Grant requests must be submitted by a local cooperative or CHS ag retail location. Grant requests received directly from a local organization are not accepted.
Cooperative matching grants
Working together for a greater impact
CHS Seeds for Stewardship program
The CHS Seeds for Stewardship program matches cooperative contributions for projects in rural communities. Since 2020, more than 300 communities have benefited from matching grants.
Eligibility
Who can apply?
When is the deadline to apply?
Cooperative matching grant applications are accepted year-round. Apply when it’s most convenient for you. If you are a member cooperative, apply here. If you are an ag retail location, apply here. It typically takes 8-10 weeks for the team to review and process payment if selected.
How do I apply?
Applications are accepted online, year-round. Apply when it’s most convenient for you. If you are a member cooperative, apply here. If you are an ag retail location, apply here.
Questions? Contact us at:
stewardship@dos5.net
1-800-814-0506
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.
How are applications evaluated?
The Seeds for Stewardship competitive grant program supports requests that strengthen and uplift hometown communities. Priority is given to requests that align with ag safety and farmer well-being, agriculture education and rural community vitality. Examples may include grain bin safety equipment and training, local FFA and 4-H support and food shelf donations. Review of applications typically takes 8-10 weeks.
Seeds for Stewardship grants will likely not be awarded for:
- Individuals, individual needs or individual fundraisers
- Sports teams or athletic requests
- 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.)
Other CHS grant programs
CHS and the CHS Foundation support national, state and local projects.