Illinois farmers lend a helping hand

Farmers can now register to win $2,500 to help grow their community

[September 10, 2013]  ST. LOUIS -- Back for the fourth consecutive year, the America's Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, will give farmers the opportunity to win a $2,500 donation for their favorite local nonprofit organization.

Thanks to farmers across Illinois, $972,500 has been invested in rural communities throughout the state since the program was piloted in 2010. It has helped more than 389 nonprofit organizations.

Nonprofit organizations continue to search for funding opportunities that will better enhance their programs. Through the America's Farmers Grow Communities program, farmers have been able to support a variety of nonprofit organizations in Illinois:

• FFA chapters across the state have received a total of $155,000 in Grow Communities donations.

• Farmers helped put out fires by donating $160,000 to fire- and health-related organizations.

• Service organizations, like food pantries, have received $250,000.

• Grow Communities has donated $230,000 to education organizations.

• Community improvement organizations have received $87,500 through Grow Communities.

• Many farmers chose to give back to their local 4-H clubs. A total of $80,000 has been donated to 4-H clubs across the state.

America's Farmers Grow Communities launched nationally in 2011 and has grown to include 1,289 eligible counties in 39 states. Farmers and rural community members can now visit GrowCommunities.com or call 1-877-267-3332 and register to win or submit an idea for a nonprofit in need of funding. This program is part of the Monsanto Fund's overall effort to support rural communities.

[Text from Monsanto Fund news release]

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Co., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the farm communities where farmers and Monsanto employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.