Third Annual Grants for Growing Donations Support Youth-Led FFA Projects

BRENTWOOD, Tenn., April 17, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tractor Supply Company and the National FFA Organization are supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders through the third annual Grants for Growing program. This year, Tractor Supply stores nationwide raised a record $830,000 through customer donations to fund sustainable, youth-driven agriculture projects made possible by the initiative.

Tractor Supply Company, the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States, awarded 271 grants impacting more than 30,000 students this spring to FFA chapters across the country that requested funding to build or enhance educational projects that will further their students’ understanding of agriculture. From research farms to outdoor learning centers, the grants will be used to purchase the supplies needed to fulfill the projects such as power tools, hydroponic systems, fencing, vegetation, livestock, poultry, feed, mulch and much more.

“An investment in agricultural education is an investment in the agriculture leaders of tomorrow,” said Christi Korzekwa, senior vice president of marketing at Tractor Supply. “Grants for Growing is one of our key donation sponsorships that allows us to foster students’ growth by giving educators the resources they need to make our communities stronger, more sustainable places.”

Between Jan. 10 and Feb. 14, FFA received nearly 600 applications from FFA chapters across the country detailing how they would start or expand a unique and sustainable project. Coinciding with National FFA Week, Tractor Supply hosted a 10-day in-store fundraising event nationwide, which offered shoppers the opportunity to donate at checkout in support of the program. Many chapters participated in additional fundraising opportunities at their local Tractor Supply stores to supplement donations, including bake sales, car washes and more.

A wide variety of agriculture projects were awarded during this year’s initiative. In Ashland, Mo., the Ashland FFA received a grant to fund its Mobile Children’s Barnyard, an interactive barnyard exhibit that travels to area festivals and events. In Touchet, Wash., the Touchet FFA will use their grant to build a student-based apparel shop where chapter members will design customized T-shirts to sell to the community in order to raise money for chapter events and travel.

Since the program’s start in 2016, Grants for Growing has raised more than $2.2 million for the National FFA Organization. In total, the initiative has funded 994 grants supporting projects involving more than 103,000 students.

For more details about the program, visit www.FFA.org/grantsforgrowing.

About Tractor Supply Company
Tractor Supply Company (NASDAQ:TSCO) is in its 80th year of operation and, since being founded in 1938, has grown to become the largest rural lifestyle retail store chain in the United States. With 28,000 team members, 1,700 stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website, Tractor Supply is passionate about serving its unique niche, as a one-stop shop for recreational farmers, ranchers and all those who enjoy living the rural lifestyle. Tractor Supply offers an extensive mix of products necessary to care for home, land, pets and animals with a focus on product localization, exclusive brands and legendary customer service that addresses the needs of the Out Here lifestyle. The Company leverages its physical store assets with digital capabilities to offer customers the convenience of purchasing products they need anytime, anywhere and any way they choose at the everyday prices they deserve. At March 31, 2018, the Company operated 1,700 Tractor Supply stores in 49 states and an e-commerce website at www.tractorsupply.com. 

Tractor Supply Company also owns and operates Petsense, a small-box pet specialty supply retailer focused on meeting the needs of pet owners, primarily in small and mid-size communities, and offering a variety of pet products and services. At March 31, 2018, the Company operated 172 Petsense stores in 27 states. For more information on Petsense, visit www.petsense.com.

About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 653,359 student members as part of 8,568 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is supported by 344,239 alumni members in 2,051 local FFA Alumni chapters throughout the U.S. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org and on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog.

About National FFA Foundation
The National FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agricultural education. Governed by a 19-member board of trustees composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization. About 82 percent of every dollar received by the foundation supports FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. For more, visit FFA.org/Give.

Media Contact:
Grace Stewart
(615) 385-1100 x2401
gstewart@gsandf.com