Eighty-six Missouri 4-H clubs and FFA chapters received $500 Shaping Rural Missouri Grants from FCS Financial for community improvement projects this summer. These youth-led projects include landscaping fairgrounds, building community gardens, improving accessibility at local parks, and renovating fair facilities.

This marks the 15th year FCS Financial has awarded the Shaping Rural Missouri Grant. Since the program’s inception, FCS Financial has distributed more than $407,000 through 836 grants to support rural communities across the state.

“It’s inspiring to see the continued commitment to community service from our youth in agriculture and their leaders,” said Rob Guinn, FCS Financial CEO. “These grants empower 4-H and FFA members to collaborate on projects that benefit their local Missouri communities while simultaneously developing valuable leadership and teamwork skills.”

In 2026, the following area 4-H clubs and FFA chapters received a Shaping Rural Missouri Grant in support of implementing the project listed:

• Carrollton ACC FFA (Carroll): Supporting the construction of new restroom facilities at the Carroll County Fairgrounds.

• Guys & Gals 4-H Club (Ray): Managing the critical roof replacement project for the fairgrounds concession stand.

• Lawson 4-H Club (Ray): Performing essential structural repairs and maintenance on the Lawson Food Pantry building.

• Range Master 4-H (Lafayette): Enhancing program safety with the purchase of professional shooting sports equipment and locks.

• Santa Fe FFA (Lafayette): Renovating the local city park cook shack to support community events.

• Slater FFA (Saline): Completing a comprehensive greenhouse project to expand agricultural learning opportunities.

The 2027 Shaping Rural Missouri Grant application will be available online on Jan. 1, 2027.

Farm Credit supports rural communities and agriculture with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. It has been fulfilling its mission of helping rural America grow and thrive for more than a century with the capital necessary to make businesses successful and by financing vital infrastructure and communication services.