BASF invites rural communities to nominate local groups for funding support
After strong community engagement in 2025, BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada is inviting Canadians to take part once again as nominations open for the 2026 Growing Home with BASF program. Now entering its fourth year, the initiative continues to support organizations that play an important role in rural Canadian communities.
The Growing Home with BASF program is designed to empower people involved in agriculture to give back to their hometowns. It highlights and supports local groups that help rural areas thrive, including childcare centres, agricultural societies, school committees, and hospital foundations. In previous years, thousands of Canadians participated by nominating and voting for organizations that make a real difference in their communities.
“The momentum behind the program over the past four years demonstrates just how important these organizations are to the communities they call home. Last year’s finalists showed how diverse the impact of this program can be, from supporting the development of a new school playground to helping fund the purchase of a new MRI machine for a local hospital,” said Andrea McConnell, Senior Manager, Customer Solutions for BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada.
“This community-inspired initiative has allowed BASF to support people and the places that are near and dear to them. We’re extremely excited to open nominations for 2026 and to continue strengthening and investing in Canada’s farming communities,” said McConnell.
For 2026, BASF customers in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario can submit nominations between February 3 and February 28. A total prize fund of $160,000 will be shared among 12 organizations across the four provinces. The funding will be awarded at three levels: four first-place prizes of $25,000, four second-place prizes of $10,000, and four third-place prizes of $5,000.
Voting will be open to all Canadian residents from March 31 to April 17, 2026. During this period, the public will help decide which finalist organizations receive the top prizes in each province. The final winners will be announced on April 28, 2026.
“We are honoured to be selected as one of this year’s winners of the Growing Home with BASF contest. This prize will support our local hospital’s monumental task of bringing MRI technology to our rural community,” said Palmerston and District Hospital Foundation.
“With residents waiting an average of 133 days for access to MRI scanning, it will help local farmers and community members access the timely and reliable medical care they deserve. Thank you for supporting Wellington County residents and our organization,” said Palmerston.
Since launching in 2023, the Growing Home with BASF program has distributed $335,000 to 19 organizations across participating provinces. BASF says the initiative reflects its ongoing commitment to supporting the people and communities that keep rural Canada strong. More details about eligibility, program criteria, and how to nominate are available on BASF’s official website.