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 TypeFunding TypeUsesEligibilityGeographyDeadlinesAward/IncentiveInfo LinkQA Notes
2026 National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant ProgramUSDA Forest ServiceFederal GovernmentGrantBiochar production/utilization from community tree material; wood utilization; workforce development; equipment/project activitiesState/local/tribal governments; public institutions of higher education; school districts; public housing authorities; 501(c)(3) nonprofitsUnited States12-Oct-26$200,000–$750,000Official Grants.gov opportunityExcellent direct match. 2026 NOFO expressly identifies biochar as an eligible product. Cost share required.
Conservation Innovation Grants – CIG ClassicUSDA Natural Resources Conservation ServiceFederal GovernmentGrantDevelopment/piloting of innovative conservation technologies; soil health; agricultural biochar; nutrient/water managementEligibility varies by annual NOFO; organizations and other qualifying entities under CIG rulesUnited StatesClosed/Recurring; 2026 closed July 27, 20262026 national program funding $15 million; individual award terms vary by NOFOOfficial NRCS CIG pageStrong biochar precedent. NRCS identifies CIG as an annual competition, and recent CIG awards include biochar projects. Future priorities are not yet announced.
Conservation Innovation Grants – On-Farm Conservation Innovation TrialsUSDA Natural Resources Conservation ServiceFederal GovernmentGrantBiochar field trials; soil-health demonstration; nutrient management; adoption/evaluation of innovative conservation practicesGovernments, universities, nonprofits and other eligible partner entities under applicable NOFO; projects involve agricultural producersUnited StatesClosed/Recurring; 2026 closed July 27, 2026$250,000–$5,000,000 in FY2026Official Grants.gov/NRCS program pageStrong potential for agricultural biochar. FY2026 included soil-health demonstration and nutrient-management priorities; NRCS states this is an annual CIG opportunity.
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) ProgramU.S. Environmental Protection AgencyFederal GovernmentOtherEnvironmental technology R&D; commercialization; sustainable materials; circular economy; water treatment; biochar-derived productsQualifying U.S. small businesses; proposals must respond to solicitation topicsUnited StatesClosed/Recurring; next Phase I solicitation date not announced$100,000 Phase I; $400,000 Phase II; up to $100,000 additional commercialization optionOfficial EPA SBIR program pageDirect biochar precedent: EPA awarded $400,000 in 2026 for biochar-derived graphene for lower-carbon concrete. EPA describes its solicitation as annual, but there is currently no open Phase I solicitation.
Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP)National Research Council CanadaFederal GovernmentOtherR&D; technology innovation; scale-up; commercialization; product/process developmentIncorporated, for-profit Canadian SMEs generally ≤500 employees; some organizational funding pathways also existCanadaUndisclosedundisclosed at program levelOfficial NRC IRAP funding pageStrong Canadian match. Current official records show IRAP funding of C$1,130,913 for a biochar-based carbon-negative concrete admixture project beginning in 2026. Program is ongoing; individual funding is merit-based rather than a standard published award amount.
Tribal Wildfire Resilience Grants Solicitation 2026California Department of Forestry and Fire ProtectionStateGrantBiomass utilization; forest restoration; fuels reduction; research; workforce developmentFederally/non-federally recognized California Tribes; qualifying tribally-led nonprofitsCaliforniaSeptember 8, 2026, 12:00 p.m. PDT$250,000–$3,000,000 project range; $10 million availableOfficial California grant pageOpen today. Biochar is not named, but biomass utilization is expressly eligible. Strong fit for tribal forest-biomass-to-biochar projects.
Proposition 4 Grant ProgramCalifornia Tahoe ConservancyStateGrantBiomass utilization; forest health; watershed improvement; restoration; workforce developmentNonprofits; public agencies; Tribal governmentsCalifornia side of Lake Tahoe BasinRollingundisclosed per award; $13 million currently availableOfficial California grant pageStrong potential for biochar tied to forest-residue utilization/restoration. Letter of intent/pre-application required.
CAL FIRE Business and Workforce DevelopmentCalifornia Department of Forestry and Fire ProtectionStateGrantWood/biomass processing facilities; equipment; operations; professional services; research; workforceBusinesses; individuals; nonprofits; public agencies; Tribal governments; other legal entitiesCaliforniaClosed; 2026 cycle closed May 20, 2026Business development $10,000–$3,000,000; only projects ≥$50,000 meet your thresholdOfficial California grant pageVery strong commercial biochar lead. Program specifically supports wood-products and bioenergy infrastructure. Match varies from 100% to 200% for business projects.
CAL FIRE Forest Health Research ProgramCalifornia Department of Forestry and Fire ProtectionStateGrantBiomass utilization research; forest carbon; GHG reduction; forest-management researchNonprofits; universities; public agencies; tribes; public utilities and other listed entitiesCaliforniaClosed; concept proposals closed July 30, 2026$1,000,000–$1,500,000Official California grant pageStrong R&D biochar fit where research concerns biomass utilization, forest carbon, treatment residues, or sequestration. No match required.
Joint Institute for Wood Products Innovation GrantCalifornia Board of Forestry and Fire ProtectionStateGrantBioenergy/biomass R&D; feasibility; engineering; technology development; market analysis; new biomass productsBusinesses; individuals; nonprofits; public agencies; tribes; other entitiesCaliforniaClosed; August 3, 2026$5,000–$375,000; include only proposals ≥$50,000 under your thresholdOfficial program pageDirect biochar precedent. Current Institute materials include a forest-biomass-to-renewable-diesel-and-biochar study. Recent cycle makes this a strong recurring-monitoring lead.
Investments in Forest Industry Transformation – Capital Investment Project StreamNatural Resources CanadaFederal GovernmentGrantCommercial-scale forest bioproducts; first-in-kind technology; process/equipment deployment; advanced decarbonizationCanadian for-profit forest-sector companies and qualifying new entrantsCanadaClosed; April 27, 2026Up to 50% of eligible costs; maximum C$10 millionOfficial IFIT Capital Investment pageExcellent commercial biochar/biocarbon fit where wood fibre is feedstock. Program renewed in 2026. Previous federal funding includes major biochar/biocarbon projects.
Agricultural Clean Technology Program – Research & Innovation AcceleratorAgriculture and Agri-Food CanadaFederal GovernmentOtherAgricultural clean-tech R&D; validation; demonstration; commercializationCanadian organizations meeting the requirements of participating intermediary organizationsCanadaCurrent 2026–2028 delivery through approved intermediary organizationsundisclosed at downstream applicant level; up to C$30 million allocated to AcceleratorOfficial ACT Accelerator pageStrong biochar evidence. The parent ACT program funded a C$706,145 biomass/agricultural-waste-to-biochar project. Direct federal intake is closed, but AAFC expressly directs applicants to 2026–2028 intermediary organizations.
Accelerating Scale-up and Pre-piloting of Emerging Chemical Technologies (ASPECT)U.S. Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks OfficeFederal GovernmentCooperative AgreementR&D, process development and pre-pilot scale-up using biomass and other alternative/waste feedstocks to produce chemicals and productsEligible entities under DE-FOA-0003647; specific applicant restrictions and teaming requirements must be checked against the NOFOUnited StatesConcept paper: October 9, 2026; Stage 1: December 1, 2026; Stage 2: February 12, 2027Up to $58 million total program funding; individual award levels vary by topicOfficial DOE ASPECT funding noticeOpen. Potential biochar fit is strongest where pyrolysis produces a qualifying bio-based chemical, carbon material, activated-carbon-type product, or other eligible end-product. A project solely producing conventional soil-amendment biochar may not fit.
Wood Innovations GrantUSDA Forest ServiceFederal GovernmentGrantWood-product commercialization; market development; engineering; equipment/process development; biomass utilization; innovative productsFor-profit businesses; governments; Tribes; nonprofits; higher education; special-purpose districts and other listed entitiesUnited StatesClosed/Recurring; 2026 deadline April 22, 20262026 opportunity provides awards up to approximately $300,000 for standard projectsOfficial 2026 Wood Innovations opportunityExcellent direct biochar precedent. Forest Service award records include biochar production, pyrolysis, biochar market development, carbon sequestration, wastewater applications and biochar-enhanced products.
Community Wood Energy and Wood Innovation ProgramUSDA Forest ServiceFederal GovernmentGrantInstallation/expansion of innovative wood-product manufacturing facilities and community wood-energy systemsBusinesses; governments; Tribes; nonprofits; higher education; special-purpose districts and other eligible entitiesUnited StatesClosed/Recurring; 2026 deadline April 22, 2026Up to $1,000,000 under the 2026 opportunityOfficial 2026 Community Wood opportunityDirect commercial biochar precedent. Forest Service previously funded installation of an integrated biochar plant under this program. Particularly relevant for wood-residue biochar production facilities.
Forest Restoration & Wildfire Risk Mitigation Grant ProgramColorado State Forest ServiceStateGrantForest restoration; hazardous-fuel reduction; woody-biomass utilization; equipment; capacity developmentLocal community groups; local governments; utilities; state agencies and other qualifying entities under the RFAColoradoOctober 8, 2026, 5:00 p.m. MDTIndividual award amount undisclosed; approximately $7.0–$7.2 million availableOfficial Colorado FRWRM programOpen. Program expressly encourages use of woody material and biomass. Biochar would need to be integrated into an eligible forest-restoration/fuels-utilization project rather than proposed as a standalone manufacturing venture. 50% match generally required; reduced 25% match may apply in qualifying areas.
Research, Development and Demonstration ProgramWashington State Department of CommerceStateGrantAdvanced bioenergy; biorefining; greenhouse-gas removal; carbon capture; emerging clean-energy technology demonstrationWashington businesses, nonprofits, governments, research institutions, Tribes, higher education, national labs and state agencies; some out-of-state entities with significant Washington presenceWashingtonClosed; September 3, 2026Individual amount undisclosed; approximately $10 million available in current roundOfficial Washington RD&D programStrong biochar/carbon-removal fit. Current eligible categories expressly include advanced bioenergy and greenhouse-gas removal. Closed only five days before this search; useful recurring-monitoring lead.
Small Forestland Grant ProgramOregon Department of ForestryStateGrantHazardous fuels reduction; forest resilience; equipment; nontraditional forest products including biochar and biomassEligible Oregon small forestland owners, groups and federally recognized Tribes; sponsors may include qualifying conservation/watershed/nonprofit entitiesOregonClosed/Recurring; next application period expected July/August 2027$10,000–$300,000; include requests of $50,000+ under your thresholdOfficial Oregon Small Forestland Grant ProgramExplicit biochar eligibility. 2025–27 RFP specifically identifies biochar, biomass and small-diameter wood as nontraditional forest products. Projects must primarily reduce wildfire risk on eligible small forestland.
Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program (REDIP)British Columbia Ministry of Jobs and Economic GrowthProvinceGrantRural economic diversification; business/project development; infrastructure; circular economy and value-added resource projectsEligible rural local governments, Indigenous governments/organizations and other applicants depending on funding streamBritish ColumbiaClosed/Recurring; next intake dates not yet announcedGenerally up to C$500,000 depending on streamOfficial B.C. REDIP programDirect 2026 biochar award evidence. B.C. awarded approximately C$182,000 through REDIP for a forest-waste-to-biochar business pilot in Creston. Strong lead for community-scale biochar commercialization.
Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy ProgramBritish Columbia Ministry of ForestsProvinceGrantForest bioeconomy development; residual-wood utilization; commercialization; scale-up; innovative forest productsIndigenous individuals, governments, businesses and organizations, subject to program requirementsBritish ColumbiaClosed/Recurring; 2025–26 intake closed; future date undisclosedHistorical projects generally C$100,000–C$450,000; often up to 50% of project costOfficial Indigenous Forest Bioeconomy ProgramStrong biochar fit for Indigenous-owned or Indigenous-led forest-residue projects. B.C. describes residual wood and forest bioproduct commercialization as core program areas.
TechnoclimatQuébec Ministry of Environment, Fight Against Climate Change, Wildlife and ParksProvinceGrantPre-commercial technology development/demonstration; first Quebec deployment; bioenergy; GHG reduction; industrial decarbonizationCorporations and partnerships with an operating establishment in QuébecQuébecRollingundisclosed at general program levelOfficial Technoclimat program pageExcellent direct biochar match. Québec previously provided C$9.2 million through Technoclimat toward Carbonité’s commercial biochar plant. Current program has three streams and accepts applications continuously.
Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI)Canada Economic Development for Quebec RegionsFederal GovernmentOtherTechnology adoption/demonstration; commercialization; manufacturing scale-up; productivity; clean technologySMEs; nonprofits; economic-development organizations; incubators; knowledge/technology-transfer organizations; municipalities and RCMsQuébecAccepting applications; ongoingundisclosed; assistance structure depends on project/clientOfficial REGI program pageDirect biochar precedent: CED provided C$3 million repayable assistance under REGI toward Carbonité’s biochar production equipment. REGI is officially a permanent ongoing program.
Industrial Transformation ChallengeEmissions Reduction AlbertaOtherGrantField pilots; commercial demonstrations; first-of-kind deployment; forestry-residue products; carbon removals; soil carbon; agricultural-waste conversionInnovators; technology developers; Indigenous communities; companies; industrial operators; associations; SMEs; R&D organizations; universities; municipalities; nonprofits; government labs; individualsAlbertaClosed/Recurring; 2026 deadline June 17, 2026C$500,000–C$10 million; ≤50% eligible project costsOfficial ERA Industrial Transformation ChallengeVery strong biochar fit. 2026 eligible areas expressly include forestry-residue value-added products, industrial carbon removals, agricultural-waste management, soil carbon/soil health and waste-to-value conversion. ERA calls this an annual challenge.
Environment and Natural Resources Trust FundMinnesota Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota ResourcesStateGrantEnvironmental R&D; demonstration; water/soil improvement; forest residues; carbon management; equipment and field implementationPublic agencies, universities, nonprofits and other entities allowed under each annual RFPMinnesotaClosed/Recurring; 2027 RFP closed March 18, 2026undisclosed standard project cap; approximately $121 million available in the 2027 RFPOfficial LCCMR funding processExcellent direct biochar precedent. Minnesota appropriated $358,000 in 2026 for “Utilizing Wood Waste and Biochar for Mineland Reclamation.” Consecutive annual RFP cycles establish recurrence.
Maine Healthy Soils Program – Soil Health Implementation GrantMaine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and ForestryStateGrantBiochar/soil amendments; equipment; materials; labor; soil-health implementation and scalingMaine farm owners/operators meeting agricultural production and land requirementsMaineClosed/Recurring; 2026 deadline March 17, 2026Up to $65,000Official Maine Healthy Soils ProgramExplicit biochar eligibility. FY2026 rules define biochar as an eligible soil amendment. Because your minimum is $50,000, only requests/awards of $50,000–$65,000 meet your disclosed-value threshold.
Forest Biomass ProgramOntario Ministry of Natural ResourcesProvinceGrantBiochar production; innovative forest bioproduct manufacturing; biomass commercialization; equipment; modernization; feasibility/pathway studies; Indigenous bioeconomyEligibility varies by stream; includes qualifying Ontario forest-sector businesses, Indigenous entities/partners, and other organizations under applicable streamsOntario15-Oct-26Innovative bioproduct manufacturing: up to 50%, max C$5M; modernization: up to 35%, max C$10M; other streams up to C$250,000Official Ontario program pageExceptional direct match. Ontario has already awarded C$4,643,100 to Haliburton Forest Biochar for biochar-production equipment.
Forest Sector Investment and Innovation ProgramOntario Ministry of Natural ResourcesProvinceGrant; Loan/FinancingForest-biomass processing; bioeconomy facilities; manufacturing equipment; technology/process/product innovation; market expansionOntario for-profit manufacturers/processors of wood and forest biomass; collaboration stream includes forest businesses, research nonprofits, associations and academiaOntarioStage I: September 18, 2026; next round December 18, 2026Business: up to 30% loan, potentially 50% forgivable; exceptional grants up to 15%. Collaboration grants up to 30%, max C$3MOfficial Ontario program pageOpen. Bio-economy projects are expressly eligible. Business projects require at least C$3M eligible project cost. Strong commercial-scale biochar facility fit.
Utah Watershed Restoration InitiativeUtah Department of Natural Resources / partnersStateGrantBiochar field application; woody-biomass utilization; restoration; fuels treatment; soil/water improvement; equipment and implementationPublic agencies, conservation partners, universities and other entities participating through the WRI project processUtahCurrent FY2027 funding activity; public deadline undisclosedundisclosed program cap; individual current projects exceed $50,000 and can reach hundreds of thousandsOfficial Utah WRI portalDirect biochar precedent. WRI funded a $50,740 Utah State University biochar restoration study and current projects use portable kilns to convert woody residues to biochar. Access/application pathway is more partnership-oriented than a conventional open grant portal.
Rural County Grant ProgramCarbon County Economic DevelopmentMunicipal EntityGrantEquipment; machinery; facility expansion; infrastructure; value-added agriculture; new industry/business expansionFor-profit businesses; nonprofits; local governments located in Carbon CountyCarbon County, Utah1-Dec-26Up to $50,000; 1:1 matchOfficial Carbon County applicationOpen. Biochar is not specifically named, but commercial biochar manufacturing/processing can fit the equipment, value-added agriculture, new-industry or business-expansion categories. Only the maximum $50,000 award meets your selected threshold.
Lake Tahoe License Plate ProgramNevada Division of State LandsStateGrantEnvironmental implementation; water-quality projects; biochar filtration; scientific research; monitoring; restorationPublic agencies and nonprofit organizationsNevada side of Lake Tahoe BasinClosed/Recurring; next solicitation date undisclosedundisclosed per award; program generates approximately $800,000 annually according to current program pageOfficial Nevada program pageDirect biochar award evidence. A 2026 award is testing forest-biomass biochar as a water-quality filtration medium. Program receives recurring annual revenue and periodically solicits grants.
Climate Action FundManitoba Environment and Climate ChangeProvinceGrantGHG-reduction projects; climate technology; clean energy; low-carbon economy; climate resilienceIncorporated nonprofits; academic/educational institutions; municipalities; Northern Affairs Communities; Indigenous organizations/governments; registered Manitoba businesses/social enterprisesManitoba8-Oct-26Up to C$150,000Official Manitoba program pageOpen. Strong conditional biochar fit. A biochar project should quantify permanent carbon storage/GHG reductions or clean-technology benefits. Manitoba is also home to active biomass-to-biochar/biocarbon technology development.
Idaho Gem GrantIdaho Department of CommerceStateGrantEconomic-development infrastructure; assets supporting private-sector job creation; infrastructure serving new/expanding businessesRural Idaho communities ≤25,000 population; application must be submitted by city, county or Tribal governmentIdahoSeptember 21, 2026; December 21, 2026; March 15, 2027Up to $50,000Official Idaho Commerce program pageOpen. Conditional commercial biochar fit. Could support public infrastructure/assets enabling a rural biochar plant, not the company’s private operating costs. Exactly reaches your $50,000 threshold.
Business Development ProgramAtlantic Canada Opportunities AgencyFederal GovernmentLoan/FinancingBusiness start-up; facility/equipment expansion; modernization; productivity; environmental-management systems; commercializationAtlantic Canadian entrepreneurs/businesses; qualifying nonprofits may receive separate supportNew Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and LabradorRolling / accepting applicationsBusinesses may receive interest-free, unsecured repayable assistance of up to 50% of eligible capital costs and up to 75% of eligible business-growth activities; dollar maximum undisclosedOfficial ACOA Business Development Program pagePotentially strong commercial biochar fit. Particularly relevant to equipment, facility expansion and commercialization. Award dollars are not published; percentage support prevents confirmation that every project would exceed $50,000.
Energy Innovation Grant ProgramPublic Service Commission of WisconsinStateGrantRenewable energy; energy efficiency; emerging energy technology; energy planning and related implementationMunicipalities; counties; Tribes; schools; universities; utilities/co-ops; hospitals; 501(c)(3)s; qualifying manufacturersWisconsinClosed/Recurring; latest round closed July 1, 2026undisclosed individual award in current program summary; 2026 Round 6 funding determined through docketOfficial Wisconsin PSC program pageConditional biochar fit. Best for pyrolysis/biochar projects with a material renewable-energy component rather than soil-amendment-only projects. Multiple prior grant rounds establish recurrence; next deadline not announced.
Forest and Watershed Restoration Act (FAWRA)New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department – Forestry DivisionStateGrantForest/watershed restoration; woody-biomass utilization; fuels reduction; biomass energy; rural economic benefitsProjects proposed through eligible governmental, Tribal and other qualifying partners under FAWRA guidelinesNew MexicoRollingundisclosedOfficial EMNRD FAWRA pageStrong biomass-to-biochar pathway. Current guidelines give priority to projects with wood supply suitable for utilization/biomass energy. Biochar production should be tied directly to landscape restoration and utilization of treatment residues.
Economic Development BondsMontana Facility Finance AuthorityStateLoan/FinancingManufacturing facilities; equipment; industrial development; biofuels; solid waste; carbon capture; qualifying capital projectsMontana businesses and nonprofits with qualifying capital projectsMontanaUndisclosed / project-drivenGenerally capital projects of $1 million+; financing amount project-specificOfficial Montana Commerce program pageExcellent commercial biochar financing precedent. MFFA approved financing documentation for a Montana biochar manufacturing/processing facility with contemplated bonds up to $7.5 million.
Agriculture Development FundSaskatchewan Ministry of AgricultureProvinceGrantAgricultural R&D; bioproducts; processing technologies; sustainable farming; soil/ecosystem research; biotechnologyProject ideas may originate from businesses/organizations, but principal investigator must be a full-time permanent employee of a Canadian public/private research organizationSaskatchewanClosed/Recurring; next LOI window expected March 1–April 15, 2027 based on official annual windowundisclosed individual maximum; Saskatchewan provides approximately C$15 million annually to ADFOfficial Saskatchewan ADF pageDirect historical biochar precedent and strong current research fit. ADF previously funded C$194,800 of biochar soil-amendment research. Best for university/research partnerships rather than plant construction.
Saskatchewan Technology FundSaskatchewan Ministry of Environment / Innovation SaskatchewanProvinceGrantGHG-reduction technology; carbon sequestration/capture; industrial innovation; efficiency; fuel switchingSaskatchewan OBPS regulated emitters with an established emissions baselineSaskatchewanUndisclosedRecent intake awarded C$47.5 million across nine projects; individual recent awards ranged roughly C$512,500–C$25 millionOfficial Saskatchewan Technology Fund pagePotentially excellent industrial biochar/biocarbon fit, but narrow eligibility. Project must reduce Scope 1/2 emissions at the applicant’s regulated Saskatchewan facility. Biochar used only for third-party carbon removal would not automatically qualify.
2026 Carbon Removal and Superpollutant Elimination R&D AwardsGoogleCorporationGrantBiochar feedstock preprocessing; pyrolysis R&D; pilot-scale biochar production; techno-economic/LCA work; permanence testingIndividuals at universities, research institutions, nonprofits, social enterprises, or businesses with appropriate R&D experienceUnited States and Canada eligible; program is broader/global25-Sep-26Up to $450,000 for the biochar priority areaOfficial Google Research callExceptional direct match and open now. One named priority is “Unlocking underutilized biomass feedstocks to scale biochar carbon removal.”
Carbon Dioxide Removal Procurement CycleMicrosoftCorporationOtherPurchase/offtake of verified carbon removals from biochar projectsProject developers and brokers, including for-profit organizations and NGOsUnited States and Canada eligible; procurement is broader/globalRolling / first come, first servedundisclosed; project-specific carbon removal purchase contractOfficial Microsoft Carbon Removal ProgramDirect biochar procurement. Microsoft expressly lists biochar as an eligible CDR project type and accepts future-year proposals throughout the year. Best for projects capable of verified removal-credit delivery.
Climate Innovation FundMicrosoftCorporationPRI/Impact InvestmentEquity/debt/project financing for carbon removal, sustainable agriculture, industrial materials, circular economy and related climate technology scale-upEmerging climate-tech companies/projects with early commercial traction; not public companiesUnited States and Canada eligible; fund invests more broadlyRollingundisclosed; equity/debt/project financing through a $1 billion fundOfficial Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund pageStrong biochar scale-up fit. Direct carbon removal is an explicit focus. Fund is for investment/financing, not grants. Particularly relevant for commercial pyrolysis or biochar technology companies.
Natural Carbon Solutions Innovation ChallengeNew York State Energy Research and Development AuthorityStateGrantBiochar from biosolids/agricultural/forestry waste; carbon-negative building products; commercialization; demonstration; carbon sequestrationEligible businesses, universities, nonprofits and project teams under solicitation rulesNew YorkClosed/Recurring; next round undisclosedPhase 1 up to $50,000; Phase 2 up to $1.0M–$1.5M depending on challenge areaOfficial NYSERDA program pageDirect biochar precedent. Current program materials identify Bio Force Tech’s biosolids-to-biochar/concrete project. Recent rounds in 2023 and 2025 support recurrence, but no next solicitation is announced.
On-Farm Climate Action Fund – Innovative BMPs: Biochar ApplicationAgriculture and Agri-Food Canada / Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement AssociationAssociationGrantPurchase and application of biochar; soil-carbon sequestration; monitoring; agronomic implementationOntario farm businesses meeting FBR, Premises ID and program requirementsOntarioClosed/Recurring; 2026 intake closed February 17, 2026; project runs through 202885% cost share, up to C$100,000 per farm businessOfficial OSCIA program guideExceptional direct match. Biochar is a named funding stream. Monitoring and operational records are required. No next intake has yet been announced.
Environmental Quality Incentives Program – Soil Carbon Amendment (Code 336), Western North CarolinaUSDA Natural Resources Conservation ServiceFederal GovernmentTechnical AssistancePurchase/application of soil carbon amendments including biochar; soil health; organic matter; soil structureEligible agricultural producers and landowners under EQIP requirementsWestern North CarolinaRolling; applications accepted continuously; most recent ranking cutoff February 13, 2026undisclosed; EQIP payment rates depend on state/practice scheduleOfficial NRCS Soil Carbon Amendment funding noticeExplicit biochar eligibility. This is a current EQIP practice pathway, but ranking dates and payment rates are state-specific.
Agriculture and Food Research Initiative – Foundational and Applied Science ProgramUSDA National Institute of Food and AgricultureFederal GovernmentGrantBiochar research; soil health; nutrient recovery; carbon sequestration; bioeconomy; biomass/biobased products; water treatment; agricultural technologyUniversities, research institutions and other applicants depending on program-area priorityUnited StatesCurrent FY2026 NOFO through December 31, 2026; individual priority deadlines vary$10,000–$10,000,000; retain proposals ≥$50,000Official NIFA AFRI FAS pageStrong direct award history. Current NIFA records include multiple active AFRI biochar projects. Applicants must target a specific AFRI program-area priority and its applicable deadline.
1890 Institution Teaching, Research and Extension Capacity Building Grants ProgramUSDA National Institute of Food and AgricultureFederal GovernmentGrantAgricultural research; renewable energy; forestry/agroforestry; soil; extension; equipment/capacity; biomass/biochar research1890 land-grant universities; partnerships with other organizations may be incorporated according to NOFO rulesUnited States4-Nov-26$50,000–$750,000Official NIFA 1890 Capacity Building pageOpen now. Biochar is not specifically named in the current synopsis, but renewable energy, forestry, agricultural research and Extension are explicit program areas. Best via an eligible 1890 institution.
Sun Grant ProgramUSDA National Institute of Food and AgricultureFederal GovernmentGrantBiomass conversion; biobased products; bioenergy; agricultural/forest feedstocks; regional R&D and subgrantsConsortium representing 1862, 1890 and 1994 land-grant institutions across Sun Grant regions/subregionUnited StatesClosed; August 17, 2026; recent current-cycle activity$2,801,160 FY2026 awardOfficial NIFA Sun Grant pageStrong biomass/bioeconomy pathway. The direct NIFA award goes to the eligible university consortium, which then supports regional activities/subgrants; independent biochar companies generally need to participate through the regional structure.
Climate Intervention Environmental Impact Fund GrantsClimate Intervention Environmental Impact FundFoundationGrantEnvironmental impact assessment; lifecycle/impact modeling; stakeholder engagement; permitting/environmental analysis for climate-intervention field testsInnovative investigators and project teams with sufficiently mature climate-intervention technology approaching field testingUnited States and Canada eligible; worldwide1-Dec-26$75,000 Official CIEIF Grant GuidelinesOpen; direct biochar precedent. CIEIF previously funded the International Biochar Initiative and its 2026 awards include a project integrating biochar with enhanced rock weathering. Does not fund basic technology development or field-test implementation itself.
Research and Education Grant ProgramNortheast Sustainable Agriculture Research and EducationCollege/UniversityGrantBiochar field research; soil health; carbon sequestration; biomass utilization; farmer demonstrations; education/ExtensionFarmers, researchers, educators, nonprofits, universities and other qualifying project leaders; farmers must be materially involvedNortheast United StatesOctober 26, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET$30,000–$250,000Official Northeast SARE program pageOpen. Strong direct biochar precedent across SARE. Retain projects requesting $50,000+ under your threshold. Best where biochar research results in measurable farmer practice changes.
Research for Novel Approaches in Sustainable AgricultureNortheast Sustainable Agriculture Research and EducationCollege/UniversityGrantProof-of-concept biochar research; new soil amendments; carbon sequestration; innovative biomass utilization; applied agricultural technologyResearchers, farmers and other qualifying organizations/project leaders; proposal must document Northeast farmer interestNortheast United StatesOctober 26, 2026, 4:00 p.m. ET$30,000–$250,000Official Northeast SARE program pageOpen. Very good early-stage biochar R&D fit. Designed specifically for promising approaches needing further proof before broad farmer adoption. Retain requests ≥$50,000.
Integrated Research, Education, and Extension Competitive Grants Program – Organic TransitionsUSDA National Institute of Food and AgricultureFederal GovernmentGrantBiochar soil amendments; organic-transition research; soil health; fertility; Extension; farmer demonstrationsColleges and universities meeting statutory eligibility requirementsUnited StatesClosed/Recurring; FY2026 closed July 13, 2026$20,000–$1,000,000Official USDA NIFA Organic Transitions pageDirect recent biochar award. USDA currently funds a $960,000 project testing biochar + compost + biologicals during organic transition. Retain future requests ≥$50,000.
Business Builds: ClimatetechMassachusetts Clean Energy CenterStateGrantCommercial manufacturing facilities; production equipment; FOAK commercial operations; clean manufacturing; sustainable agriculture; climate technology scale-upFor-profit climatetech companies scaling in or relocating to MassachusettsMassachusetts1-Oct-26$500,000–$2,000,000Official MassCEC program pageStrong commercial biochar fit. 50/50 cash match required. Best for a Massachusetts biochar/pyrolysis equipment company or production facility making a substantial capital investment.
InnovateMassMassachusetts Clean Energy CenterStateGrantTechnology demonstration; pilot deployment; commercialization; validation of climate technologiesMassachusetts-based climatetech company plus at least one demonstration-project partnerMassachusetts20-Oct-26Up to $350,000Official InnovateMass pageStrong conditional biochar fit. Appropriate for proprietary biochar, pyrolysis, carbon-material, carbon-removal or biochar-use technology at demonstration stage. Cost share generally required.
Catalyst / Academic ActivatorMassachusetts Clean Energy Center / MassVenturesStateGrantPrototype development; early-stage climate technology; feasibility and commercializationMassachusetts early-stage climatetech companies; Massachusetts nonprofit research PIs; qualifying faculty-led student teamsMassachusettsSeptember 30, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ETUp to $75,000Official Catalyst pageGood early-stage biochar technology fit. Intended for TRL 2–4. Companies generally must have four or fewer FTEs and meet other early-stage restrictions.
2030 FundMassachusetts Clean Energy CenterStatePRI/Impact InvestmentCarbon management; agriculture/food/nature; industry/manufacturing; climate-tech commercialization and growthMassachusetts-based climatetech companies with significant Massachusetts presenceMassachusettsRollingTypically $100,000–$600,000 per investment; up to $1.5M cumulative; venture debt $100,000–$1MOfficial 2030 Fund pageStrong biochar-company financing pathway. Carbon management is expressly an investment sector. Uses SAFEs, convertible notes, equity and venture debt rather than grants.
Direct Lending ProgramWest Virginia Economic Development AuthorityEconomic Development AgencyLoan/FinancingManufacturing facilities; machinery/equipment; fixed assets; industrial expansionExisting or prospective West Virginia businesses in qualifying manufacturing, industrial, technology and targeted sectorsWest VirginiaRolling / project-driven$50,000–$15,000,000Official WVEDA program pageExcellent commercial biochar precedent. WVEDA recently financed a manufacturer of advanced biochar products. Strong fit for plant/equipment investment and expansion.
Urban Agriculture Infrastructure Grant Program – Collaboration GrantsPennsylvania Department of AgricultureStateGrantBiochar-production equipment; soil amendments; growing equipment; soil remediation; agricultural infrastructureIndividuals, businesses, corporations, cooperatives, associations and other legal entities in eligible Pennsylvania urban areas; collaboration projects require multiple partnersPennsylvaniaOctober 16, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ETUp to $50,000; 85% of costsOfficial Pennsylvania application pageOpen and direct biochar precedent. Pennsylvania awarded $40,500 in 2026 for equipment increasing biochar production. Only a full $50,000 request satisfies your selected threshold.
Healthy Soils Program – Tribal Set-Aside / On-Farm BiocharCalifornia Department of Food and AgricultureStateGrantPurchase/application of off-site-produced biochar; soil carbon; soil health; GHG reduction; agricultural resilienceCalifornia producers through block-grant recipients; forthcoming Tribal opportunity for Tribal governments and affiliated nonprofitsCaliforniaForecasted; Tribal solicitation expected early 2027Tribal set-aside up to $5 million total; individual award undisclosedOfficial CDFA Healthy Soils Program pageExplicit biochar eligibility. Biochar is new in the 2026 program. Current general block-grant solicitation has closed, but CDFA officially announces a separate Tribal solicitation for early 2027.
The Biocarbons FundThe Biocarbons FundOtherPRI/Impact InvestmentCommercial biochar plants; pyrolysis infrastructure; biocarbon; activated carbon; biomass/waste conversion; growth capitalMature, infrastructure-ready companies and projects using proven, scalable thermochemical technologiesNorth America is a primary target market, including U.S./CanadaUndisclosed / investment sourcing ongoingundisclosedOfficial fund investment-thesis pageExceptional sector fit. Fund expressly targets biochar and thermochemical infrastructure. Requires mature, operational/scalable technology and commercially viable core revenues; carbon credits should be upside rather than the sole economics.
Agricultural Innovation Grant ProgramPennsylvania Department of AgricultureStateGrantBiochar manufacturing; agricultural biomass utilization; processing equipment; renewable energy; carbon-storing agricultural practices; commercializationAgricultural producers/processors; agricultural service/technical-assistance providers; persons/co-ops using agricultural commodities to produce products or energyPennsylvaniaSeptember 23, 2026, 11:59 p.m.Planning: $7,500–$50,000; Onsite: $5,000–$200,000; Regional: $100,000–$2,000,000Official Pennsylvania program pageOpen; exceptional direct biochar precedent. Pennsylvania previously awarded $550,000 to expand biochar manufacturing. 50% non-state match for onsite/regional projects. Only awards ≥$50,000 qualify under your threshold.
Programme Innovation Bois – Volet 1 Innovation / Volet 2 Biomasse forestière et bois de qualité inférieureQuébec Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des ForêtsProvinceGrantBiochar/biocarbon manufacturing; forest-biomass conversion; pyrolysis technology; industrial equipment; demonstration plants; higher-value forest productsQuébec for-profit companies using/processing forest products; project-specific requirements differ by streamQuébec18-Sep-26Current amount depends on stream; prior framework supported investment grants up to C$2.5M; current project cost minimum generally C$200,000Official Programme Innovation Bois pageOpen; exceptional direct biocarbon precedent. Québec previously awarded C$2.5M under this program for installation of a biocarbon and green-hydrogen plant. Volet 2 specifically targets transformation of forest biomass/low-quality wood.
Programme pour stimuler la récolte de la biomasse forestière primaireQuébec Ministère des Ressources naturelles et des ForêtsProvinceGrantForest-biomass recovery; feedstock harvesting/transport; supply to bioenergy, metallurgy and innovative bioproduct facilitiesQuébec companies holding qualifying wood-processing plant permits; PRBIO permit holders under Stream 2QuébecCurrent; applications submitted directly to MRNFFormula-based; up to C$21.95 per green metric tonne under current Stream 1 guidance; total award varies with eligible volumeOfficial Québec PRBF pageStrong biochar feedstock pathway. Eligible facilities include innovative bioproduct industries; current guidance also recognizes charcoal/wood-carbon manufacturing categories. Award total is project/volume dependent, so the $50,000 threshold must be checked using projected tonnage.
ÉcoPerformance – Bioenergy ConversionQuébec Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des ParcsProvinceGrantBioenergy conversion; fossil-fuel displacement; industrial process conversion; bioenergy infrastructure; GHG reductionQuébec businesses, institutions, municipalities, organizations and qualifying Indigenous entities with fossil-energy/process emissionsQuébecCurrent / ongoing application pathwayBioenergy-conversion assistance up to C$10M per site per yearOfficial ÉcoPerformance program pageConditional biochar fit. Strongest where a pyrolysis/biochar system displaces fossil energy or supplies qualifying bioenergy. A standalone biochar plant whose only benefit is carbon storage may not qualify.
Professional + Producer Grant ProgramWestern Sustainable Agriculture Research and EducationCollege/UniversityGrantBiochar field trials; soil health; biomass utilization; producer demonstrations; applied research; Extension/outreachAgricultural professionals such as Extension, conservation districts, NGOs and other advisors working with at least three agricultural producersWestern United StatesOctober 28, 2026, 12:00 p.m. MTUp to $85,000Official Western SARE program pageOpen. Strong biochar fit. Western SARE has funded biochar research/demonstration in the region. Project must combine producer participation, research and education; it is not a commercial plant-construction grant. (SARE Western)
Visiting Research and Education GrantWestern Sustainable Agriculture Research and EducationCollege/UniversityGrantBiochar research; soil-carbon studies; biomass conversion research; Extension and producer educationResearchers worldwide who partner with farmers, agricultural professionals and researchers in the Western U.S.Western United StatesOctober 5, 2026, 12:00 p.m. MTLong visit up to $75,000; mini-visit up to $35,000Official Western SARE program pageOpen. Only the long-visit track meets your $50,000 threshold. Strongest for a researcher bringing specialized biochar/pyrolysis/soil-carbon expertise into a Western U.S. producer or university collaboration. (SARE Western)
Business Enhancement GrantVermont Working Lands Enterprise InitiativeStateGrantForest-products equipment; infrastructure; R&D; market development; workforce developmentVermont farms and qualifying primary/secondary forest-product businesses, including manufacturers using Vermont woodVermontForecasted/opening October 9, 2026; deadline December 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.$10,000–$50,000; $508,000 availableOfficial Vermont program pageConditional commercial biochar fit. A wood-residue biochar producer could plausibly qualify as a primary/secondary forest-products business. Only a full $50,000 request meets your threshold. No match required. (Working Lands)
Rural Development Fund GrantMichigan Office of Rural Prosperity / Rural Development Fund BoardStateGrantLand-based industries; rural business infrastructure; processing; equipment; rural economic developmentEligible businesses, nonprofits, municipalities and other qualifying applicants in eligible rural Michigan counties under the annual RFPRural MichiganForecasted; 2027 RFP anticipated mid-October 2026Prior/current cycle maximum $100,000; 30% matchOfficial Michigan Rural Development Fund pageConditional biochar fit. Best for a rural biochar/wood-residue processing business with job creation, equipment or infrastructure benefits. Michigan officially says the 2027 cycle is expected to open in mid-October 2026. (Michigan.gov)
Programme ESSORInvestissement Québec / Québec Ministry of Economy, Innovation and EnergyEconomic Development AgencyLoan/FinancingNew biochar plants; production equipment; clean technologies; productivity; commercialization; environmental-footprint reductionQualifying businesses investing in Québec; detailed requirements vary by program streamQuébecRolling / currentProject-specific loans/financing; undisclosed universal maximumOfficial Québec ESSOR frameworkExceptional direct biochar precedent. ESSOR provided a C$4.5M loan for Carbonité’s industrial biochar facility. Current 2025–2027 framework expressly supports clean-technology investments and environmental-footprint reduction.
Climate Tech FundBusiness Development Bank of Canada – BDC CapitalOtherPRI/Impact InvestmentCarbon management; hard climate technologies; manufacturing; commercialization; capital-intensive scale-upCanadian climate-tech companies from late-seed through growth stage with validated technology/market tractionCanadaRolling / investment sourcing ongoingundisclosed per company; C$500M fundOfficial BDC Climate Tech Fund pageStrong biochar/biocarbon investment fit. BDC expressly targets carbon management and capital-intensive hard technologies and has invested in companies using stable biomass-derived carbon in construction materials.
Acquisition of Credits From Carbon Dioxide Removal Projects – Biochar StreamTreasury Board of Canada Secretariat / Public Services and Procurement CanadaFederal GovernmentOtherPurchase of verified biochar carbon-removal creditsSuppliers with qualifying Canadian CDR projects meeting federal technical and credit-system requirementsCanadaClosed/Recurring; 2026 pilot closed May 11, 2026; standing-offer period extends to March 31, 2029Pilot procurement estimated at up to C$3M total; supplier/contract value project-specificOfficial CanadaBuys solicitationExceptional direct match. Biochar was its own procurement stream. Federal planning states the carbon-removal procurement approach will be reviewed and revised regularly. Valuable monitoring target for Canadian biochar CDR developers.
2026 Call for Financing ApplicationsMinnesota Climate Innovation Finance AuthorityStateLoan/FinancingClean-energy innovation; project finance; deployment; rural/Tribal economic development; climate infrastructureMinnesota-based clean-energy/climate projects capable of meeting MnCIFA underwriting and program requirementsMinnesotaRolling; Round 2 opening September 2026Individual financing undisclosed; MnCIFA seeks to deploy up to $50M through the 2026 callOfficial MnCIFA application pageConditional biochar fit. Strongest for pyrolysis projects integrating energy production, waste conversion or clean-energy infrastructure. Not a soil-amendment-only grant.
Specialty Crop Block Grant Program – 2027California Department of Food and AgricultureStateGrantBiochar research; soil health; specialty-crop productivity; applied agricultural research; demonstrationNonprofits; for-profit organizations; local/state/federal/Tribal governments; public/private colleges and universitiesCalifornia specialty-crop industrySeptember 21, 2026, 9:00 a.m. PT$100,000–$600,000Official CDFA SCBGP pageOpen. Explicit biochar fit. CDFA’s official Q&A states biochar proposals may fit the Research Category when they directly benefit California specialty crops.
Energy Innovation Program – Innovation Ecosystem Enablers CallNatural Resources CanadaFederal GovernmentGrantShared testing infrastructure; technology validation; market validation; workforce/technical capacity; innovation ecosystem supportCanadian businesses, utilities, Indigenous communities and other eligible organizations under EIP termsCanadaRolling; no fixed deadlineundisclosed in the public call summaryOfficial NRCan EIP call pageConditional biochar fit. Strongest for shared pyrolysis/biochar testing facilities, validation infrastructure, market-enabling platforms, or sector-wide commercialization support rather than a single commercial production plant.
Michigan Business Development ProgramMichigan Strategic Fund / Michigan Economic Development CorporationEconomic Development AgencyGrantNew/expanded biochar manufacturing; production facilities; equipment; job creation; capital investmentQualified businesses creating new jobs and/or making qualifying investment in Michigan; competitive-location projects favoredMichiganRolling / project-drivenundisclosed per project; program support may reach $10MOfficial MBDP pageStrong conditional commercial biochar fit. Performance-based assistance; local financial/economic support is required. Recent 2026 manufacturing grants commonly exceed $50,000.
Excelsior Jobs ProgramEmpire State DevelopmentStateTax IncentiveBiochar manufacturing facility; equipment investment; R&D; new employment; qualified green-project investmentManufacturing, agriculture, R&D and other qualifying New York firms meeting job/investment thresholdsNew YorkRolling / application before project commencementRefundable credits for up to 10 years; qualified green projects can receive up to 7.5% wage credit, 5% investment credit and 8% R&D creditOfficial Excelsior Jobs ProgramStrong commercial biochar manufacturing pathway. Biochar manufacturer may qualify as manufacturing and potentially as a “green project,” subject to ESD determination. Award value is project-specific.
Evergreen Manufacturing Growth GrantsWashington State Department of CommerceStateGrantManufacturing expansion; new technology; R&D; pilot/demonstration manufacturing; workforce; forest-products/clean-tech growthWashington manufacturers, Tribal businesses and qualifying industry-cluster organizationsWashingtonClosed/Recurring; 2026 deadline May 14, 2026$100,000–$200,000 in 2026; seven awards issued in August 2026Official Evergreen Manufacturing programGood conditional biochar fit. Forest products, agriculture, clean technology and renewable energy are targeted Washington industries. Third grant round completed in 2026, supporting recurrence.