America’s Farmers Grow Communities program improves lives in rural communities through farmer-directed donations. The program began in 2010 and is sponsored by the Monsanto Fund with the focus on strengthening the rural communities where farmers and their families live and work.
Farmers, who live or farm in one of the eligible 1,324 counties in 40 states, may enter to win $2,500 for their favorite community nonprofit organization such as 4-H, FFA, schools, fire departments and food pantries. The program will award a total of $3.3 million this year. Since the program’s inception, it has awarded more than $16 million into rural America to help communities grow.
Enrollment began Aug. 1 and runs through Nov. 30, 2014. A list of eligible counties, complete eligibility requirements and official rules may be found online at www.growcommunities.com.
Community members in eligible counties have the opportunity to suggest an idea or initiative for a farmer to consider in his/her America’s Farmers Grow Communities entry. Go to Plant Your Idea. The name of the nonprofit organization and a brief description of the project will be required.