Rural Energy Savings Program

The Bureau of Land Management"s Plant Conservation and Restoration Program (PCRP) is a national leader in building the native seed supply chain essential for restoring resilient public lands and supporting multiple use and sustained yield. PCRP advances Department of the Interior mission to protect and manage America's natural resources. The native seed PCRP adds to the commercial market enables rapid recovery following wildfire, hurricanes, and other natural disasters; can be used by proponents to help satisfy revegetation requirements for energy and infrastructure projects; and helps farmers and creates jobs by expanding market access for small producers.A core mission of PCRP is to grow the national native seed supply chain through partnerships with eligible state, tribal, academic, and non-governmental organizations. Reliable native seed supplies are critical to improving rangeland health, restoring wildlife habitat and migration corridors, reclaiming mined and timber-harvested lands, and reducing invasive species. Expanding this pipeline lowers seed costs, reduces producer risk, creates American jobs, and ensures long-term project success with durable vegetative establishment.In 2026, PCRP is strategically focused on:Local seed collections to diversify species in the marketplace while creating employment opportunities.Support for farmers and nonprofits entering the native seed market to strengthen rural economies and shared stewardship.Nursery production of species unsuitable for direct seeding to support healthy rangelands, forests and watersheds, big game and healthy wildlife habitat,Applied science and innovation to reduce costs, lower risk, and improve restoration outcomes.Manage native plant communities and special status plants to maintain multiple use and sustained yieldPCRP seeks partnerships to:Collaborate with state agriculture departments, NRCS, and others to expand farmer access to the seed market.Work with wildlife agencies and others to implement post-fire recovery, restore migration corridors, and protect priority species.Develop technology and infrastructure for seed collection, cleaning, banking, and production of hard-to-grow species.Advance applied science to sustain special status plant species and prevent regulatory impacts on energy development.Support technology development, technology transfer and education so native seed is used more effectively. Integrate native seed use across BLM programs including Wildlife, Oil & Gas, Minerals, Fuels, Range, and Renewable Energy.Through this NOFO, PCRP invites partners to join in strengthening America"s native seed supply chain—ensuring healthier public lands, stronger rural economies, and cost effective lasting ecological resilience. Funding Opportunity Number: L26AS00050. Assistance Listing: 15.245. Funding Instrument: CA. Category: NR. Award Amount: $10K – $500K per award.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Grants and Guaranteed Loans is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA Rural Development). REAP provides grants and guaranteed loans to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements. This can include high-efficiency HVAC systems, insulation, lighting, and other energy-efficient equipment. While school districts are not directly listed as eligible, the program's focus on rural small businesses and agricultural producers could potentially include some school district-related entities or partnerships in rural areas if they meet the specific eligibility criteria. The program is governed by a multi-year Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) covering FY 2025, 2026, and 2027.

Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) Renewable Energy Systems & Energy Efficiency Improvement Guaranteed Loans and Grants is sponsored by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development. The REAP program provides financial assistance in the form of guaranteed loans and grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or energy efficiency improvements. While primarily aimed at agricultural producers and rural small businesses, some K-12 schools in rural areas may be eligible if they meet the definition of a rural small business or agricultural producer.