America’s Farmers, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, partners with farmers to support causes and individuals who live, learn and are committed to their communities. Beginning August 1, the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2019, will provide farmers with the chance to direct $2,500 to local nonprofits across rural America.
Through its commitment to strengthening farming communities, America’s Farmers programs have awarded more than $48 million since 2010 to organizations, individuals, and causes that leave a lasting impact in agriculture communities across the country.
With the support of local farmers, America’s Farmers initiatives have helped countless students pursue Ag-related college degrees, funded state-of-the-art teaching tools to enhance STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) curriculums in local public schools, as well as provided rural nonprofit organizations, such as volunteer fire departments and food banks, with much needed funding assistance. “The programs all work with farmers in different manners to enable us to fund different schools, ag use programs and non-profit organizations across rural farming communities,” said Angela Allen, America’s Farmers spokeswoman. “There are three programs and enrollment takes less than five minutes for any of the (three) programs.”
The three programs are listed below-
-America’s Farmers will continue this rich tradition of giving back on August 1, 2018, with the kickoff of Grow Communities, which allows farmers to enroll for the chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a local eligible nonprofit organizations. Grow Communities, which began in 2009, will celebrate its tenth anniversary next year.
-This fall, the Grow Ag Leaders program will begin accepting applications for $1,500 scholarships for students pursuing an education in agriculture-related fields. The program opens November 15. With nearly 60,000 Ag job openings each year and not enough qualified candidates to fill them, Grow Ag Leaders is partnering with farmers to identify and support the future leaders within the industry and raise awareness of the career opportunities in agriculture.
-The America’s Farmers mission to enhance education opportunities will continue with Grow Rural Education, a program that awards $10,000 and $25,000 grants to local schools to enhance STEM curriculums. Beginning January 1, 2019, farmers will have the chance to nominate area schools to apply for Grow Rural Education grants.
“Polk County has had two Grow Ag Leaders scholarship recipients and numerous Grow Communities winners,” said Allen. “Some examples of non-profits that have benefited are Crookston High School, Higdem Township, Fosston Fire Department, Polk County 4-H, and East Grand Forks Education Foundation.”
Participating in each of the America’s Farmers programs is simple. By taking a few minutes to visit the America’s Farmers website, farmers can get involved and make a meaningful difference in their communities. A complete list of program rules, eligibility requirements and information on the programs is available on the website. “It really does take a farmer and it is really simple to apply,” said Allen. “There is more information at www.AmericasFarmers.com. The only eligibility requirements that we have are farmers are 21 and older and work on a farm that actively farms 250 acres or more.”
About the Monsanto Fund
The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.
