Turkey thawing, bread crumbs for stuffing drying, pumpkin pie already baked and a last minute grocery list in hand, as I head out the door in preparation for Thanksgiving.  With the large task at hand of baking up a holiday feast it's easy to overlook what we are truely thankful for.  Obviously with all this talk about food, I am thankful to work in Agriculture.  I am thankful for Farmers who daily work hard to produce the food that sits on my table, and for every other person who has a hand in processing, inspecting, delivering and selling that same food.

I have some grant opportunities to share with you today, but before I do I wanted to share with you a song Bing Crosby sang in the musical "Holiday Inn."  This is a favorite musical of mine to watch around the holidays and listening to Bing sing "I've Got Plenty To Be Thankful For" with his smooth voice gives me all the more reason to be grateful and extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone in the Agriculture Industry.




Aquatic Education Programs
Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation: National Youth Fishing & Boating Initiative
The mission of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation is to implement an informed national outreach strategy that will increase participation in recreational angling and boating. The Foundation's National Youth Fishing & Boating Initiative is offering grants to youth-focused boating, fishing, and conservation organizations for pilot-to-national or national aquatic education programs that introduce children and their families to boating and fishing. Priority is given to programs that target minorities and underserved communities. The application deadline is December 27, 2010. Visit the Foundation’s website to review the grant guidelines and submit an online application.

The John Burkhart Indiana Award for College Success. The award will provide up to $1 million to a qualified Indiana nonprofit organization working to promote postsecondary student success in Indiana. More Details.


The National Science Teachers Association and Shell Oil Company have launched a new competition for middle and high school teachers that will bring laboratory resources to school districts across the United States. Through the NSTA Shell Science Lab Challenge, schools will compete for up to $93,000 in total prizes.  More Information

FREE & Interactive Webinar for USDA's Specialty Crop Block Grant


Thursday, December 16, 2 p.m. ET

This is a unique opportunity for members of the Specialty Crop Industry to take advantage of.  On Thursday, Deceber 16th, you can find out what the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program is and how you can apply for grant funds to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. For additional information please view the webinar’s invitation.

Program Description:  The purpose of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) is to solely enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. Specialty crops are defined as “fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).”

The focus of the webinar will be to generate interest in the program. The webinar will cover eligible projects, some of the federal restrictions and limitations on grant funds, how to apply through your local state department of agriculture, very general grant application information, and success stories.


The webinar will be recorded and afterwards posted on the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for viewing at any time.

I remember several teachers in my elementary school had a classroom pet.  Some had fish, some had hamsters, one even had a snake.  But I always remember being excited to see who got to feed it, what it ate, how the animal spent it's time during the day.  Having a pet in the classroom probably raised by level of interest in animals, biology, anatomy and science in general.  That all being said, I do have a grant opportunity to pass along to you to obtain funding to purchase a pet for your students classroom.


The Pet Care Trust is offering a grant in an effort to establish healthy child-pet relationships at an early age by supporting responsible pet care in grammar and middle school classrooms across the country. These grants are intended to provide a means of teaching children to bond with and care for their pets. K-6 teachers in public and private schools can apply for grants or coupons in the amounts of $50, $100, or $150 for the purchase of new pets and pet environments, as well as food and supplies for existing classroom pets. Requests may be submitted at any time and grant review committee will get back with you within 2 weeks. Visit the Pets in the Classroom website to review the funding guidelines and submit an online application.

Just wanted to make you aware of an online training program that will identify 3 grant opportunities for farmers and other rural residents to apply for their on-farm projects.

The free program will be hosted by Purdue Extension and USDA Rural Development on Monday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to noon (Eastern).  The URL to take part in this program is:  https://gomeet.itap.purdue.edu/sarerdgrants10/

The program will provide participants an opportunity to learn about available grants and will offer insight into eligibility and how to apply for funding.

Grants to be covered include:

* SARE Farmer/ Rancher Grants
* SARE Youth Grants and SARE Youth Educator Grants.
* USDA Rural Development Value Added Producer Grant
* USDA Rural Development Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

This event draws over 50,000 FFA'ers from around the country to hear speakers, compete in competions, interact with Agri-Business Leaders and meet other FFA'ers.  I have had to opportunity to interact with several FFA'ers this week by listening in on Ag. Issues events, luncheons, the Career show and Educational Tours.  With such a great group of students one can easily see the future for Agriculture is very bright.

One such group here in Indiana is the FFA State Officer team which has recently started a blog.
FFA: Following the Future of Agriculture

This blog will provide insight on the life of a state officer as well as events they are attending around the state, highlights of successes other FFA chapters have had and well as tips and tricks on preparing for contests and conventions.  Please be sure to stop by their blog and check out what all Future of Agriculture has to offer.

I can hardly believe it was one year ago today, I sat down and wrote the first post for this blog.  Each week I try to provide upcoming grant opportunities, along with tips on applying for and writing a grant.  So keep tuning in each week and I'll keep blogging!!!

Now for the winner of our Give-a-way!

Using Random.org they selected ........................... drum roll please....................................
#12 Marybeth.

Thanks to all who participated and I will be in contact with Marybeth to get the prize to her.

Just today, USDA announced the recipients of their 2010 Farmers’ Market Promotion Program (FMPP) which awarded over $4 Million to Farmer’s Markets and Non-for-Profit organizations around the US. To view the complete list of winner click here. FMPP was created to help improve and expand domestic farmers markets, roadside stands, community-supported agriculture programs, agri-tourism activities, and other direct producer-to-consumer marketing opportunities.


Indiana had two recipients.

The Indiana Cooperative Development Center will be receiving $53,160 to 1) organize and establish an Indiana Direct-to-Consumer Market Association and 3 direct marketing retreats, 2) develop a logo, brochure, and marketing materials, and 3) conduct a young farmer training program.

Orange County HomeGrown, Paoli, IN, will be receiving $59, 862 to 1) expand customer base though promotion and use of EBT, 2) provide training and services to market vendors, 3) promote public awareness of nutritional value of locally grown produce in an 8-county region of Indiana, 4) build partnerships to ensure sustainability of 2 existing farmers markets, and 5) create a third market within an underserved community.

Congratulations to both of these organizations!

Don’t forget there is still time to sign up for The Ag. Grant Guru’s 1 Year Anniversary Give-a-way!! (Contest ends at noon on 10/15/10.)
Click here for your chance to win!!!!!!