Seeds For Stewardship Grant

The Seeds For Stewardship Grant by the CHS Foundation aims to enhance agricultural leadership and improve rural community safety. This initiative supports member cooperatives and local organizations with matching grants, fostering innovative projects that benefit rural America. Eligible applicants can receive up to $10,000 annually, promoting priority areas such as agricultural education and farmer well-being. The program has positively impacted over 200 communities, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and community investment in rural development.

NOTE: Applications are accepted online, year-round. Apply when it’s most convenient for you.
CHS and the CHS Foundation award grants to projects that develop the next generation of ag leaders, improve ag safety and build vibrant rural communities.
CHS Community Investment
Creating a strong future for rural America.
The CHS Foundation supports education and leadership development in rural America through funding of adult education and leadership programs. CHS gives priority to innovative and collaborative approaches to address emerging issues and opportunities in rural communities.
CHS Seeds for Stewardship
The CHS Seeds for Stewardship program matches cooperative contributions for projects in rural communities. In 2024, more than 200 local communities benefited from matching grants.
How often can I apply?
Each member cooperative can receive up to $10,000 in matching funds annually.
Each CHS ag retail business unit can receive up to $7,500 in matching funds annually.
A minimum matching contribution of $1,000 and maximum of $10,000 will be considered.
Member cooperatives are eligible to receive up to two grants per year. For instance, a cooperative might choose to designate $5,000 to a local FFA chapter and $5,000 to assist a local fire department.
Member cooperatives with multiple locations are only eligible to receive up to two grants per year on behalf of the entire organization, regardless of how many locations they have.

Eligibility

Any member-cooperative or CHS Country Operations location is eligible to apply.Grant requests must be submitted by a cooperative on behalf of a local organization.

Ineligibility

Seeds for Stewardship grants will likely not be awarded for:Individuals, individual needs or individual fundraisers
Medical/disease related causes
Groups with religious affiliation or religious groups for religious activities
Political campaigns, fundraisers or lobbying efforts
Grants will be evaluated on a competitive basis and funds are not guaranteed.
Safety equipment primarily used by cooperative employees (i.e., high-visibility t-shirts, safety vests, harnesses, etc.)