IFB Rural Development Grant Program
The Rural Development Grant program is currently closed for applications.
Please check back in Fall 2026 for information about the next grant cycle.
See the Rural Development Grants help two Illinois communities
Knox County Rural Development Grant Testimonial
Madison County Rural Development Grant Testimonial
The Illinois Farm Bureau® (IFB) Rural Development Grant Program is designed to support rural development projects that will positively impact Farm Bureau® members and other rural Illinoisans.
Aligning with IFB policy and local government priorities, the program strives to elevate and place additional focus on rural development. It provides resources to help local communities and counties in rural Illinois successfully implement projects focused on supporting community and economic development as well as enhancing quality of life.
IFB is looking for projects that will meet an economic development or quality of life need in a community, county or rural area, and get residents excited about what is happening in their community. Examples could include projects that:
- Focus on attracting businesses
- Foster entrepreneurship
- Improve infrastructure
- Provide access to fresh foods
- Increase healthcare access
- Expand recreational opportunities
- Increase available housing
- Develop tourism
- Enhance emergency services support (fire, emergency medical services, police)
- Otherwise positively impact farmers and rural Illinoisans
Rural development requires a team effort. The grants will be awarded in conjunction with county Farm Bureaus® and their local partners. For more information about the program, please contact your local county Farm Bureau® or email RDgrants@ilfb.org.
Rural Development Grants in the News
IFB Rural Development Grant applications available | General | farmweeknow.com
Rural development grant makes impact in Madison County | | farmweeknow.com
Commitment to Illinois Farm Bureau Grants - COUNTRY Financial
Previous Recipients in the News
IFB Awards More Than $100,000 In Rural Development Grants | Morning Ag Clips
RURAL DEVELOPMENT GRANTS | Xenia Fire Protection
Warsaw Mercantile receives grant from Illinois Farm Bureau
Boyd, other organizations receive rural development grants
Illinois Farm Bureau awards grants to local projects | WIFR TV
Illinois Farm Bureau Awards $105,000 in Rural Development Grants | WSIU Public Broadcasting
Albion Parks Receives $3,000 Grant from Illinois Farm Bureau | WFIW (wfiwradio.com)
CLAY COUNTY FARM BUREAU GRANT (wnoi.com)
Illinois Farm Bureau invests $3,000 in Taste of Hancock County