Tractor Supply's Grants for Growing: A Decade of Empowering FFA Chapters

As Tractor Supply Company (TSCO) celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Grants for Growing program, it's clear that the partnership between Tractor Supply and FFA has had a profound impact on FFA chapters and their communities. Since its inception, the program has awarded 1,795 grants, impacting more than 182,000 students and distributing nearly $24 million in funds (Tractor Supply, 2025).

The Grants for Growing program is a competitive grant program for middle and high school FFA chapters that are developing and improving project-based or experiential learning opportunities. The program has three main focus areas: Grow Your Classroom, Grow Your FFA Chapter, and Grow Your Ag Awareness. These focus areas have allowed FFA chapters to fund a wide range of projects, from building robots and developing community gardens to creating community composting programs and maintaining school grounds.

One of the key aspects of the Grants for Growing program is its ability to empower FFA members to make a lasting impact on their communities. For example, the Hudson's Bay FFA chapter in Vancouver, Washington, used their grant to combat food insecurity by starting a small flock of laying hens and donating eggs to students and their families through the Family & Community Resource Center. This project not only provided a valuable service to the community but also taught students about poultry production, animal care, and community health issues due to food poverty (FFA, 2021).



Another successful project funded by the Grants for Growing program is the Lawton-Bronson FFA chapter's bee project in Lawton, Iowa. The chapter received a grant to purchase bee hives, protective equipment, and tools, allowing students to learn about honey bee production, the business aspect of bee production, and harvest enough honey to account for 29 bottles (FFA, 2021). This project demonstrates the program's ability to support the development of leadership and career skills in the agriculture industry.

The Lee County FFA chapter in Beattyville, Kentucky, is another example of the positive impact of the Grants for Growing program. The chapter used their grant to maintain and improve the school's grounds, including the greenhouse, nursery, and school. The project helped maintain the school's grounds, host large gatherings, and expand the greenhouse class, providing opportunities for community engagement and volunteer work (FFA, 2021).

The partnership between Tractor Supply and FFA has not only empowered FFA chapters and their communities but has also contributed to the growth and success of both organizations. Tractor Supply's commitment to supporting FFA and its initiatives has enhanced its brand awareness and reputation among rural communities and agriculture enthusiasts. The company's dedication to the rural lifestyle and the future of agriculture has fostered customer loyalty and trust.

In conclusion, the Grants for Growing program has had a significant impact on FFA chapters and their communities, empowering FFA members to make a lasting impact and fostering the growth and success of both Tractor Supply and FFA. As Tractor Supply celebrates the 10th anniversary of the program, it's clear that the partnership between Tractor Supply and FFA will continue to benefit both organizations and the communities they serve.