Youth Pathways Grant for Careers in Agriculture
Agriculture is one of the largest industries and economic contributors in our state. Ohio’s food and agriculture industry accounts for $107.9 billion of direct economic output, 18% of the state’s economy and over 778,000 jobs (1 in 8) statewide. Yet as vast and proactive as our agricultural industry is currently, projections indicate that in the next 10 years, we will need:
- 470,000 new workers in agribusiness.
- 90,000 new workers in direct farming operations.
Where will this workforce come from? How will we sustain the industry that benefits our state?
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.
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.
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.
The Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation seeks to support efforts that introduce students to or train them for high-demand careers in food, agricultural and environmental sciences. We are particularly interested in programs that create career pathways that allow students to explore with mentors learning opportunities that present a wide variety of careers in related fields.
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.
2023 Award Information and Important Dates
Sept. 1 – Sept. 30: Pre-submission Pitch Session Registration
Oct. 6: Pitch Session from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (in-person; must be available for entire duration of meeting)
Oct. 6 – Oct. 31: Final Proposal Submission
December 2023: Anticipated Award Date
All grant applicants must participate in the 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. The 2023 in-person pitch session will take place Friday, Oct. 6 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Ohio Farm Bureau office in downtown Columbus. Each presentation must use the pitch session slide template that will be linked below on Sept. 1.
Upon completion of the pitch session, all organizations will have the opportunity to refine their proposal for a final submission between Oct. 6-31, 2023.
The Youth Pathways Grant recipient(s) will be notified of their award no later than Dec. 15, 2023.
For questions regarding the Youth Pathways Grant for Careers in Agriculture, please contact the Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation at [email protected].