Farmers support nonprofits in Illinois

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, which kicked off its fifth year on Aug. 1, ­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. 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 $22 million to rural communities since 2010. To enroll or learn more, visit www.AmericasFarmers.com, or call toll-free 877-267-3332.