Agriculture in the Community Grant

The Knox County Farm Bureau Foundation is proud to announce the creation of the Agriculture in the Community Grant! In 2022, the Knox County Farm Bureau Foundation adapted a new Mission Statement, “sustaining and promoting the growth of agriculture in Knox County through education and philanthropy.” The Foundation has also done strategic planning with a goal of offering community grants to further the agriculture industry. These grants are available to teachers, FFA Chapters & 4-H Clubs, and community groups wanting to signify the importance of agriculture in Knox County.

Teachers- have a lesson idea that goes beyond the usual Ag in the Classroom curriculum?

FFA Chapters & 4-H Clubs- have a field trip idea that would improve groups members knowledge of agriculture?

Community Groups- have an idea that brings agriculture to the community?

Grant Guidelines:

Grant proposals will be accepted 4 times throughout the year on the 1st of February, May, August, and November.
Grant applications must be submitted on the application form.
The audience of the project must include a majority of Knox County/Knox County residents.
The recipients of the grants will be chosen based on the above criteria and guidelines along with the answers to the questions. Some applications may not be funded.
One project may be submitted at a time per quarter.
The grant funds may not cover all expenses related to the project.
Projects that have a lasting impact will be favored over those with a short-term impact.
A final report will have to be submitted within three months of completion of project.
Publicity of the project will be coordinated with the Knox County Farm Bureau Executive Director.
Additional information may be requested to verify the organization status.

Questions regarding the grant application should be sent to knoxcfb@knoxcfb.org

2025 Application Due Dates: February 1, 2025; May 1, 2025; August 1, 2025; November 1, 2025

TO APPLY:

To complete an application, click HERE and submit THIS budget worksheet.

Previous Ag in the Community Grant Recipients:

November 2023 -

ROWVA FFA was awarded $2,500 for their Horticulture Education Program. The grant money will allow ROWVA FFA to expand their curriculum by introducing floral design and nursery operations. Students will be able to create live wreaths and centerpiece decorations. Then, 10 different species of evergreen seedlings will be purchased and planted around the school which allows the students an insight into nursery operations.

Knoxville FFA was the second grant awardee. $5,000 was awarded for their Quid Pro GROW program. Knoxville FFA has built a 30'x40' structure consisting of lab and greenhouse space. With this additional room, Knoxville FFA hopes to grow vegetables in hydroponics systems to be used in the High School cafeteria and food labs, house fish tanks to raise tilapia grown for harvest, conduct small animal labs, hold machine/small engine labs and maintenance, and overwinter and prepare more than 65 flower pots for Main Street in Knoxville and the Knox County Fairgrounds.

May 2024 -

Costa Catholic Academy was awarded $1,000 through the Agriculture in the Community Grant for their Farm to Table Lunch Program. The funds were used to purchase a compost bin, raised garden beds, compost cans, and garden tools. Charlene Sullivan, project contact, said “The objective of the Farm to Table Lunch Program at Costa Catholic Academy is to give students both a sense of pride in helping grow food for their lunches as well as an awareness of the importance of agriculture.”

August 2024 -

WIlliamsfield FFA was awarded $5,000 through the Agriculture in the Community Grant to purchase a Boss Laser Cutter/Engraver. This will be utilized in Ag Mechanics Class to design metal fabrication pieces but will also be used in other areas of the school. The FFA will use it to create plaques. The Robotics Team will use it to help design working parts for their robot. The students will also learn about CAD design software. The FFA members will also work with community businesses to create signage and promotional matarials.

Knox County Agricultural Board & Fair Association was the second grant awardee. $10,000 was awarded through the Agriculture in the Community Grant to assist with financing the new 60' x 80' structure that will consist of office spaces, ADA compliance bathrooms, and a community room, located at the Knox County Fairgrounds. This building will offer modern and efficient office and workspace for staff and volunteers.

November 2024 -

The Lombard After School 4-H Club was awarded $700 in November for the creation of the Lombard Pollinator Garden. This program will help students learn about plants native to Illinois, invasive species, and plant identification. Students will also learn basic landscaping and gardening techniques which will enhance the students knowledge on microgreens and their purpose in our environment. Utilizing the Knox County Ag in the Classroom program, students have already learned about trees around the school, pollinators (specifically bees), and the soil in their garden.

May 2025 -

The Galesburg FFA Chapter was awarded $1,975.29 for their project, Galesburg FFA/OSF Community Garden. The community garden will be a partnership between Galesburg schools and OSF St. Mary’s Hospital. FFA students will be responsible for planting and maintaining the garden, allowing students to have a Supervised Agriculture Education (SAE) project no matter where they live within the Galesburg School District. When ready, the community garden will be open to anyone within the Galesburg community or anyone that provides volunteer assistance within the garden.