More than $110,000 in Agricultural & Rural Youth Grants are now available to help youth organizations enhance leadership development programs for innovative projects in aquaculture, animal science, food safety and other agriculturally-related topics.

Applications are due October 31.

The program provides funding to organizations comprised of youth 18 years of age or younger that are organized and recognized by the commonwealth to promote development in the areas of agriculture, rural community leadership, vocational training or peer fellowship.

Project proposals should demonstrate their relevance to agriculture or rural issues and they should show originality and community influence.

The grant program offers eligible organizations the opportunity to apply for a matching grant of up to $10,000 for projects, including: capital projects relating to agriculture or rural issues; and equipment purchases to be used in the course of an agricultural project or a project relating to rural issues.

Organizations seeking direct grants of up to $2,500 may be considered for funding based on the following criteria: related to agriculture or rural issues, educational programs relating to agriculture or rural issues and conducted by the applicant, educational seminars or field trips relating to agriculture or rural issues attended by the organization, agriculture safety training programs; and equipment purchases and capital projects.

Eligible programs may receive one of each grant within the calendar year. For direct grants, applicants must provide a detailed description of the project to be funded, a reasonable and accurate statement of the estimated project cost and a copy of the official youth organization board minutes where action was taken on the proposed project.

In addition to the requirements for the direct grants, matching grant applicants must also provide a description of the source of the organization’s matching funds contribution to the project.

Return completed applications to Eric Cowden, Department of Agriculture, 2301 N. Cameron St., Room 311, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9408.

For an application, visit the Agricultural & Rural Youth Grants Program webpage or contact Eric Cowden at 717-346-4202 or send email to: ecowden@state.pa.us .

10/26/2007