Tractor Supply Kicks off Ninth Annual Grants for Growing Fundraiser to Benefit FFA

Donations support competitive grant program to develop and improve experiential learning opportunities for students

Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, announced the launch of its ninth annual Grants for Growing fundraiser to support FFA chapters across the country. From February 14-25, customers can purchase a paper FFA emblem at checkout in store or online at TractorSupply.com. Funds raised will help middle and high school FFA chapters develop project-based or experiential learning opportunities.

“Tractor Supply is honored to partner with FFA as we host our 9^th bi-annual Grants for Growing fundraiser,” said Kimberley Gardiner, chief marketing officer at Tractor Supply. “Each year, we’re deeply moved by the support our customers pour into this vital initiative. It’s their kindness and compassion that enable the future of agriculture. Last year, we were thrilled to award over 200 chapters with this grant, ensuring they were able to achieve their goals. It’s through our communities that we have the ability to nurture and cultivate a thriving future for these students.”

The Grants for Growing fund supports projects in one of three focus areas: Grow Your Classroom, where funds can be used to enhance students’ classroom knowledge; Grow Your FFA Chapter, which supports the development or expansion of an FFA chapter and leadership opportunities; and Grow Your Ag Awareness, which aids in the development or expansion of agricultural literacy events or campaigns.

The 2023 Grants for Growing fundraiser generated more than $1 million, funding 222 grants during the 2023-24 school year. Some of those grant-funded projects include:

• Purchase and maintenance of a campus sheep flock in Orland, California. Orland FFA Animal Science students are responsible for vaccinations, feeding, health checks, lambing, and shearing.
• Creation of a school farm in New Castle, Delaware. William Penn FFA will increase food accessibility by harvesting and donating produce to school staff and students in a refrigerated plate-style vending machine.
• Purchase of new welding equipment in Marion, New York, to support increasing demand for welders in the community. FFA members will be trained for agriculture mechanics and welding-related careers.
• Purchase of quail eggs in Kershaw County, South Carolina. North Central FFA is engaging Wildlife Management and Environmental and Natural Resources students by hatching and raising quail. Members will release adult quail back into the wild.
• Development of veterinary courses and an in-school doggy daycare in Orlando, Florida, to expand hands-on learning for the Timber Creek FFA

This year, FFA Week will be observed from February 17th to 24th. Throughout this period, FFA chapters across the nation and their supporters come together with a shared purpose: to raise funds and awareness for programs such as Grants for Growing.

Since 2016, Grants for Growing has provided more than $7.1 million in grant funding, impacting hundreds of thousands of students. The application period for grants of up to $5,000 runs from March 1-May 15, 2024, with award notification on August 1.

“We are honored that Tractor Supply Company continues to host Grants for Growing, the largest corporate partner-hosted fundraiser benefiting FFA,” said Molly Ball, president of the National FFA Foundation and chief marketing officer of the National FFA Organization. “What makes Grants for Growing so special is that it provides funding to FFA at all levels — national, state and local. It is exciting to watch how our chapters use the grants to conduct some amazing projects.”

In addition to Grants for Growing, Tractor Supply committed $5 million over five years to the FFA Future Leaders Scholarship, making it the largest agriculture scholarship fund of its kind. In 2023, the scholarship was awarded to 146 students to support their continuing education and training in agriculture and skilled trades. Tractor Supply additionally supports FFA through its annual T-shirt fundraiser to benefit Living to Serve, Alumni Legacy Grants, New Farmers of America Archives and Give the Gift of Blue programs.

To learn more about Grants for Growing, visit ffa.org/grants-for-growing.

About National FFA Organization

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 945,000 student members as part of 9,163 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

About National FFA Foundation

The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations, and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders, and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.

About Tractor Supply Company

For 85 years, Tractor Supply Company has been passionate about serving the needs of recreational farmers, ranchers, homeowners, gardeners, pet enthusiasts and all those who enjoy living Life Out Here. Tractor Supply is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the U.S., ranking 291 on the Fortune 500. The Company’s more than 50,000 Team Members are known for delivering legendary service and helping customers pursue their passions, whether that means being closer to the land, taking care of animals or living a hands-on, DIY lifestyle. In store and online, Tractor Supply provides what customers need – anytime, anywhere, any way they choose at the low prices they deserve.

As of September 30, 2023, the Company operated 2,198 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states, including 81 stores acquired from Orscheln Farm and Home in 2022. For more information on Tractor Supply, visit www.tractorsupply.com.

Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense by Tractor Supply, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer providing products and services for pet owners. As of September 30, 2023, the Company operated 195 Petsense by Tractor Supply stores in 23 states. For more information on Petsense by Tractor Supply, visit www.Petsense.com.

Contact:

Mary Winn Pilkington – Media Contact – corporatecommunications@tractorsupply.com – (615) 440-4212

Source: Tractor Supply Company