MONROE — Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America, the Farm Credit cooperative’s giving program, has awarded 42 General Use Grants, totaling nearly $197,000. These grants fund initiatives and organizations whose work enriches agriculture and rural America, aligning with Compeer Financial’s mission. 

These grants will impact the lives of 81,000 people. Half of the grants make a direct farmer impact, focused on multi-generation operations, beginning and emerging farmers, women in agriculture and various commodities. In addition, grants will support youth education and career exploration in agriculture and manufacturing, as well as financial literacy, entrepreneurial and work readiness skills.

This is the 13th cycle of the grant, which has awarded more than $2.5 million and impacted the lives of over six million people since inception. The Fund will offer this grant again in November 2024 to provide funding in early 2025.  

“These grants focus on community organizations making an impact in the areas of education, environment, technology and quality of life,” said Karen Schieler, corporate giving manager at Compeer Financial. “The General Use Grants significantly enhance the health and vibrancy of rural America, with these innovative ideas and efforts creating a lasting impact.”

Local organizations among the 42 receiving support from the General Use Grant Program throughout Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin include:

●  Lafayette County Health Department: providing vaccine and health education in multiple languages

●  Green County Development Corporation: agricultural and manufacturing business tour for students

●  Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, Inc.: Farm to Foodbank initiative