UFA if once again offering grants for capital projects to enrich rural life

Jun 30, 2025
By Jean-Paul McDonald
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

UFA Foundation is accepting applications for its 2025 Rural Communities Grant Program

The UFA Agricultural Community Foundation has opened applications for its second annual Rural Communities (RC) Grant Program. This initiative continues the Foundation’s goal of supporting rural communities through funding projects that promote education, recreation, and culture.

Charitable groups, non-profit organizations, and community-focused co-operatives are invited to apply for grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000. The grants are intended to fund capital projects that help enrich rural life and strengthen the agricultural community. In total, $100,000 in funding will be distributed in 2025.

"The UFA Agricultural Community Foundation was built on the fundamental belief that we are stronger when we work together. Through the Rural Communities Grant Program, the UFA Foundation is investing in the agricultural community by supporting rural capital projects that will be most impactful to its members,” said Kimberly MacDonald, UFA Manager, Community Investment.

"The Rural Communities Grant Program enables the UFA Agricultural Community Foundation to dedicate funding to build and improve facilities that are integral to rural life in the agricultural community. We are not just investing in capital projects. We are investing in a legacy of growth and opportunity in the agricultural community for generations to come," said Kevin Hoppins, UFA Foundation Advisory Board Chair.

Applications for the 2025 program will be accepted until August 31, 2025. Organizations interested in applying can do so online by visiting the RC Grant Program section at UFAFoundation.com. The recipients will be announced in October 2025.

In its first year in 2024, the program supported four local projects—the Kneehill Historical Society, Rimbey Agricultural Society, Weyburn Agricultural Society, and Wrentham Community Centre. These projects highlighted the positive impact such support can bring to rural areas.

This program is a part of the UFA Foundation’s broader commitment of $1 million in 2025, aimed at building stronger rural communities and supporting economic and social resilience.

To apply for a grant, visit ufafoundation.com

Photo Credit: ACF-logo

Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.