IFB Rural Development Grant Program FAQs
Q: How much funding is available?
A: Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) will award a total of $100,000 for rural development grants, an increase of $70,000 from last year’s pilot program. To avoid any confusion, this is not up to $100,000 per grant, it is $100,000 in total to be spread across multiple grant awards.
Q: Is there a minimum or maximum funding amount I can apply for?
A: No. However, IFB’s intent is to award multiple grants, not just one large one. Last year, as part of our pilot program, the largest grant awarded was $5,000. With more funding available this year, the largest grant may be higher, but we want to emphasize that we will have multiple grantees again this year.
Q: Are there other funding changes this year besides the large increase in dollars available?
A: Yes. While our focus leans toward the economic aspects of rural development, we recognize the importance of farmers and rural communities having access to emergency services and for emergency service providers to have the appropriate equipment necessary for situations they may encounter in agricultural areas. We received several applications last year for emergency service needs but prioritized other types of projects due to the limited funding available. With the increased funds available this year, we intend to allocate up to 20% of the grant dollars for projects related to emergency services.
Q: When does the grant application open and close?
A: We will accept grant applications from October 1 – December 18, 2024.
Q: When will I know if I am selected as a grant recipient?
A: We anticipate being able to notify all applicants of their status by no later than January 31, 2025.
Q: How will the funding be disbursed to grant recipients?
A: Grant funding will flow to the county Farm Bureau (CFB) making or supporting the application and they can then disburse it to the partner(s) leading the project as appropriate.
Q: Do I need to work with my CFB in order to apply?
A: Yes. A CFB can choose to apply directly but all other applicants should contact their local CFB to speak with them about the project and to request the JotForm link to the grant application. We encourage CFBs to be involved and engaged with funded projects in the county. Please note that we will not fund any projects the CFB is not aware of or does not endorse. Once we receive an application, we do verify with the local CFB that the applicant has been in touch with them and that the CFB is supportive of the proposed project.
Q: What if my project will impact multiple counties?
A: In situations like this, please contact the CFB in the county in which you are located first. However, if you plan to reference other CFBs on your application, we ask that you contact them as well to inform them of the project and seek their endorsement. Keep in mind that CFBs outside of your county may have applicants from their county that they are also interested in endorsing. However, CFBs can choose to endorse multiple projects.
Q: What is considered rural?
A: There are many definitions of rural, including multiple ones used at the federal and state levels. Generally, if your community, county or project meets any of these definitions, you are eligible for this grant.
Q: Does my community or county need to have a current and active strategic plan in place to apply?
A: While not required, preference will be given to projects that are connected to a strategic plan. Ideally, this grant will be a catalyst for moving the strategic plan forward from the planning stage to the execution stage and will get residents excited about what is happening in their community or county.
Q: What if my community or county wants to create a strategic plan and needs financial resources to do so?
A: We will consider grant applications for funding to support the development of a strategic plan. In addition, while this is not the only option, we encourage you to contact the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at Western Illinois University to learn more about their MAPPING the Future of Your Community Program. This program focuses on “strategic visioning, planning and doing” while utilizing the community’s strengths and building community support. Learn more at MAPPING the Future – Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (iira.org).
Q: What types of projects are eligible for this grant?
A: We continue to take a broad approach on project types as we do not want to stifle new and innovative ideas. Ultimately, we are looking for projects that will meet a need in a community, county or rural area. Examples could include projects focused on attracting businesses, fostering entrepreneurship, improving infrastructure and broadband, increasing healthcare access, building/creating capacity for local newspapers/news sources, expanding recreational opportunities, increasing available housing, developing tourism, community beautification, revitalizing community spirit/engagement, enhancing emergency services support (such as fire, EMS, police, etc.) or other projects that positively impact farmers and residents.
Q: Do you have examples of the projects that were funded last year?
A: Yes. There are links to news articles about last year’s rural development grants on the grant webpage, which can be found here: Rural Development Grant Program | Illinois Farm Bureau (ilfb.org). However, please remember that we are open to other types of projects as noted in the previous question.
Q: Are matching funds required?
A: No. This grant can be used without matching funds to support a project, or it can be combined with other funding sources for projects that are larger in scope. However, if you are able to use this grant to leverage or generate matching funds, that is great. If county Farm Bureaus want to also provide financial support, they have the option to do so but it is not required for the grant.
Q: Will you accept a multi-year project?
A: We are unable to commit to multi-year funding. However, you can apply for funding each grant cycle for an ongoing and/or multi-year project.
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A: Generally, the rural development grants are open to county Farm Bureaus, units of local government, economic development organizations, non-profits and/or community groups, and small businesses. These are the most common applicants, although others may be considered based on the proposed project.
Q: Are entities based/headquartered outside of Illinois eligible to apply if the project will be done in Illinois?
A: No, you must be located in Illinois in order to apply for a grant through this program.
Q: What will be required for the grant impact reporting?
A: The impact report will ask for a summary of the completed project and the impact it is having to date. It will also ask you to confirm or update the details outlined in the application such as the participants, engagement, final budget/expenditures and other relevant information. Having a few pictures of the project from start to finish would also be appreciated.
Q: When is the grant impact reporting due?
A: Grant impact reports will be due by no later than August 1, 2025.
Q: What if my project is one that needs a longer period of time to be completed due to the size or complexity of the project?
A: If the project is going to extend beyond the grant impact reporting due date, please be sure to indicate the specific timeline and planned steps as requested in the application. In place of a grant impact report, we will request a project status update be submitted by August 1, 2025, followed by a full grant impact report within 30 days of the project being completed.
Q. Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
A: Your local county Farm Bureau is the first point of contact, and a directory can be found here: Directory | Illinois Farm Bureau (ilfb.org). For additional assistance, you may also email RDgrants@ilfb.org.