Missouri Director of Agriculture Announces Grants for 4-H, FFA Youth Service Pr…

Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn announced that 17 youth groups from across Missouri were awarded grants from the Missouri Department of Agriculture's 2026 Building Our American Communities grant program. Seven local chapters of the National FFA Organization and 10 Missouri 4-H clubs statewide have been awarded funds for their community service projects this year.

"Year after year we see terrific projects and community impact from FFA chapters and 4-H clubs across Missouri," said Director Chinn. "This year is no different, and we are proud to support efforts that will make a difference in these communities for years to come."

Each of the 2026 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 2026 grant recipients are:

FFA Chapters

California FFA, California (Moniteau County)
Otterville FFA, Otterville (Cooper County)
Memphis FFA, Memphis (Scotland County)
Elsberry FFA, Elsberry (Lincoln County)
Willow Springs FFA, Willow Springs (Howell County)
West Plains FFA, West Plains (Howell County)
Dora FFA, Dora (Ozark County)

4-H Clubs

Show Me 4-H Club, California (Moniteau County)
4 C's 4-H Club, Boonville (Cooper County)
Liberty Leaders 4-H Club, Edina (Knox County)
Shafter 4-H Club, Linneus (Linn County)
Foundation Creation 4-H Club, Maysville (DeKalb County)
Wranglers 4-H Club, Maysville (DeKalb County)
Drake 4-H Club, Owensville (Gasconade County)
Double S 4-H Club, Hermann (Gasconade County)
Patton 4-H Club, Marquand (Bollinger County)
Ripley County 4-H Club, Doniphan (Ripley County)

The Building Our American Communities program has been supporting youth projects since the 1970s. Each year, youth organizations throughout Missouri submit proposals for consideration for the grants that support specific projects within each community. The grants are funded through Missouri's Agriculture Development Fund under an agreement with the USDA. 4-H clubs and FFA chapters awarded grants this year must complete their projects no later than August 1, 2026.

To learn more about the Missouri Department of Agriculture and its programs, please visit the Department website.