The AgStar Fund for Rural America was created to extend AgStar's commitment to the agricultural community. This special program addresses the issues facing rural America. The fund's mission is to remain committed to enhancing the quality of life and future opportunities for rural residents and their communities. The grant process provides an opportunity for applicants to apply for funding in one of the four major areas. The grants are discretionary and restricted to a specific purpose. AgStar Fund for Rural America grants are restricted to the following uses: (1) Project or program support; (2) Technical assistance; (3) General operating support; (4) Equipment.
For maximum impact the focus of the giving program is in four major areas: (1) Education - Educating young, beginning or future farmers. (2) Environment - Maintaining or improving the quality of the rural environment. (3) Technology - Supporting the advancement and utilization of technology for the benefit of farmers and rural communities. (4) Quality of Life - Programs or initiatives that enhance the quality of life for farmers and rural communities. Occasionally, AgStar occasionally establishes self-directed programs to extend its reach into rural communities, or partners with others to do so.
These programs are initiated within AgStar and are announced throughout the year. Examples of such program include:
- Rural Feasibility Study Grant Program: to fund feasibility studies that may result in economic development for rural areas in AgStar's service area (http://www.agstar.com/enhancingamerica/fundforruralamerica/Pages/RuralFeasibilityStudy.aspx);
- Emergency Response Equipment Grant Program: to support rural areas in AgStar's service area by funding emergency response equipment for volunteer fire, rescue or ambulance departments (http://www.agstar.com/enhancingamerica/fundforruralamerica/Pages/EMSResponseEquipment.aspx);
- High School Seniors Scholarship Program - for high school students with a designated major or interest in an agriculture-related field, or an agriculture or rural background;
- AgStar Scholars Program - provides education, support and insight to students interested in agricultural financing or agricultural-related careers (students are selected and do not apply for this program).
For all programs, funds will generally not be approved for:
- Programs outside our four focus areas;
- Programs of religious groups except where they provide needed services to the community at large and do not include or promote a particular religious instruction or belief;
- Legislative or lobbying efforts;
- Political campaigns;
- Medical research or facilities;
- Fundraising activities such as benefits, charitable dinners, annual fund drives or sporting events;
- Sponsorship of organized sports teams or sporting activities;
- Construction or maintenance of recreational facilities, such as ballparks, bleachers, playground equipment, trails, health club memberships and related transportation, etc.;
- Theatrical productions;
- Books and magazines, articles or advertising in professional journals;
- Fraternal societies and orders, or veteran organizations;
- Arts-related facilities and activities, such as performing group equipment, concerts, art shows, theatrical productions, etc.;
- All or portions of public or private school teaching positions;
- Deficits already incurred, loans or debt retirement;
- Programs or activities that directly benefit specific individuals or private businesses;
- Programs or activities that directly benefit AgStar employees or directors;
- The AgStar Fund will not fund grant requests from organizations that are discriminatory toward other organizations or individuals, or to organizations that engage in activities that are not compatible with the AgStar Fund mission.
The purpose and objectives of this program are very specific in nature. The distinct subject matter of this funding opportunity necessitates a thorough review of the official program guidance referenced at the URL provided in the contact section of this summary.