Shaping Rural Missouri Grant

How to Get Started

Solicit project suggestions from club members and select the most worthwhile workable project for your community.
Develop a budget considering both time and expenses involved.
Appoint or elect a committee of youth to give leadership to the project.
Complete the Shaping Rural Missouri Grant application by April 1.

Proposals are reviewed and scored by a grant review team by May 15 of each year. Award winning applicants will be notified by a local FCS Financial representative, and a check presentation and photo opportunity will be scheduled with the club or chapter. Projects must be completed by December 31 of the same year.

Who qualifies

$500 grants for local 4-H and FFA youth organizations (county councils, fair boards or livestock show boards governed by adults do not qualify)
Funds assist chapters with bringing positive change in their communities
Collaboration with other community groups is encouraged
Grant can be combined with other funds to complete larger project. Projects at the same location can only be funded three years in a row.
Applications due April 1 of each year
All chapters and clubs in our 102-county service area qualify

Project Suggestions

Clubs and chapters are encouraged to choose a project that has tangible value where the outcome of the project can be seen or touched. Examples include:

Provide landscaping at a fairgrounds, park, or near a community building
Construct and maintain a community bulletin board
Upgrading or building picnic tables or benches at a community facility
Establish a community recreation park facility
Develop a roadside park
Implement a tree planting program
Develop a bicycle, horse, or hiking trail
Set up a community self-guided nature trail
Clean and repair a community church
Build playground equipment that is designed for children with disabilities

Reporting Recommendations

Keep a record or scrapbook of your project from the beginning, including photos.
Share updates about your project with your local FCS Financial office.
Give community leaders and local news media periodic updates about the project.

The Application

The application window for the Shaping Rural Missouri Grant is January 1 - April 1. You can find the full application on this page during that window.