Farmers have chance to direct $3.3 million to nonprofits
Philanthropic program supports nonprofits in Illinois

[August 15, 2014]  ST. LOUIS (August 6, 2014) – Farmers now have the opportunity to contribute $3.3 million to organizations in their communities. To honor and support the tradition of service organizations in rural America, the America’s Farmers Grow Communities program is partnering with farmers to direct $2,500 donations to individual nonprofit organizations. The program benefits 1,324 counties across 40 states.

Organizations that received funding in the past include fire departments, food pantries, community groups, and youth service programs like FFA and 4-H. In the smaller, rural communities where this program operates, a donation like this can make the difference in dozens of lives. The results include better-equipped volunteer fire departments, food pantries stocked with more fresh produce, improved meeting halls and fair grounds, and opportunities for youth leadership development.

Since its inception in 2010, Grow Communities has invested more than $16 million in 6,000 nonprofit organizations across rural America. In Illinois alone, Grow Communities has provided $1,232,500 to nonprofit organizations over the past five years.

America’s Farmers Grow Communities is part of the America’s Farmers initiative. These programs, supported by the Monsanto Fund, have awarded over $23 million to rural communities since 2010.
To enroll or learn more, visit www.AmericasFarmers.com , or call toll-free 877-267-3332.

[Text received; EMILY HEREFORD, OSBORN+BARR on behalf of MONSANTO]