Bureau County ag literacy grants available

The Bureau County Farm Bureau is encouraging educators to apply for its Foundation Ag Literacy Grant.

Understanding the value of agriculture is necessary for everyone, the farm bureau said in a news release. Increasing agricultural literacy can help students make more informed consumer decisions, as well as introduce them to potential careers in one of the biggest global industries.

The BCFB Foundation has developed two new grants for teachers of pre-kindergarten through eighth grade to improve the understanding and comprehension of agriculture through agricultural literacy programming. The first grant option awards up to $1,000 in the areas of capital improvement. Up to 30% of this grant may be used for consumable supplies. The goal of the capital improvement grant is to purchase classroom items that will be used for multiple years. The other grant option awards up to $500 for supplies, materials or other items to improve ag literacy. Up to 100% of the supply grant may be used for consumable supplies.

Suggestions for these grants include classroom incubator/egg programs, agriculture-themed books, field trips, pollinator plots, gardens, guest speaker programs, butterfly labs and classroom pets. The program must enhance the understanding of agriculture.

The deadline for this cycle is Feb. 28. Any applications received after a deadline will not be considered and must be resubmitted in the following cycle. Applications may be found on the Bureau County Farm Bureau website at bureaucountyfarmbureau.org.

Multiple grants may be awarded each cycle and are determined at the discretion of the BCFB Foundation Board of Directors. All grant recipients will be required to submit a follow-up report detailing the program(s) completed using grant funds. For information, contact the Bureau County Farm Bureau office at 815-875-6468 or aitc@bureaucountyfarmbureau.org.