The AgStar Fund for Rural America was created to extend our commitment to the agricultural community. This special program underscores our dedication to agriculture and rural communities, and addresses the issues facing rural America. The trustees established the fund's mission:
Committed to enhancing the quality of life and future opportunities for rural residents and their communities.
Grants
The grant process provides an opportunity for applicants to apply for funding in one of the four major areas. The grants are discretionary and restricted to a specific purpose. 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. Funding is limited to $10,000 per organization per year.
AgStar Fund for Rural America grants are restricted to the following uses:
- Project or program support
- Technical assistance
- General operating support
- Equipment
The AgStar Fund supports direct delivery of services rather than research, planning or public awareness campaigns. Also, we will align the grants with the company’s broader business interests and community involvement programs.
For maximum impact we focus our giving program in four major 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.
How to Apply:
Who Can Apply? – Our giving programs are concentrated in our Local Service Area.
Process & Guidelines – For maximum impact, we focus our giving program in four major areas: Education, Environment, Technology and Quality of Life.
Online Application – Those who meet our guidelines and criteria are encouraged to apply online between October 1 and November 30.
AgStar Fund 2009 Annual Report [PDF]
To find out more about the AgStar Fund for Rural America, contact Jody Bloemke, Fund Administrator. Email Jody.Bloemke@AgStar.com, call 507-345-5656, or write to P.O. Box 4249, Mankato, MN 56002.