N-Drip has developed partnerships with corporations that are committed to water conservation and supporting local communities in Nebraska. The goal of this partnership and grant is to significantly reduce water consumption for agriculture in the Platte River Basin.

N-Drip, funded by these strategic partnerships, will cover up to 50% of the total project costs for Nebraska growers who are eligible for the Water Sustainability Grant.

This is a non-competitive grant. If a grower is interested in participating in the program, N-Drip will go over the terms of the grant and provide an agreement which outlines all benefits and requirements. 

The program includes the installation of the N-Drip system, maintenance services (including system replacement), irrigation recommendations, and data collection for 50% of the field size, starting the year after installation and continuing for six years.

Growers have the option to pay the remaining 50% of N-Drip costs not covered by the Water Sustainability Grant.

The Rural Energy for America Program, or better known as the USDA REAP Grant, provides grant funding to rural small businesses and agricultural producers across the United States, to be used for implementing renewable energy systems or making improvements to overall energy efficiency.

The goal of this program is to increase energy independence in the United States by generating a higher supply of clean energy in the private sector while simultaneously decreasing energy needs. Their hope is that over time, these efforts may reduce energy costs overall for agricultural producers and rural small businesses. 

• $1,500 minimum and $200,000 maximum
• Energy efficiency improvement projects require either an energy audit or assessment before the project begins
• N-Drip will help the grower facilitate their REAP application which, subject to USDA approval, may potentially cover up to 25% of the total project cost in a form of reimbursement

The N-Drip system is eligible for funding through the USDA Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Growers who applied for the program in 2023-2024 were all approved for funding.

In order to be considered, the USDA REAP grant applicants must:

1. Be financially solvent.
2. Not be delinquent or have outstanding federal taxes.
3. Be the owner of the business.
4. Have no judgment, or debarment in order to be considered.
5. Be located in either rural or non-rural locations, while small businesses must be located in rural development areas, defined as an area not a city or town with 50,000 or more inhabitants as well as the urbanized areas surrounding the city or town. To see if you’re eligible, use the USDA Eligibility Map to check your business address online.

Yes, in addition to the Water Sustainability Grant funding opportunity, growers may apply for additional funding through the REAP grant. Combined, these grants could potentially cover up to 75% of the total system and maintenance costs. Please note that N-Drip cannot guarantee grant approval and acts solely as a facilitator between the grower and the USDA.

There is no official deadline, but funding is capped, so apply early!

Applications for the USDA REAP grant are evaluated on a rolling basis. N-Drip will help growers through the entire application process, including the required energy audit and the registration process to receive federal awards.  

For a preview of the REAP application and instructions that the N-Drip team will walk growers though, visit the REAP web page.

ethan.brown@ndrip.com or call (480) 318-4505.