BENTON, Ill. - Local farmer Diann Browning recently directed a $2,500 America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation, sponsored by Bayer Fund, to Franklin County 4-H.  

“The Franklin County 4-H program will use these funds to help defer enrollment fees for those in need and 4-H programs within the county. Without the benefit of this donation, the local 4-H program would not be able to grow and provide up-to-date programming to fill the needs of our local youth,” said Franklin County 4-H Extension Program Coordinator Cindy Bauman.

Since 2010, the America’s Farmers programs have awarded more than $57 million to nonprofits, aspiring ag students and public schools across rural America. Farmers know the needs of their communities best, so the America’s Farmers programs rely on them to help identify the most worthy causes.

The Grow Communities program partners with farmers across the country to provide nonprofit organizations with resources to strengthen their local communities. Each August, farmers can enter for the chance to direct a $2,500 Grow Communities donation to a local eligible nonprofit of their choice. Farmers have directed donations to food banks, emergency response organizations, schools, youth agriculture programs and many others that reflect the spirit and support the vibrancy of rural America.