Deadline: 30 November 2015
The AgStar Fund for Rural America, the philanthropic arm of AgStar Financial Services, focuses its giving programs in geographic areas where AgStar has a significant business presence and on programs that fit strategically with the intent of its clients and the communities in which they live.
Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded for direct project or program costs related to educating young, beginning, or future farmers; maintaining or improving the quality of the rural environment; supporting the advancement and utilization of technology for the benefit of farmers and rural communities; and programs or initiatives that enhance the quality of life for farmers and rural communities.
Grants Available
Funding is limited to $10,000 per organization per year.
Focus Areas
The AgStar Fund supports direct delivery of services. Also, the grants are aligned with the company’s broader business interests and community involvement programs. In order to be considered for funding, requests for support must align with the Fund’s mission, as well as, one of the following focus areas:
- Education – Educating young, beginning or future farmers.
- Environment – Maintaining or improving the quality of the rural environment.
- Technology – Supporting the advancement and utilization of technology for the benefit of farmers and rural communities.
- Quality of Life – Programs or initiatives that enhance the quality of life for farmers and rural communities.
Eligible Regions in America
- Region 1 : Minnesota Counties: Aitkin, Anoka, Benton, Brown, Carver, Cass, Crow Wing, Dakota, Hennepin, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, McLeod, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Nicollet, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Sibley, Stearns and parts of Todd and Wright.
- Region 2 : Minnesota Counties: Carlton, Chisago, Cook, Fillmore, Goodhue, Houston, Lake, Olmsted, Pine, St. Louis, Wabasha, Washington and Winona.
- Wisconsin Counties: Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Burnett, Chippewa, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Iron, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix and Washburn.
- Region 3 : Minnesota Counties: Blue Earth, Cottonwood, Dodge, Faribault, Freeborn, Jackson, LeSueur, Martin, Mower, Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, Rice, Rock, Steele, Waseca and Watonwan.
Who Can Apply?
- To be eligible, applicants must be a nonprofit organization located in and serving the Minnesota communities in which AgStar Financial Services has a business presence.
- The AgStar Fund does not allow awarded funds to be used for indirect costs. All awarded funds must be used for direct project or program costs.
How to Apply
Those who meet our guidelines and criteria are encouraged to apply online between October 1 and November 30.
For more information, please visit Funds for Rural America.
