Australia
June 30, 2015
Cotton growing communities across New South Wales and Queensland will benefit from an additional $150,000 in grants, thanks to the Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities program.
The program, now in its second year, was established by Monsanto Fund in partnership with the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) and will have provided $300,000 in grants over two years. The program allows cotton growers to nominate a local not-for-profit community group or charity they believe deserves one of thirty $5,000 grants available across cotton growing areas.
Grants from last years program supported a diverse range of projects such as “Little Hands on the Farm” which is educating children about food production; a rural nursing service that ensures elderly people can remain in their homes; and new fire-fighting equipment for a rural fire brigade.
FRRR’s Chief Executive Officer, Alexandra Gartmann, said the program plays an important part in ensuring rural and regional communities remain strong, especially given the very dry conditions impacting so many areas.
“Rural and regional communities are very resilient but they do need all the support they can get. So we are pleased to once again partner with the Monsanto Fund to support them through the Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities program,” Ms Gartmann said.
“This program gives growers the opportunity to support the important work that local community groups do, especially in tough times. These funds support local fundraising efforts, and help community groups focus on their core work or upgrade their resources,” Ms Gartmann said.
“The creativity, passion and innovation of the 2014 grant recipients has been inspiring. What they have been able to achieve with $5,000 demonstrates the power of philanthropy to achieve large impact and we look forward to seeing more nominations this year.”
Cotton Australia Chief Executive Adam Kay also welcomed the announcement, saying a further $150,000 in grants will go a long way to lifting the spirits of cotton growing towns.
“We were delighted to see so many farmers get behind the program last year and nominate some really worthy community projects to receive grants. They really are the backbone of our cotton growing areas so to hear that the program is continuing this year is very welcome.
“Communities can get involved in this program too by suggesting ideas for growers to nominate which is a great way to make sure the good work of these community groups won’t go unrecognised. We know that cotton communities are the best at pulling together during tough times so we encourage all eligible cotton communities to get behind the program again this year,” Mr Kay said.
Monsanto Fund representative in Australia, Adam Blight, said that as more stories of the impact of the 2014 grants come to light, it is heart-warming to hear just how the organisations and their communities are benefitting.
“Rural and regional Australia is full of vibrant communities supporting the growers who produce our food and fibre. Aussie cotton farmers are rightly proud of their communities and this program allows them to say thanks in a very meaningful way.
“In partnership with FRRR, the Monsanto Fund is pleased to again give cotton farmers across New South Wales and Queensland this opportunity,” Mr Blight said.
Although only eligible cotton farmers can submit a nomination, any community member can suggest an idea that a farmer can then adopt and submit. Farmers must be 18 years of age or older and actively farming cotton in one of the fourteen Cotton Grower Association (CGA) areas listed in the Program Guidelines.
Only not‐for‐profit and charitable organisations that offer clear benefits for rural and regional communities and are located in, or servicing, one of the fourteen CGA areas are eligible to receive the grants. Organisations working across a range of areas such as social, economic, environmental, health and education are eligible for nomination.
Nominations will then be independently assessed by FRRR. For more information please visit www.aussiecottonfarmers.com.au. Applications open 9am on 30 June and close 5pm on 31 August 2015. Successful applicants will be notified in November 2015.
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