Applications accepted until September 30, 2015
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
Agricultural industry giant Monsanto is giving back in a unique way.
Since 2011, Monsanto has maintained the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program, in which farmers choose their favourite charities or non-profit organizations and apply for funding on their behalf.
There are 66 grants, worth $2,500 each available for charities and other non-profits that provide services for rural communities across Canada. The funds are awarded by the Monsanto Fund, and in the program’s four-year existence, they’ve given over $480,000 to charities all across the country.
"Our goal is to collaborate with farmers to help rural communities thrive," said Kelly Funke, public affairs manager for Monsanto Canada in a release. "The great organizations that Canadian farmers so clearly believe in and support are truly the glue that binds these communities and allows them to flourish."
Farmers can nominate a charity of their choosing to receive funding, and members of the community can suggest charities that would benefit from the funding.
Past winners include Garry Hamilton, who nominated Quebec’s Expo Ormstown during their 100th anniversary celebration to help them continue to raise agricultural awareness for everyone. Expo Ormstown 2015 will take place June 11-14.
Joyce Johnston from Huron County, Ontario used the $2,500 to donate to the Huron County Foodbank Distribution Centre.
Applications will be accepted until September 30, 2015.