FCC AgriSpirit Fund is now accepting applications

Apr 06, 2022

Carla Warnyca, FCC's Manager of Community investment says under the program FCC awards rural community groups and non profit organizations between $5,000 and $25,000 in funding for various community improvement initiatives.

"Some examples of things we've funded in the past - things like equipment for food banks, refrigeration equipment and that sort of thing. We've supported construction and renovation projects for community buildings. We've also done things that are agriculture and food related initiatives in rural communities. Things like community gardens or maybe a van to transport food to rural centers."

She notes applicants must be registered charities and non-profit organization in rural Canada in cities, towns or Indigenous communities of 150,000 people or less.

The application deadline is April 29, 2022 with the selected projects being announced in September.

She notes a total of $1.5 million dollars will be awarded to qualifying projects across the country.

Rural community groups can view the eligibility requirements, past projects and apply online by visiting www.fccagrispiritfund.ca.

Since the program began in 2004 the FCC AgriSpirit Fund has handed out $18 million dollars in donations to support over 1400 capital projects in rural Canada.

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Video: Veteran Farmers: A Legacy of Service in Rural America

Veterans Day is a time to honor the men and women who have selflessly protected our freedoms and values. And for some, the transition from military service to civilian life brings them back to the farm.

At Farm Bureau, we believe it’s important to not only celebrate veterans but also those who continue to make a difference in agriculture and their community. We've partnered with Farm Credit to establish the Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence to shine a light on those who have continued to go above and beyond to serve their communities.

This year, we recognize retired Colonel Joe Ricker as the inaugural Veteran Farmer Award of Excellence winner. Joe served over 30 years in the Army before retiring from the Pentagon and completing tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, his commitment to excellence in farming and enriching the lives of veterans has blossomed in a myriad of ways in both his local community of Wilkinson, Indiana, and across the country. Joe grows apples and raises bees on his farm in Indiana. Joe founded “Veterans IN Farming,” an organization, now with more than 1,100 members, dedicated to providing veterans in Indiana with the tools and training to succeed in agriculture.

The American Farm Bureau Federation is an independent, non-governmental, voluntary organization, comprised of and directed by farm and ranch families who engage in all types of food, fuel and fiber production.