Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation

The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation believes that an increased focus on careers in agriculture will have a direct impact on the strength of the farm and food community, the security, and availability of food for the future and the well-being of Ohio. 

Agriculture is one of the largest industries and economic contributors in the state. Yet as vast and proactive as the agricultural industry is currently, projections indicate that in the next 10 years, Ohio will need: 

  • 470,000 new workers in agribusiness.
  • 90,000 new workers in direct farming operations.

The Youth Pathways Grant for Careers in Agriculture is the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation’s signature grant program designed to help young people discover their purpose and passion in agricultural careers through programming that introduces them to the educational and employment possibilities related to farming and other ag-related careers. 

The foundation intends to award up to $100,000 to organizations that exhibit innovative program design, utilize partnerships between community organizations and demonstrate program sustainability statewide. As a partner, the foundation seeks to support efforts that successfully prepare students for post-secondary training or direct placement in ag-related industries. Preference is given to organizations that are in need of startup funds for long-term programming initiatives and success. 

Who is eligible?
Grants are typically made only to nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code, or who have a fiscal sponsor with this status. Under certain circumstances, applications from organizations that do not meet this criteria, but are providing a charitable program, may be considered.

Award Information & Important Dates:

  • Sept. 19-30: Register for a pre-submission Pitch Session
  • Oct. 5: Pitch Session slides due
  • Oct. 11: Pitch Session from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Oct. 12-Nov. 4: Final Proposal Submission
  • Dec. 5: Anticipated Award Date

All grant applicants must participate in a pre-submission pitch session. The pitch session is an opportunity to present your idea before the Youth Pathways Advisory Committee to gain valuable feedback and refine your proposal for final submission.

For more information about how to submit a proposal for the Youth Pathways Grant for Careers in Agriculture opportunity, visit ofb.ag/youthpathways23.

For questions regarding the Youth Pathways Grant for Careers in Agriculture, please contact the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation at [email protected]

Founded in 1983, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation is a 501(c) (3) charitable, nonprofit organization. Learn more at ohiofarmbureau.org/foundation.

I'm eternally grateful for the support Ohio Farm Bureau scholarships provided in helping me turn my dreams into reality.
Bethany Starlin's avatar
Bethany Starlin

Hocking County Farm Bureau

Available scholarships
I appreciate the benefit of having a strong voice in my corner. The extras that are included in membership are wonderful, but I'm a member because of the positive impact to my local and state agricultural communities.
Ernie Welch's avatar
Ernie Welch

Van Wert County Farm Bureau

Strong communities
I see the value and need to be engaged in the community I live in, to be a part of the decision-making process and to volunteer with organizations that help make our community better.
Matt Aultman's avatar
Matt Aultman

Darke County Farm Bureau

Leadership development
Farm Bureau involvement has taught me how to grow my professional and leadership experience outside of the workforce and how to do that in a community-centric way.
Jaclyn De Candio's avatar
Jaclyn De Candio

Clark County Farm Bureau

Young Ag Professionals program
With not growing up on a farm, I’d say I was a late bloomer to agriculture. I feel so fortunate that I found the agriculture industry. There are so many opportunities for growth.
Jenna Gregorich's avatar
Jenna Gregorich

Coshocton County Farm Bureau

Growing our Generation
Labor has always been an issue, mainly because we are a seasonal operation. So that's a challenge finding somebody who only wants to work three months out of a year, sometimes up to six months.
Mandy Way's avatar
Mandy Way

Way Farms

Business Solutions
Knowing that horticulture is under the agriculture umbrella and having Farm Bureau supporting horticulture like it does the rest of ag is very important.
Jared Hughes's avatar
Jared Hughes

Groovy Plants Ranch

Groovy Plants Ranch
If it wasn't for Farm Bureau, I personally, along with many others, would not have had the opportunity to meet with our representatives face to face in Washington.
Austin Heil's avatar
Austin Heil

Hardin County Farm Bureau

Washington, D.C. Leadership Experience
So many of the issues that OFBF and its members are advocating for are important to all Ohioans. I look at OFBF as an agricultural watchdog advocating for farmers and rural communities across Ohio.
Mary Smallsreed's avatar
Mary Smallsreed

Trumbull County Farm Bureau

Advocacy
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