Applications are now being accepted for Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities program.

The program, sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, gives farmers the opportunity to win a $2,500 grant for their favourite charitable or not-for-profit group in their community.

A total of two grants will be awarded in each of the country’s 33 grain-growing regions. Nine of those regions are in Alberta. Winners will be drawn randomly from all applications received between Jan. 1 and Sept. 30.

Farmers may make one entry each, but multiple farmers can apply for the same charity or project. As well, charities and community groups can also participate by offering suggestions for farmers to consider.

The list of charities can include almost any non-profit organization based in rural Canada. Past winners have included 4-H clubs, rural daycares, libraries, volunteer fire departments, hospitals, schools, ag societies, senior centres, and other community facilities.

Complete contest rules, eligibility requirements, and an online application form are available at the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities website.