AgEnhancement Grants: Helping You Promote Agriculture

Every year, Farm Credit of Maine contributes to organizations that rely on donations and memberships from the private sector. We like to target our contributions to organizations, such as the Farm Credit AgEnhancement Grant, that educate youth in the agricultural, aquatic and forest products industries.

What is an AgEnhancement Grant?
Each year, Northeast agricultural credit associations award grants to help organizations promote awareness of agriculture in the six New England states, New York and New Jersey and CoBank. Funds are provided as part of the Northeast Farm Credit AgEnhancement program, an ongoing educational campaign that supports the food and fiber industries in the Northeast.

Since its inception in 1996, Farm Credit AgEnhancement Program has awarded more than $800,000 in grants to organizations across the Northeast. For a list of those organizations and their comments, click here. You can also view information about the latest recipients here.

Eligibility
Programs that promote the food and fiber industries in any of the following ways:

• Encourage leadership
• Develop a greater understanding of agriculture
• Recognize the accomplishments of ag leaders
• Study the economic viability of agriculture
• Promote interest in the industry

Ineligibility

• county or local school projects
• programs and projects of nonagricultural charities
• contributions for political support purposes, scholarships, or
  memberships in professional societies or trade organizations
• general operating funds and ongoing program support
• capital or building projects
• projects for an individual or individual farm operation

Priority is given to programs that impact the Northeast. Statewide and regional projects are also eligible.

Awards
Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000.

• Completion of the one-page Word document (fill-in form) AgEnhancement Application Summary.
• A letter outlining the purpose of the proposed program, activity or event and describing how it will be conducted. The letter should not be longer than two pages and include the following:
  • Specific information as to what is intended to be accomplished and the amount of funding being requested;
  • Indicate other sponsoring organizations, if applicable;
  • Specific dates for activities and events and whether program / event sponsors will be asked to participate in any manner.
  • Specific information on how receipt of the grant will be reported in the recipient's newsletters, press releases, event handouts, and other materials.

• Supporting information, not to exceed three pages MAY also be included
  

Disclosure Requirement for Farm Credit Directors and Employees
Any director or employee of a Northeast Farm Credit Association or CoBank shall clearly indicate their affiliation with Farm Credit in the letter seeking funding support from the Northeast Farm Credit AgEnhancement Program. Failure to disclose this information shall cause the project to be ineligible for consideration.

Questions?
Contact Bob Smith at 800.327.6588 or via e-mail.

Submitting funding proposals
E-mail funding proposals to AgEnhancement@FarmCreditWNY.com. If no e-mail available contact Bob Smith at 800.327.6588.

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