• Grant requests must be submitted by a local cooperative. Grant requests received directly from a local organization are not accepted.

• For the 2021 application cycles, each cooperative can receive up to $5,000 in matching funds annually.

• A minimum matching contribution of $1,000 and maximum of $5,000 will be considered.

• Cooperatives are eligible to receive up to two grants per year. For instance, a cooperative might choose to designate $3,000 to a local FFA chapter and $2,000 to assist with COVID-19 relief.

• Cooperatives with multiple locations are only eligible to receive up to two grants per year on behalf of the entire organization, regardless of how many locations they have.

• Applications are only accepted during the two application periods, Dec. 1 to Feb. 1 and May 1 to July 1 each year.

Applications are only accepted online from Dec. 1 to Feb. 1 and May 1 to July 1 each year. 

• Grants will be evaluated on a competitive basis and funds are not guaranteed. 
• Priority is given to projects that improve ag safety in rural communities and cultivate ag leaders. 
• The Seeds for Stewardship grant program does not fund sports team sponsorships, fundraisers, one-time events, sponsorships, disaster relief, individuals, scholarships, memorials, statues, business-related expenses, economic development or administrative costs.