The Illinois Farm Bureau Rural Development Grant Program is a targeted initiative aimed at uplifting rural communities across Illinois. Established by the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB), the program seeks to align with IFB policy and support projects that advance economic development, improve quality of life, and serve the needs of Farm Bureau members and other rural Illinois residents. The funder emphasizes the importance of community-driven planning, encouraging applicants to engage with local county Farm Bureaus as key partners in developing and submitting project proposals.
This grant supports projects that fulfill a demonstrated need in economic development or quality of life improvement within rural areas, counties, or communities in Illinois. Eligible initiatives may include business attraction, entrepreneurship, infrastructure upgrades, access to fresh food and healthcare, recreational development, housing expansion, tourism enhancement, or support for emergency services such as fire, EMS, and police. The aim is to fund projects that energize local residents and foster a sense of pride and progress in their communities.
The 2025-2026 grant cycle opens on October 1, 2025, and closes on December 1, 2025. During this period, interested applicants must contact their county Farm Bureau to discuss project ideas and request a unique application link. The application process is facilitated through JotForm, but the form becomes accessible only after direct coordination with a county Farm Bureau representative. Although discussions with county offices can begin before October 1, no submissions will be accepted until that date.
Awards are made in partnership with county Farm Bureaus and other local collaborators. The program encourages a team approach to rural development, highlighting the importance of joint efforts to bring lasting change. While specific award amounts are not disclosed in the public-facing materials, the emphasis is on meaningful community outcomes and active engagement.
For more information or to initiate the application process, potential applicants should connect with their local county Farm Bureau or reach out via email to RDgrants@ilfb.org. The program exemplifies a strategic blend of local coordination and state-level support, tailored specifically for the needs and ambitions of rural Illinois communities.
