November 15, 2011
Community Betterment Grants Available for Ag Youth
Applications must be postmarked by Dec. 2, 2011
The Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) reminds Missouri 4-H and FFA chapters to submit their grant proposals for the 2011 Building Our American Communities (BOAC) Grant Program. Applications are available online at www.mda.mo.gov.
BOAC grants to Missouri 4-H clubs and FFA chapters of up to $500 are available to support projects that benefit an agricultural community and/or promote community development. Twelve $500 4-H BOAC grants and 12 $500 FFA BOAC grants are awarded annually, two in each of the six districts.
"The Building Our American Communities program is a great tool for our youth organizations as they plan their community service efforts and work to make a difference in their rural areas," said Director of Agriculture Dr. Jon Hagler. "It is outstanding to see the creativity and dedication of our young people each year as they continue to look for new ways to get involved in the betterment of their hometowns."
Projects may include improvements to existing facilities, grounds or buildings that are used by local groups or organizations in the applicant's community. Past BOAC grant projects have included landscape and beautification projects for historic and public facilities, safety and convenience improvements for local fairgrounds and replacement and renovations of damaged and aged public use structures in rural communities.
For more information, visit the BOAC webpage on mda.mo.gov.