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Colorado ACRE3 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grants
Industry-Specific · Colorado Department of Agriculture · CO
The Colorado ACRE3 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grants program, run by the Colorado Department of Agriculture, offers Colorado farms and agricultural processors a grant covering up to 50% of renewable energy or energy-efficiency project costs, plus a free feasibility study or energy audit.
The Colorado ACRE3 Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grants program is run by the Colorado Department of Agriculture to help farms and agricultural processors in Colorado reduce energy costs. The program funds on-farm renewable energy projects — such as solar, wind, or other clean energy installations — as well as energy-efficiency upgrades that lower operating expenses over time.
Under ACRE3, eligible applicants can receive a grant covering up to 50% of eligible project costs. In addition to the grant funding, applicants may also receive a no-cost feasibility study or energy audit, which can help identify the most cost-effective energy improvements before committing to a larger project. This combination of study/audit plus matching grant funds is meant to lower the financial risk of adopting new energy systems on a farm or processing operation.
This program is specifically for Colorado agricultural producers and processors implementing on-farm renewable energy or energy-efficiency projects — it is not a general small-business grant. It falls under the industry-specific category because it targets the agriculture sector specifically.
Deadlines are described as rotating or round-based rather than a single fixed date, so applicants should check for the current open round before applying. Because the award note is described 'as of 2026,' business owners should confirm the current award percentage, funding caps, and eligibility requirements directly with the Colorado Department of Agriculture before assuming any specific dollar figures apply to their project.
For any Colorado farm or ag processing business considering renewable energy or efficiency upgrades, this grant could meaningfully offset upfront capital costs, but exact terms should always be verified at the official source before budgeting around it.
Who qualifies
How to apply
Questions people ask
Is this a grant or a loan?
It is a grant, not a loan, according to the funding instrument listed.
Do I have to repay the funds?
No, grant funds generally do not need to be repaid, though applicants should confirm specific terms at the official source.
Who is eligible?
Colorado agricultural producers and processors implementing on-farm renewable energy or energy-efficiency projects.
How much funding can I get?
The program covers up to 50% of project costs, plus a no-cost feasibility study or energy audit.
Is there a maximum or minimum award amount?
A specific dollar floor or ceiling isn't listed here — confirm at the official source.
What is the deadline to apply?
There isn't one fixed deadline listed; applicants should check current open rounds.
Where do I apply?
Through the Colorado Department of Agriculture's ACRE3 page at https://ag.colorado.gov/conservation/acre3-energy-grants.
Who runs this program?
The Colorado Department of Agriculture administers ACRE3.
Is this only for Colorado businesses?
Yes, eligibility is limited to Colorado (CO) agricultural producers and processors.
What kinds of projects are funded?
On-farm renewable energy and energy-efficiency projects, such as solar or efficiency upgrades.
Is the feasibility study or energy audit separate from the grant funding?
It's included alongside the grant — the program provides a no-cost feasibility study or energy audit plus the project cost grant.
Is the award amount taxable?
This isn't specified in the available information — confirm at the official source.
Can non-agricultural small businesses apply?
No, eligibility is limited to agricultural producers and processors implementing on-farm energy projects.
Opportunity number: not published. Source: curated + verified (official state source, 2026). GetFundedUSA is independent and not affiliated with Colorado Department of Agriculture; always confirm current deadlines, amounts and eligibility on the sponsor's own page before applying.