listen to this articlePress Release: Tractor Supply Company
Tractor Supply Company, the nation's largest rural lifestyle retailer, recently announced the launch of its 9th Annual Growth Grant Fundraiser to support Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters across the country. From February 14th to 25th, customers can purchase a paper Her FFA emblem at checkout in-store or online. Funds raised will help his FFA chapters in middle and high schools develop project-based or experiential learning opportunities.
“Tractor Supply is proud to partner with FFA in hosting nine events.th It’s a twice-yearly grant for a growing fundraising effort,” said Kimberly Gardiner, chief marketing officer for Tractor Supply. “Each year, we are deeply moved by the support our customers give to this important effort. Their kindness and compassion make the future of agriculture possible. Last year, we expanded our footprint to more than 200 chapters. We were pleased to award this grant and ensure our chapter achieves its goals. Through our community, we can nurture and foster a prosperous future for these students.”
The Grants for Growing Fund supports projects in one of three focus areas: Grow Your Classroom. Funds can be used to improve students' classroom knowledge. FFA Chapter Growth: Support FFA chapter development or expansion and leadership opportunities. “Raising Agricultural Awareness” supports the development and expansion of events and campaigns that increase knowledge about agriculture.
The 2023 Growth Grants fundraiser raised more than $1 million, funding 222 grants during the 2023-24 school year. Grant-funded projects include:
- Purchasing and maintaining campus sheep flocks in Orlando, California. Orlando FFA animal science students will be responsible for vaccinations, feeding, health exams, lambing, and shearing.
- School farm established in New Castle, Delaware. William Penn FFA improves access to food by harvesting produce in refrigerated plate vending machines and donating it to school staff and students.
- New welding equipment purchased in Marion, New York to meet the growing demand for welders in the area. FFA members receive training for agricultural machinery and welding-related careers.
- Purchase quail eggs in Kershaw County, South Carolina. North Central FFA engages Wildlife Management and Environment and Natural Resources students through hatching and raising quail. Members plan to release the adult quail back into the wild.
- Timbercreek FFA expands hands-on learning by developing veterinary medicine courses and on-campus dog day care in Orlando, Florida
This year's FFA Week will be held from February 17th to February 24th. During this time, his FFA chapters and their supporters across the country unite with the common purpose of raising funds and awareness for programs such as Grants for Growth.
Since 2016, Grants for Growing has awarded more than $7.1 million in grants, impacting hundreds of thousands of students. The application period for grants of up to $5,000 is March 1-15, and award notifications will be made August 1.
“We are honored that Tractor Supply Company continues to host Grants for Growing, the largest corporate partner-sponsored fundraiser benefiting FFA,” said President of the National FFA Foundation and President of the National FFA Organization. said Molly Ball, Chief Marketing Officer. “What makes Grants for Growing so special is that he funds FFA at every level: national, state, and local. I'm really looking forward to seeing how it goes.”
In addition to the Growth Grant, Tractor Supply is contributing $5 million over five years to the FFA Future Leaders Scholarship, making it the largest agricultural scholarship of its kind. In 2023, 146 students were awarded scholarships to support their continued education and training in agriculture and skilled trades. Tractor Supply also supports Her FFA through its annual T-shirt fundraiser to benefit Living to Serve, Alumni Legacy Grants, New Farmers of America Archives, and Give the Gift of Blue programs.
(Photo courtesy of Business Wire)
