The AgForward Grant Program is an initiative of the Community Foundation aimed at advancing education and innovation in production agriculture. Funded by the Bob W. Richter Endowment for Agricultural Education and the Compeer Financial Rural Collaboration Project, the program targets nonprofit educational institutions and organizations operating within the foundation's 12-county service area. Its overarching goal is to promote and enhance agricultural education at various levels, with a strong focus on programs that involve and impact students directly.

The grants are intended specifically for program or project support, excluding scholarships or general operational expenses. Production agriculture, as defined by the foundation, encompasses activities related to growing and harvesting crops or raising livestock for food and other agricultural products. Priority is given to proposals that align with the program’s mission, including those that advance education in production agriculture, inspire students to consider agricultural careers, develop a skilled agricultural workforce, and support innovations that improve efficiency, productivity, and safety in agriculture.

Applicants are expected to design programs that achieve several desired outcomes. These include enhanced knowledge and skills in agricultural practices and technology, increased youth engagement and preparedness for agricultural careers, greater productivity through improved practices, and ultimately, economic growth in the foundation’s rural communities. These objectives reflect a comprehensive strategy to support sustainable and forward-thinking agricultural education.

Funding requests may be made for up to $15,000, with partial funding possible. The total available funding for the 2025 cycle is $75,000. All grants are awarded for a one-year term, and recipients are required to submit a final report one year from the date the funds are disbursed. This ensures accountability and helps measure the impact of funded projects.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit educational institutions from the primary through post-secondary levels, as well as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations located in the designated counties. These include Adams, Brown, Hancock, and Pike in Illinois, and Clark, Lewis, Knox, Marion, Monroe, Ralls, Shelby, and Pike in Missouri. Applicants must operate within these counties to qualify for funding.

Applications for the 2025 grant cycle open on April 1 and close on May 15, with awards announced by June 30. Interested organizations can access the application through the Community Foundation’s website at www.mycommunityfoundation.org/grants. For additional information, applicants are encouraged to contact Kent Embree via email at kembree@mycommunityfoundation.org.