Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn announced that 17 youth organizations from across Missouri have been awarded 2024 Building Our American Communities grants. Five Missouri FFA chapters and 12 Missouri 4-H clubs statewide have been awarded funds for their community service projects this year. Two Lafayette County 4-H clubs were awarded grants.

Each of the 2024 awardees will receive $500 toward their projects, which may include upgrades or additions to existing facilities, grounds or buildings, such as fairgrounds, parks or community centers used by local organizations. The 40-Ville 4-H Club in Mayview, and the Orrick 4-H Club in Polo both received grants.

The Building Our American Communities grant program has been supporting youth projects since the 1970s. Each year, youth organizations throughout Missouri submit proposals for consideration that support specific projects within each community. The grants are funded through Missouri’s Agriculture Development Fund through an agreement with the USDA.

4-H clubs and FFA chapters that are awarded grants this year must complete their projects no later than August 1, 2024.