Local ag and youth groups have until Oct. 2 to apply for state grants

Pennsylvania's Agriculture and Youth Grant Program offers up to $7,500 in direct grants and up to $25,000 in matching grants. Applications close at 5 p.m. Friday.

Youth agriculture groups, school districts and similar organizations in the Conneaut Valley can apply for state grants through 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, under the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's Agriculture and Youth Grant Program.

The state has $500,000 available statewide. Programs such as 4-H clubs, FFA chapters and school agriculture classes may qualify, as can other youth organizations with an agriculture focus.

Grant amounts

• Direct grants: up to $7,500, with no match required.

• Matching grants: up to $25,000, for capital projects only. The grant may cover no more than half of the project's cost. The applicant pays the rest.

Who can apply
Agriculture and youth organizations are eligible. So is any organization made up mainly of young people, or one whose programs benefit young people, with a focus on agriculture, community leadership, vocational training or peer fellowship. School districts are eligible.

What the money can pay for

• Education and workforce development seminars

• Field trips

• Agricultural safety training

• Capital projects

• Equipment purchases

What it can't pay for

• Staffing, wages or other personnel costs

• Stipends

• Sub-awards to other organizations

• Costs outside the project's approved work plan and budget

How to apply

• Online: Apply through the state's Single Application for Assistance system at grants.pa.gov.

• Deadline: 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2.

• Questions: Email Sara Gligora at the Department of Agriculture, sgligora@pa.gov.

Sources: Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.