The Illinois Farm Bureau is accepting applications for its 2026-27 Rural Development Grant Program, offering $120,000 to support projects benefiting rural communities across the state.
Now in its fourth year, the program provides financial assistance for projects involving economic development, infrastructure improvements, emergency services and other community needs.
Applications are being accepted through December 1.
Ryan Tate, associate director of local government for the Illinois Farm Bureau, says the grants are designed to help rural communities turn local ideas into projects that create opportunities and address important challenges.
Since the program began, the Illinois Farm Bureau has awarded $250,000 in rural development grants.
This year’s funding includes $100,000 from the Illinois Farm Bureau and an additional $20,000 contribution from COUNTRY Financial.
Previous grants have supported emergency service providers, community development initiatives, food access cooperatives, healthcare improvements and local infrastructure projects.
For the 2026-27 grant cycle, approximately 20 percent of available funding, or $24,000, will be designated for emergency services.
COUNTRY Financial officials say their continued support reflects the importance of partnerships that strengthen rural communities and improve quality of life.
Organizations in Wayne County and surrounding Southern Illinois counties interested in applying are encouraged to contact their local county Farm Bureau office for eligibility requirements and application information.
Additional details are available through the Illinois Farm Bureau’s Rural Development Grant Program website.
Grant recipients are expected to be announced by February 28, 2027.