America’s Farmers Grow Communities making positive impact in Iowa
ST. LOUIS (AFGC) – America’s Farmers Grow Communities will partner again with farmers to award more than $3.3 million to community nonprofits across the country.
In Iowa, 99 organizations will receive donations in 2016.
Sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, the program’s purpose is to make a positive impact in rural communities by giving farmers a chance to direct $2,500 donations to eligible nonprofit organizations of their choice.
Farmer enrollment for Grow Communities runs now through Nov. 30.
Since the program’s inception, AFGC has helped fund a broad cross-section of organizations, which reflect the makeup and character of rural America.
For example, in Johnson County farmer Dewayne Klouda directed a $2,500 donation to Johnson County 4-H.
The organization used the funds to send members to junior camps and conferences.
“I wanted to give back to an organization that helped a lot of people and was related to agriculture,” said Klouda. “Johnson County 4-H does both.
“I am excited that the donation will help kids who may not have been able to participate before.”
Farmers have also directed donations to help fire departments purchase equipment and complete training, provide food pantries with meals to serve those in need and boost agriculture curriculum in rural school districts.
Other beneficiaries of the program have included health care organizations, youth and community centers, state parks and economic development programs, among many others.
“Thanks to the participation of farmers from across the country, more than 7,000 nonprofit organizations have received donations through Grow Communities in the past five years,” said Deborah Patterson, Monsanto Fund president. “We are excited to team up with farmers once again to help support the causes that mean the most to them and strengthen rural America.”
Iowa farmers can enroll in the program and find a complete list of program rules and eligibility information at www.GrowCommunities.com or by calling (877) 267-3332.
Program winners will be announced in January.