May 06, 2024
AgGeorgia Farm Credit recently awarded $55,000 to twelve local non-profit organizations as part of the cooperative’s Community Mission Fund. The grant program was established in 2023 to support endeavors that further the future of agriculture and enhance life in rural Georgia. Forty-eight grant applications were received, and awards of up to $5,000 per application were distributed in the fourth quarter.
Colquitt Christian Academy was selected as a recipient and was awarded funds to obtain a storage shed and needed supplies for Ag Education classes and hands-on learning labs. “The Community Mission Fund Grant has made it possible for Colquitt Christian Academy to have a storage shed built to safely store insecticides along with gardening tools, chicken feed, and potting soil,” said Leana Atkinson, CCA Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor. “These funds also purchased much needed supplies used to enhance our hands-on agricultural learning lab which consists of raised beds and a chicken coop with chickens. The supplies have helped me teach my students farming principles which in turn have helped my students grow a love for agriculture,” continued Leana. “As an Ag teacher, I am grateful to AgGeorgia Farm Credit for investing in the future of agriculture in our rural community.”
Mrs. Atkinson teaches students in grades 4-9 about the importance of agriculture and maintains that the experience at CCA either enhances what students experience at home with rural living, livestock, and plants, or it exposes them to the idea of where their food and fiber actually comes from. In addition to creating an educational experience, the vegetables and eggs produced from the hens are donated to the community.
AgGeorgia Farm Credit will accept applications for the 2024 Community Mission Fund until June 30, 2024. For more information and to apply, please visit the AgGeorgia Farm Credit Community Mission Fund page.