Does your chapter need funds to develop or improve an agricultural education project? You’re in luck.

Tractor Supply Co. launched a campaign called Grants for Growing in 2016 to help local FFA chapters complete projects that will boost agricultural education in their communities. The projects are meant to last longer than just one year; the intent is for them to live on to benefit future FFA members.

Chapters can apply for the grants through a competitive process, and awards start at $500. Recipients are selected based on several factors, but at the center of it all is agricultural education and experiential learning opportunities.

The campaign has funded some impressive projects.

In 2017, Bloom-Carroll FFA in Ohio used Grants for Growing funds to develop an AGVenture summer day camp for first- through fifth grade students in the school district. The five-day camp featured daily agricultural themes with educational stations that participants moved through in small groups. The grant provided the chapter an opportunity to improve the agricultural literacy of youth and inspire them to become FFA members in the future.

In West Virginia, Ripley FFA used a grant to equip its Simulated Workplace with a modern zero-turn mower for classroom instruction and education. The mower is used in a small engine maintenance course that teaches students about maintenance and safety operations that they, in turn, share with the community.

Alcovy FFA in Georgia used a grant to create a school-based floral shop, where students create flower arrangements and wreaths, and gain experience in customer service through marketing and selling their creations.

Does your chapter have a great idea for a Grants for Growing project? Learn more and apply.