North Carolina Bioenergy Research Initiative Grant

The North Carolina Bioenergy Research Initiative aims to enhance bioenergy production from agricultural and forestry feedstocks, with a competitive grant program offering up to $500,000. This initiative invites proposals addressing key topics such as genetic improvement and weed management, while encouraging collaboration with industry partners. Eligible applicants include universities and non-profits, with a focus on projects that can significantly contribute to sustainable bioenergy solutions, supporting North Carolina's agricultural sector.

Background
In 2013 the North Carolina General Assembly allocated funding to support Bioenergy Development to stimulate energy production from North Carolina agricultural and forest products. Bio-based industries are potential opportunities to grow N.C. farm income. Contingent upon an approved budget, a competitive grant program of approximately $500,000 will support these efforts under the N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative.  The Bioenergy Research Initiative is organized under the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services' Research Stations Division and is headquartered at the Oxford Tobacco Research Station. Projects funded through the Bioenergy Research Initiative can be supported by the Division's 18 Research Stations, infrastructure, and resources across North Carolina.
Request for Proposals
The N.C. Bioenergy Research Initiative requests proposals that support its mission. Topics of high importance include, but are not limited to:
Genetic improvement and selectionWeed managementHarvest management such as methods, timing, transporting and storageStand management such as renovation for productivity, planting dates, crop management and eradication when necessaryNew species with bioenergy potentialEducation and demonstrationInnovative uses of biomass for energy
Individual grant applications should not exceed $100,000 in direct funding from this program; however, the total direct funding from this program and other matching contributions may exceed $100,000 per application. Special consideration may be given to multi-year projects that warrant funding in excess of $100,000. Potential grantees are welcome to submit multiple applications if differences in proposed projects are sufficient to warrant separate consideration.
Funding from this program is intended to support research projects that generate information to advance North Carolina's agricultural industry. Therefore, grantees should solicit support from relevant industry partners when appropriate and to share results with those partners.

Eligibility

Universities, extension, commodity associations, non-profits, and private businesses are all eligible to apply.

Ineligibility

Funding will not be granted for start-up businesses or collecting proprietary data and cannot be used to cover indirect/overhead costs.