Jul 10, 2025

Record Number of Missouri 4-H and FFA Groups Earn Rural Improvement Grants

Posted Jul 10, 2025 6:07 PM

NODAWAY COUNTY, Mo. — A record 113 Missouri 4-H clubs and FFA chapters have been awarded $500 Shaping Rural Missouri Grants from FCS Financial this summer to complete community improvement projects across the state.

The grants support a variety of efforts, including landscaping fairgrounds, painting bleachers, building picnic tables, and enhancing community parks.

In Nodaway County, two groups received funding:

  1. The 102 River Hounds 4-H Club for landscaping around the County Community Building
  2. The Jefferson 4-H Club and the South Nodaway FFA Chapter for updating the City of Barnard welcome sign

Now in its 14th year, the Shaping Rural Missouri Grant program has awarded more than $364,000 statewide to support rural youth-led initiatives.

The projects are expected to be completed throughout the summer, helping shape not only rural spaces—but future community leaders as well.