Farm Credit Community Improvement Grants
Application & Project Proposal
Sharing a Vision for Healthy Communities
1st Farm Credit Services believes in rural America and the future of the youth living in those areas. The
innovation and drive to improve and give back to our communities is in each of us. By working with 4-H
Clubs and FFA Chapters, 1st Farm Credit Services hopes to better our rural communities.
1st Farm Credit Services is offering a total of 20 $250 grants to 4-H Clubs and FFA Chapters in our service
territory for projects that improve our communities. This grant it is to be used for Community
Improvement Projects, which should bring a positive change and impact on the local community, involve
youth development and education and better the places we live.
Each application will be reviewed by a panel of judges. Clubs and chapters will be notified of the panel’s
decisions. Each selected recipient will receive a check and sign, presented by a 1st Farm Credit Services
Representative.
Project Guidelines
Each club and chapter should explore their community’s needs, and then find a way to help fulfill the
need or improve upon the community. The service projects can range in scope from service projects,
building improvements, service to others or other projects. If possible, involve other community
organizations or members in your project.
Application Guidelines
After discussing project ideas with your club or chapter, select a leader for the project. When filling out
the application, be sure to include a budget, which includes income and expenses. Explain your project,
as well as the impact that will be made.
Applications should be completed and saved as your club or chapter name. They should be emailed to
kblatte@1stfarmcredit.com.
Grant recipients will be given a sign to commemorate the grant. Supplemental information can be
included, if desired, to demonstrate need.
Timeline
Applications will be available in January 2013 from our website (www.1stfarmcredit.com) or from your
local 1st Farm Credit Services Branch and state 4-H and FFA Groups.
Applications are due by March 1, 2013. Awards will be announced and awarded in April 2013.
Questions
Please direct questions to your local 1st Farm Credit Services Branch or Karen Blatter at (309) 268-0254
or at kblatte@1stfarmcredit.com.
* 1st Farm Credit Services covers the northern 42 counties of Illinois. Clubs and chapters applying for the grant must
be from one of the following counties, in order to qualify for the grant: Adams, Boone, Brown, Bureau, Carroll,
Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Fulton, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, Hancock, Jo Daviess, Kane, Kankakee, Kendall, Knox,
Lake, La Salle, Lee, Livingston, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McHenry, McLean, Mercer, Ogle, Peoria, Pike,
Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Stephenson, Tazewell, Warren, Whiteside, Will, Winnebago and Woodford
Counties.