MFA grants help fund community projects

Several new projects have been given a financial boost by the MFA Incor­porated Charitable Foundation, which was established to support communities where MFA serves. Concern for community is not only one of the key coopera­tive principles but also demonstrates MFA’s stewardship value.

This fund—separate from MFA’s annual scholarship program—provides monetary support for worthy projects that build knowledge and leadership skills of rural youth, agriculture and cooperative education programs, and or­ganizations active in solving community problems and improving quality of life. Since its founding in 2005, the Charitable Foundation has donated more than $2.1 million to these causes.

Last year, the foundation distributed more than $310,000 to nonprofit orga­nizations throughout the territory where MFA and its affiliates operate. In 2023, nearly $60,000 has already been awarded to worthy projects.

Among the more substantial donations committed for later in 2023 are $50,000 for volunteer fire departments, $25,000 for FFA Supervised Agricul­tural Experience projects and $10,000 for the Missouri Farmers Care Drive to Feed Kids. Other grants range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. The opposite page highlights a few of the recent recipients.

Grant requests require an MFA employee sponsor. Learn more and find a link where organizations can apply here: mfa-inc.com/About/Charity.

 

Callaway Youth Expo

The Callaway Youth Expo received a $2,000 donation to go toward new facilities, including a building to house updated concession stands, restrooms, office and multipurpose room that will be used for meetings of 4-H and FFA clubs and other community groups. This year’s Expo is planned for July 11-15 on the show grounds in Auxvasse. Cedar Creek Agri Services Manager Phillip Willer presented the check to committee members Carley Allen, Bryli DeLashmutt, Jennifer DeLashmutt and Meredith Allen.

 

Mizzou Collegiate Cattlewomen

The Mizzou Collegiate Cattlewomen were awarded $1,000 for their “Meet Your Meat” event, which was held April 21 on the Columbia campus. The promotional activity featured a live calf on site, sales of steak sandwiches and educational materials and efforts to help inform those from outside the agriculture industry about the benefits of beef production. Accepting the check were back row, from left, Chloe Sims, Lucy Gay, Alaina Link, Madi Ridder and Alicia Heinecke. In front were Jessie Edwards, Rachel Keilholz and Alexis Lloyd.

 

New Franklin PTO

The foundation awarded a $2,000 grant to the New Franklin PTO’s “Project Play” campaign. The goal is to make much-needed updates to playground equipment at New Franklin Elementary School. The funds from MFA will help purchase a new play system with slides and climbing features. Paige Schanzmeyer, Boonville MFA assistant manager, presented the check to, from left, Paige Kircher, New Franklin PTO president; Nichole Wilmsmeyer, Project Play chair; Elle and Gray Wilmsmeyer; and Dawn Shipp, New Franklin Elementary School principal.

Macon High School Ag Department

Students at Macon High School will benefit from a $2,000 MFA grant to purchase tools for the agriculture department’s shop, which teaches introductory skills in woodworking and welding. With enrollment numbers at 123 and growing in the program, instructors say the need for new, updated shop tools is becoming a necessity to ensure that all interested students have an opportunity for hands-on learning. Macon MFA Agri Services Manager Billy Robertson presented the check to FFA officers, from left, Jasper Shannon, treasurer; Tysen Wilson, president; and Grace McClellan, vice president—all seniors at the school. Advisors for the chapter are Kathryn Thrasher and Kristina Parman. 

READ MORE from the June/July 2023 Today’s Farmer’s Magazine, the MFA Incorporated member magazine.