Seeds for Stewardship Competitive Grant Program

The CHS Seeds for Stewardship program is a competitive matching grant initiative operated by CHS Inc., a leading farmer-owned cooperative. The program is designed to support rural communities by amplifying the contributions of CHS member cooperatives and CHS ag retail locations. Through the matching of cooperative-led contributions, the program empowers local communities to implement impactful projects that enhance agricultural education, safety, and overall rural vitality. In 2024 alone, more than 200 communities benefited from this funding model. Eligible applicants must be either a CHS member cooperative or a CHS ag retail business unit. Applications submitted directly by local community organizations are not accepted. Each CHS member cooperative is eligible to apply for up to two matching grants per program year, which spans from September 1 to August 31. Each cooperative can receive up to $10,000 in total matching funds, while CHS ag retail units are eligible for up to $7,500 annually. The minimum matching contribution considered is $1,000, and the maximum is $10,000. Applications are accepted online year-round and may be submitted at any time during the program year. Once submitted, applications typically take between 8 to 10 weeks for review and potential payment processing. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and funding is not guaranteed. Applicants are evaluated based on alignment with CHS stewardship priorities, including agricultural safety, farmer well-being, agricultural education, and rural community enhancement. Examples of successful project types include funding for grain bin safety equipment and training, support for local FFA and 4-H chapters, and contributions to food shelves. However, the program will not fund individual needs or fundraisers, sports or athletic teams, medical or disease-related causes, religious activities, or political campaigns. Requests for safety equipment used primarily by cooperative employees are also ineligible. CHS encourages member cooperatives and ag retail locations to apply when it suits their planning needs. The grant model supports both single and multi-location cooperatives; however, the cap of two grants per year applies to the organization as a whole, not per location. For more information or questions, interested applicants can contact stewardship@chsinc.com or call 1-800-814-0506.