The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has established a grant program to assist projects of local FFA Chapters.

Grants will range from $300 to $3,000 annually. Matching funds are not required for grants of less than $1,000. A 50 percent match is required for grants of $1,000 to $1,999, and a dollar for dollar match is required on grants from $2,000 to $3,000.

Chapters may apply each year for the grant. If a project is on going, the chapter may apply for funds to continue work on the project in subsequent years, however, no guarantees are made as to the availability of funds.

Emphasis will be placed on new, innovative project proposals, but existing programs will also be considered. Collaboration with other community entities is encouraged.

Grant application forms for 2014-2015 projects must be submitted by December 1, 2014. Applications must be sent to the State FFA Office in Frankfort.

Grant recipients will be selected by January 31, 2015. A report of project results, including a financial report of all income and expenses, must be filed at the conclusion of the project.

A completed project report from last year must be submitted before a chapter can apply for funds this year.

SCORING: Grant applications will be scored using the following criteria:

• Benefit to total program of instruction
• Number of students impacted over the course of the project
• Impact on the agriculture community
• Innovative nature of the project
• Sustainability over time

Direct questions to matt.chaliff@education.ky.gov