest-sector business development; can fit woody-biomass biochar manufacturing and workforce buildoutBusinesses, individuals, nonprofits, public agencies, tribal governments, other legal entities in California20-May-26Dependent; statewide pool $10,000,000
ONE RED Biochar Incentive ProgramNebraska Department of Water, Energy, and EnvironmentState (if United States)Biochar processing facilities; pyrolysis units; material handling equipment; wiring/installation; utility upgrades and connectionsNebraska-located entities in good standing and regulatory complianceundisclosedUp to 80% of project costs; $4.4 million program funding
Investments in Forest Industry TransformationNatural Resources CanadaFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Capital investment in innovative forest bioproducts and process adoption; strong fit for wood-residue-to-biochar commercialization in CanadaCanadian forest-sector proponents and other eligible recipients under NRCan program rules27-Apr-26Up to 50% of eligible project costs; maximum $10 million
Forest Innovation ProgramNatural Resources CanadaFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Early-stage innovation, RD&D, pilots, and forest bioeconomy technology development; relevant to Canadian biochar R&D and pre-commercial workEligible Canadian recipients under NRCan forest-sector rulesExpected 2026 cycle; current renewal references early 2026 allocation activityundisclosed
Market and Product Diversification Contribution FundingNatural Resources CanadaFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Diversifying wood-product exports and value-added forest products; can support market-building for forest-derived biochar and related productsEligible Canadian recipients under NRCan program rulesMarch 31, 2026 (closed; applications in review)Part of up to $30.75 million contribution funding pool
Clean Fuels Call for ProposalsNatural Resources CanadaFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Clean fuel production and enabling infrastructure; relevant where biochar projects pair with pyrolysis liquids, syngas, or biomass-to-fuel systemsIndigenous recipients, businesses, nonprofits, and other eligible Canadian applicants under guideApril 8, 2025 intake cited; funding available April 1, 2026–March 31, 2031undisclosed
Frontier Innovation TrackFrontier ClimateCorporationCarbon-removal prepurchases and R&D grants; relevant to biochar carbon removal developers with strong permanence/MRV casesCompanies, nonprofits, and academic research institutions depending on trackRollingPrepurchases about $250,000–$1,500,000; R&D grants about $250,000–$750,000
Microsoft Carbon Dioxide Removal Procurement CycleMicrosoftCorporationCarbon removal offtake/procurement; relevant to biochar carbon removal suppliers that meet Microsoft quality, verification, and durability requirementsProject developers meeting Microsoft carbon-removal prerequisitesRolling / first-come, first-servedundisclosed
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)USDA Natural Resources Conservation ServiceFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Conservation practices; soil health; forest land improvements; on-farm biochar application where state practice options allowAgricultural producers; ranchers; forest landownersJanuary 15, 2026 batching deadline; continuous sign-upundisclosed
Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)USDA Natural Resources Conservation ServiceFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Advanced conservation practices; soil health; biochar production from woody residue under CSP enhancement pathwaysAgricultural producersJanuary 15, 2026 batching deadline; continuous sign-upundisclosed
Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG)USDA Natural Resources Conservation ServiceFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)New conservation tools, practices, technologies; pilots and demonstrations that can include biochar-related soil/forest innovationsNonprofits, for-profits, higher ed, tribes, government entities, others per NOFOExpected later in 2026 (annual competition; no open competition at time checked)undisclosed
Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP)USDA Natural Resources Conservation ServiceFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Partner-led conservation projects on agricultural land; biochar may fit through soil health, biomass utilization, water quality, and resilience projectsPartners working with producers, landowners, and communitiesVaries by project; rolling/partner-drivenundisclosed
AFRI Foundational and Applied Science ProgramUSDA National Institute of Food and AgricultureFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Research, education, extension, and integrated projects in bioenergy, natural resources, and environment; good fit for biochar R&DUniversities, nonprofits, for-profits, other eligible applicants by NOFOFY 2026 deadlines varied by topic; current FY 2026 cycle largely closedundisclosed
SBIR/STTR ProgramsUSDA National Institute of Food and AgricultureFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Biochar-related commercial R&D, process innovation, equipment, monitoring, and product developmentQualified small businesses; STTR requires nonprofit research partnerFY 2025/2026 NOFO windows vary; current notices should be checked as postedPhase I up to $175,000; Phase II up to $600,000
Agricultural Innovation Grant ProgramPennsylvania Department of AgricultureState (if United States)Farm and processing innovation; biomass energy; renewable energy; carbon-storing crops; equipment and regional projects relevant to biocharGrowers, processors, service providers, and cooperatives using agricultural commodities to create products or energy18-Apr-26$100,000–$2,000,000 for regional impact projects
Healthy Soils Program Block Grants / Biochar PracticeCalifornia Department of Food and AgricultureState (if United States)On-farm biochar use as a healthy soils practice; direct purchase or invoice reimbursement through block-grant recipientsFarmers and other eligible California beneficiaries through HSP block-grant structure2026 block-grant cycle active; project timing varies by block-grant recipientundisclosed
Climate Innovation FundBoulder County Office of Sustainability, Climate Action and ResilienceMunicipal Entity (cities, towns, counties, and similar)Carbon dioxide removal, landscape resilience, restoration; good fit for biochar production and deployment with local benefitIndividuals, teams, and organizations for local/regional projects2024 cycle closed; next cycle undisclosedPrior round awarded $531,950 total
Indigenous Forestry InitiativeNatural Resources CanadaFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Indigenous-led forestry projects in stewardship, awareness, and economic development; can fit forest-biomass/biochar projectsIndigenous-led applicants and eligible partners in CanadaOpen / current 2026 renewal referencesundisclosed
Clean Fuels FundNatural Resources CanadaFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Clean fuel production and enabling infrastructure; possible fit where biochar projects include pyrolysis fuels, syngas, or broader clean-fuels componentsBusinesses, nonprofits, Indigenous applicants, and other eligible applicantsCurrent call funding available April 1, 2026–March 31, 2031Up to $50,000,000 per project, up to 30% of project costs
Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT)Natural Resources CanadaFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Transformational forest bioproduct and technology projects; strong fit for forest-residue-to-biochar commercializationEligible Canadian forest-sector applicants and partners27-Apr-26Up to 50% of eligible costs; maximum $10,000,000
Forest Innovation ProgramNatural Resources CanadaFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Early-stage forest bioeconomy innovation, RD&D, and pre-commercial work; can fit biochar technology developmentEligible Canadian applicants under NRCan rules2026 renewal; current intake timing variesundisclosed
Market and Product Diversification Contribution FundingNatural Resources CanadaFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Market development and diversification for Canadian wood products and related forest-sector outputsEligible Canadian applicants under NRCan rulesMarch 31, 2026 intake referencedundisclosed
Forest Biomass ProgramOntario Ministry of Natural ResourcesProvince (if Canada)Commercialization, modernization, wood utilization, biomass market development, forest-biomass projectsVaries by stream; Ontario applicants aligned with forest-biomass utilization projectsApplications currently being reviewedundisclosed
Forest Sector Investment and Innovation ProgramOntario Ministry of Natural ResourcesProvince (if Canada)Strategic forest-sector investments, innovative technology adoption, manufacturing modernizationForest-sector businesses and related eligible Ontario applicantsundisclosedundisclosed
Technoclimat – Innovation Project for Bioenergy ProductionGouvernement du Québec, Programme TechnoclimatProvince (if Canada)Precommercial bioenergy innovation; first commercial production unit; equipment; measurement; emissions-reduction technologyLegal entities or partnerships with an establishment in QuébecRollingPrecommercial: up to 50% of eligible costs or C$10 million; first commercial unit: up to 25% or C$18 million
Technoclimat – Innovation Project for All SectorsGouvernement du Québec, Programme TechnoclimatProvince (if Canada)Precommercial innovation; technology trials in energy efficiency, renewables, bioenergy, and GHG reductionLegal entities or partnerships with an establishment in QuébecRollingUp to 50% of eligible costs; maximum C$3 million
Natural Carbon SolutionsNew York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)StateDevelopment, testing, and commercialization of carbon-storing products and other applications using agriculture, forestry, and waste feedstocks; relevant for biochar and related carbon productsBusinesses, startups, research teams, and other eligible NYSERDA applicants/partnersRound-based; Round 2 selections announced in 2025; next round undisclosedMilestone-based funding; current initiative has made more than $21 million available
Composting and Food Waste Reduction Cooperative AgreementsU.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative ProductionFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Municipal composting plans, food-waste reduction plans, implementation projects that improve soil quality and divert organics from landfills; can fit municipal biochar-adjacent organics strategiesLocal and municipal governmentsProgram active; current open deadline not posted on the main program pageundisclosed
4 Corners Carbon Coalition Catalytic Grants4 Corners Carbon CoalitionOtherEarly-stage carbon-removal projects that convert waste biomass into durable carbon products such as biocharProject teams in coalition geographies / campaign-specific eligibilitiesCampaign-based; prior 2024 round completedPrior catalytic grants ranged from $20,000 to $125,000
Feedstock-Conversion Interface Consortium Industry Partnership CallU.S. Department of Energy, Bioenergy Technologies OfficeFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Feedstock supply, handling, transport, storage, preprocessing, initial conversion; technical assistance and lab partnerships for bioproduct and bioenergy process challengesIndustry stakeholders partnering with FCIC national labsCurrent FY25 call posted; next intake undisclosedTopic Area 1: $400,000–$2,000,000; Topic Area 2: $50,000–$150,000; Topic Area 3: $200,000–$750,000
Community Renewable Energy Grant ProgramOregon Department of EnergyStatePlanning and construction of renewable energy and energy resilience projects; can fit biomass CHP or thermal-energy projects adjacent to biochar productionTribes, public bodies, consumer-owned utilities2025 round opened June 2, 2025; 2026 selections announced February 2026; next round undisclosedundisclosed
Advancing Forest MarketsNew York State Department of Environmental ConservationStateForest-product market development, operational capacity, workforce, networks, and new products/markets including biocharState agencies, municipalities, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, for-profits, not-for-profits, Tribes, individual landowners with USDA FSA farm recordsExpected late spring 2026More than $46,000,000 program funding
PEI Climate Challenge FundGovernment of Prince Edward IslandProvinceClimate mitigation, adaptation, research, sequestration, community climate projects; usable for biochar where tied to emissions reduction or carbon storageFirst Nations, municipalities, businesses, academic institutions, culturally diverse community organizations, nonprofits in PEI2026/2027 intake closedUp to C$100,000 per project
AgriScience Program – ProjectsAgriculture and Agri-Food CanadaFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Pre-commercial applied science; R&D; pilots; commercialization support for climate, environment, and agricultural innovation; good fit for biochar feedstocks, agronomic trials, and sequestration workBusinesses, not-for-profits, and other eligible applicants under Sustainable CAPOpen until funds are fully committedUp to C$5,000,000 per project
AgriInnovate ProgramAgriculture and Agri-Food CanadaFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Commercialization, demonstration, and adoption of commercial-ready innovative technologies and processes; good fit for scaling ag- and biomass-based biochar systemsEligible Canadian applicants under Sustainable CAPClosed; program runs through March 31, 2028undisclosed
Agricultural Clean Technology Program – Adoption StreamAgriculture and Agri-Food CanadaFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Purchase and installation of commercially available clean technology; bioeconomy and clean-energy equipment; can fit on-farm or processor biochar-related systemsFarmers, agri-businesses, and other eligible Canadian applicantsIntake active on program pageC$25,000–C$2,000,000
Agricultural Clean Technology Program – AcceleratorAgriculture and Agri-Food CanadaFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Bioeconomy, low-carbon fuel systems, waste reduction/reuse, and ag-tech acceleration through intermediary organizationsInitial recipients are eligible not-for-profit accelerators/incubators that then fund ultimate recipientsClosed; program ends March 31, 2028Up to C$30,000,000 over 3 years program-wide; up to C$8,000,000 per initial recipient
POWER InitiativeAppalachian Regional CommissionFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Regional economic transition, advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship, workforce, and private investment in coal-impacted communities; relevant for Appalachian biochar manufacturing and biomass-economy projectsEligible applicants in ARC geography under ARC rulesFY2025 applications closed; FY2026 portal not yet openundisclosed
AFRI Strengthening Agricultural SystemsUSDA National Institute of Food and AgricultureFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Integrated research, education, and extension projects; supports new uses and expanding markets for agriculture and forestry products, soil health, and system innovationEligible U.S. applicants under AFRI rulesFY2026 deadlines per NOFO$1,000,000–$10,000,000
Fifth Public Innovation ChallengeMiami-Dade Innovation Authority with Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste ManagementMunicipal EntityWaste-diversion pilots; organics reuse; technology validation; county pilot deploymentsEarly-to-growth stage technology startups21-Apr-25$100,000 per selected startup
Global Gas Innovation CallNGIF AcceleratorCorporationCleantech validation and demonstration for the Canadian gas value chain; relevant for biochar where tied to RNG, biogas cleanup, waste-to-gas, or CCUS-linked systemsCanadian and international innovators; TRL 5–9Closed; funding decisions announced July 2026Up to C$500,000, up to 50% of eligible project costs
Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)U.S. Environmental Protection AgencyFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Environmental technology proof-of-concept and commercialization; usable for biochar process, PFAS, filtration, soil, waste, and emissions applicationsU.S. small businessesAnnual solicitation; 2024–2025 cycle awarded and 2026 updates postedPhase I up to $100,000; Phase II $400,000; commercialization option up to $100,000
IonE Impact GrantsUniversity of Minnesota Duluth, Institute on the EnvironmentCollege/UniversityClimate mitigation, clean energy, land and water, natural capital, and other research-based solution projects; can support biochar-related applied research and pilotsUniversity-led research teams and affiliated applicants under IonE rulesFall deadline TBAUp to $200,000
Clean Industry FundGovernment of British ColumbiaProvinceIndustrial decarbonization, innovation acceleration, feasibility studies, industrial electrification; can fit biochar manufacturing, biomass-processing, and emissions-reduction equipment at industrial sitesIndustrial project proponents in British Columbia under CIF rulesOngoing / program-based intakesVaries by stream; funded projects range from hundreds of thousands to multi-million-dollar awards
USDA-FFAR Innovation ChallengeFoundation for Food & Agriculture ResearchFoundationApplied innovation; climate-smart agriculture; soil carbon; agricultural technology; pilot and research projects that can include biochar systems or productsHigher education institutions, nonprofits, for-profits, government-affiliated research agenciesCurrent cycle active on official page; deadline details on application materials$350,000–$500,000
New Innovator in Food & Agriculture Research AwardFoundation for Food & Agriculture ResearchFoundationEarly-career food and agriculture research; can fit biochar-related research aligned to FFAR priority areasInstitution-nominated early-career faculty at eligible domestic institutions29-Apr-26Up to $450,000 total over 3 years, contingent on funding availability
Research and Education GrantsSouthern SAREExtension OfficesSustainable agriculture research and outreach; can fit biochar agronomy, soil health, biomass utilization, and farmer-facing demonstrationResearchers, educators, institutions, organizations, with producer participationExpected to open April 2026 (per program site)Up to $400,000
Nonpoint Source Grant ProgramCalifornia State Water Resources Control BoardStatePlanning and implementation projects to improve impaired waters; can fit biochar where used for runoff reduction, erosion control, stormwater filtration, or watershed BMPsPublic agencies, tribes, nonprofits, and other eligible applicants under program rulesSolicitation-based; proposals may also be accepted outside formal deadlines if funds remainundisclosed
Value-Added Producer GrantsUSDA Rural DevelopmentFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Working capital; planning; feasibility; value-added processing and marketing for agricultural commodities; can fit biochar where the project adds value to eligible agricultural or forestry feedstocks/productsIndependent agricultural producers, farmer or rancher cooperatives, agricultural producer groups, majority-controlled producer-based business ventures22-Apr-26Planning grants up to $75,000; working capital grants up to $250,000
Sustainable Farms & FieldsWashington State Conservation CommissionExtension OfficesClimate-smart farm projects; equipment; implementation support; carbon sequestration; GHG reduction; can fit biochar-related farm and district projectsConservation districts, state agencies, colleges, universities, extension offices, federally recognized tribes, counties, cities, towns, municipalities, special purpose districtsApril 15, 2026–May 15, 2026undisclosed
Clean Industry Fund – Emissions PerformanceGovernment of British ColumbiaProvinceCapital projects that reduce GHG emissions at regulated industrial operations; can fit industrial biochar, pyrolysis, or biomass-conversion projects at eligible B.C. facilitiesOperators of regulated industrial operations in British Columbia under the B.C. output-based pricing system22-May-26Up to 50% of eligible costs; maximum $10,000,000
Clean Industry Fund – Innovation AcceleratorGovernment of British ColumbiaProvinceIndustrial decarbonization; clean-technology deployment; emissions-reduction projects at regulated industrial operations; can fit industrial biochar, pyrolysis, or biomass-conversion projectsOperators of regulated industrial operations in British Columbia19-Jun-26Up to 75% of eligible expenses
Clean Industry Fund – Feasibility StudiesGovernment of British ColumbiaProvinceFeasibility studies for industrial decarbonization and emissions-reduction projects; can fit future industrial biochar or biomass-conversion projectsOperators of regulated industrial operations in British Columbia26-Jun-26undisclosed
Agricultural Clean Technology Program – Research and Innovation StreamAgriculture and Agri-Food CanadaFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Applied R&D; piloting; demonstration; commercialization; scale-up of clean technologies; relevant to biochar technology development and deployment in Canadian agriculture/agri-foodFor-profit organizations, not-for-profit organizations, and Indigenous groups; project work must be carried out in CanadaRolling through March 31, 2028, or until funding is fully committedNon-repayable contributions for R&D/demonstration; repayable contributions for commercialization/scale-up
Healthy Soils Program Block GrantCalifornia Department of Food and AgricultureStateBlock grants to expand healthy-soils practices, including the 2026 addition of biochar through the program structureEligible block-grant applicants under CDFA rulesConcept proposals open April 2026; full proposal close August 2026undisclosed
Biorefinery, Renewable Chemical, and Biobased Product Manufacturing ProgramUSDA Rural DevelopmentFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Development, construction, and retrofitting of commercial-scale biorefineries and biobased product manufacturing facilities; can fit large biochar or pyrolysis projects with biobased outputsIndividuals, public and private entities, state and local governments, corporations, tribes, farm cooperatives, associations of agricultural producers, national laboratories, institutions of higher education, public power entities (through eligible lenders)Letter of intent due September 1, 2026; Phase 1 due October 1, 2026Loan guarantees up to $250,000,000
Rural Economic Development Loan & Grant ProgramsUSDA Rural DevelopmentFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Start-up venture costs; fixed assets; buildings; equipment; working capital; business expansion; technical assistance; can fit rural biochar facilities through eligible utility intermediariesCurrent or former Rural Utilities Service electric or telecom borrowers, or not-for-profit utilities; funds are then passed to ultimate recipients in rural areas30-Jun-26Grants up to $300,000; loans up to $1,000,000; ultimate-recipient financing can cover up to 80% of project costs at 0% interest
Rural Business Investment ProgramUSDA Rural DevelopmentFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Equity capital for rural businesses through licensed Rural Business Investment Companies; can fit biochar companies seeking venture/development capitalNewly formed for-profit fund entities seeking RBIC licenses; rural businesses benefit indirectly through certified RBIC investmentsRollingundisclosed
AgriMarketing Program: Market Diversification for Small and Medium-sized EnterprisesAgriculture and Agri-Food CanadaFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Market research; branding; trade missions; technical training; export and interprovincial market development for biochar and related ag/forest productsFor-profit organizations and Indigenous applicants in agriculture, agri-food, agri-products, fish or seafood; must be directly involved in growing, harvesting, processing, transforming, or consolidating products; under 500 FTEs30-Sep-30undisclosed
Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities ProgramAgriculture and Agri-Food CanadaFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Technology adoption; environmental sustainability; value-added products; pilots; sector-wide innovation and emerging-issue projectsCanadian nonprofits, Indigenous groups, provincial/territorial/municipal governments; for-profits may be considered in limited casesRolling through March 31, 2029Up to C$1,000,000 per project, generally up to C$5,000,000 over 5 years per applicant
Nonpoint Source Program Implementation GrantsMichigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and EnergyStateWatershed implementation; physical BMPs; planning/design tied to implementation; runoff and water-quality projects where biochar is used for filtration, stormwater, erosion, or watershed outcomesState agencies, counties, cities, townships, villages, regional planning agencies, conservation districts, colleges/universities, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, eligible Tribal entities30-Jun-26Minimum request $25,000; no maximum request
Unleashing Tribal Energy DevelopmentU.S. Department of Energy, Office of Indian EnergyFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Tribal-led community-scale energy project planning and development; large-scale energy project planning; can fit biomass/biochar energy infrastructure in Tribal settingsFederally recognized Indian Tribes and Tribal entities, including eligible Alaska Native entities24-Jul-26$50,000,000 total funding opportunity
Renewable Resources Extension Act – National Focus Fund ProjectsUSDA National Institute of Food and AgricultureExtension OfficesExtension; forestry and rangeland best management practices; forest-products education; landowner outreach; can fit biochar through forest-residue utilization, wood-products market development, and extension-based demonstration1862, 1890, and eligible 1994 land-grant institutions; other eligible state-supported universities with forestry graduate training; project directors must have an Extension appointment8-Jun-26undisclosed
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance ProgramUSDA Rural DevelopmentFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Microenterprise loans; startup and growth capital; technical assistance; can fit very small rural biochar businesses through intermediary MDOsMicroenterprise Development Organizations; ultimate recipients are rural businesses with 10 or fewer full-time employeesOngoingGrants up to $100,000 annually; loans $50,000–$500,000 to MDOs; ultimate-recipient microloans up to $50,000
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative – Foundational and Applied Science ProgramUSDA National Institute of Food and AgricultureFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Research, education, and extension in bioenergy, bioproducts, rural prosperity, natural resources, and related topics; fits biochar R&D and systems workVaries by program area; universities, nonprofits, for-profits, government entities, and other eligible applicants under the NOFO31-Dec-26undisclosed
Biobased Markets and Development Access Grant ProgramUSDA Rural Development, Rural Business-Cooperative ServiceFederal Government (U.S. or Canada)Construction; feedstock procurement; personnel; equipment procurement and installation; market-access activities for biobased products; can fit biochar and woody/ag-residue biobased product commercializationInvitation-based applicants under USDA program rules; feedstocks can include agricultural residues and woody biomassInvitation-based: intent email due within 14 days of invitation; full application due within 60 days after USDA acknowledgmentIndividual grants up to $10,000,000; program funding available up to $200,000,000 until expended