Have an FFA project in mind, but no dough to get it done? Consider applying for one of Tractor Supply Company’s Grants for Growing.
The largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States, Tractor Supply Company has partnered with the National FFA Foundation again this year for the Grants for Growing program.Grant recipients are selected based on proposals detailing how they will start or expand a project that will benefit their communities well into the future. While the minimum competitive grant amount is $500 for participating chapters, there is no cap on the amount of funding a chapter may request for its project.
Notable 2016 grant recipients included the Jemison, Alabama FFA chapter, which used program funding to construct an animal science lab addition to house laboratory and show animals such as pigs, donkeys, rabbits, and Texas Longhorn heifers. In Cedar Springs, Michigan, the local FFA chapter built a garden to provide the community with food donations, as well as help students learn more about raising vegetables.
In 2016, Grants for Growing raised more than $700,000, funding 374 grants supporting projects involving 39,038 students. To support the program, Tractor Supply hosts a 10-day in-store event nationwide that offers shoppers the opportunity to donate $1 at checkout in support of the program.
In 2017, the fundraising period will take place during National FFA Week, Feb. 17– 26. All in-store donations remain within that state.
To win a grant, FFA advisors must visit the Grants for Growing web site and complete the application. Submissions are due by Monday, Feb. 13, 2017.
