Best Grants For Agricultural Education in West Virginia

Whitley County 4-H Helping Hands Scholarship

This scholarship will go to a Whitley County senior involved with 4-H. Please contact the 4-H Extension Office for more information. The recipient will be selected during the Whitley County 4-H fair.

Philip & Leta Shriver Scholarship

Philip Shriver grew up in rural South Whitley and graduated from South Whitley High School. Leta Bernice Keel graduated from South Whitley High School in 1940. The two married on April 4, 1943. They made their home on a farm in rural South Whitley.

Leta was employed by Virgil Heinselman’s Locker and G & G Grocery. She was a member of the South Whitley United Methodist Church until she died on June 26, 2005.

A career-long farmer, Phil had a large chicken and egg operation for years, maintaining over 5000 chickens. An advocate for the industry, he was instrumental in stopping an egg carton tax proposed by the State of Ohio. He also worked construction for Morris Darley of South Whitley for many years. Phil was an accomplished welder and metal fabricator, making several crosses that adorn the steeples of area churches.

This scholarship was created as a gift from the estate of Philip Shriver after his death in 2021. It is open to any Whitley County graduating senior who plans to further their education in the field of agriculture or church-related work.

4-H Beef Club Fund

The 4-H Beef Club Fund, established by the Whitley County 4H Beef Club, provides educational scholarship support for any member of Whitley County 4-H intent upon studying Agriculture at an accredited college or university in pursuit of a 2 or 4 year degree in the field.

This Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Washington County MD, and exists to improve the quality of life for all of our citizens, now and for generations to come, by building community endowments, addressing needs through grant making and providing leadership on key community issues.

Washington County 4-H Livestock/Market Sale Scholarship

Established to support post-secondary scholarships to participants in Washington County 4-H Livestock and Market Sale programs.

Louis R. & Helen E. Schwartz FFA Agricultural Scholarship

The Louis R. and Helen E. Schwartz FFA Agricultural Scholarship was established to help prepare Saginaw County students for a future in agriculture or an agriculture-related field. Both Lou and Helen Schwartz were raised on farms in Iowa, so they knew from first-hand experience that farming can be a difficult business. They moved to Frankenmuth when Lou opened area S&H Stores in 1962. The stores were sold to Quality Farm and Fleet in 1982.

Scholarships are awarded to students from Saginaw County, Michigan; Lyon County, Minnesota and Muscatine County, Iowa.

New Innovator in Food & Agriculture Research Award

The New Innovator in Food & Agriculture Research Award provides early-career scientists the investment needed to propel them into successful research careers.

The Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) seeks nominations for its 2026 New Innovator in Food and Agriculture Research Award. Through this program, FFAR intends to provide early-career scientists with the investment needed to propel them into successful research careers. The New Innovator Award program supports and promotes exceptionally talented new faculty who are conducting critical and highly innovative research addressing significant food and agriculture challenges. These awards allow grantees to focus exclusively on research without the pressure of securing additional funding.

The New Innovator Award is a flagship program of FFAR’s Scientific Workforce Priority Area and seeks to promote career advancement of promising new scientists who intend to make a long-term career commitment to research in food and agriculture and bring innovative, ground-breaking research initiatives and thinking to bear on problems facing food and agriculture. Within the scope of the New Innovator Award program, investigators have the freedom to explore new avenues of inquiry that arise during their research. Therefore, FFAR is interested in the program of research to be explored and its impact as opposed to a list of very specific aims.

It is expected that, through this program, investigators will have the ability to pursue highly creative ideas, firmly establish their early lines of research into important food and agriculture scientific areas and provide funding stability in the critical early career years.

Each applicant can receive from FFAR up to $150,000 per year for a maximum of three years totaling a $450,000 investment.

To further support the grantees, and allow them to fully focus on their research, matching funds are not required for this program.

The Freshman Winner's Circle Scholarships, established by the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, aim to support high school students graduating in Spring 2026 who are pursuing degrees in agriculture. These scholarships encourage participation in livestock projects and reward dedication to the agricultural field. Eligible students must enroll in a post-secondary agricultural program at a university or college starting Fall 2026, fostering future leaders in the agricultural industry.

Foundation

The Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation was established in 1991 by members of the Bureau County Farm Bureau. The mission of the Farm Bureau Foundation is “To carry out charitable, scientific, literary and educational work that benefits Bureau County farm families and agriculture.”

The Foundation supports agricultural programs aimed at:

• Scholarship
• Education
• Leadership
• Research

Bureau County High School Senior Agricultural Scholarship

To provide for persons studying agriculture and agriculture-related fields including but not limited to education, vet medicine, and leadership development.

The Harris Family Scholarship, established by the Connecticut Community Foundation in 1923, supports local students pursuing post-secondary degrees in agriculture-related fields. As one of the largest scholarship providers in the Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills region, the Foundation aims to address community needs and enhance educational opportunities. This scholarship reflects the generosity of many donors dedicated to helping students achieve their academic goals and contribute to the community.

The Goble, Eldon and Frances Agriculture/Business Scholarship offers a $500 award to graduating seniors from Gage County, managed by the Beatrice Educational Foundation. Established in 1987, the foundation provides financial support to enhance educational opportunities in the Beatrice School District. Candidates are evaluated based on academic goals, achievements, and community involvement. Applications are available in the Student Services Office and online at www.beatricepublicschools.org, promoting academic excellence and civic engagement.

The Schilling Technical Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides four scholarships of $2,000 each to graduating seniors from select high schools. It is renewable for an additional year if a 2.5 GPA is maintained while enrolled in at least 12 credit hours. Eligible students must demonstrate financial need and submit a FAFSA-SAI, along with a transcript and an essay. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing vocational or two-year accredited education.

The Schilling Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides six $3,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors from select schools. Renewable for up to three years, recipients must maintain a 3.0 GPA, enroll in 12 credit hours, and major in Agriculture. An essay submission is required, and applicants must demonstrate financial need by submitting their FAFSA-SAI. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing degrees in various Agriculture fields.

The Protect the Farm Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, provides a $1,000 award for graduating high school seniors from select schools in Missouri. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years, provided students maintain a 2.5 GPA and pursue a major in agriculture. Applicants must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours at an accredited institution. Required materials include a transcript, personal essay, and recommendation letter.

The Undergraduate Winner's Circle Scholarships, offered by the Iowa Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, support Iowa youth pursuing agricultural studies at 2- or 4-year institutions. Eligible applicants must be graduates of Iowa high schools or members of 4-H or FFA chapters and maintain full-time status. This initiative aims to encourage students to excel in agricultural careers by providing financial assistance tailored to their educational needs.

The Carl & Thelma Stitzlein Cattlemen's Association Scholarship, managed by the Ashland County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors and college students from Ashland County pursuing degrees in Agriculture, particularly Animal Agriculture. This scholarship honors the legacy of Carl and Thelma Stitzlein, who dedicated their lives to the beef industry and education. Eligible applicants must be accepted into accredited colleges or universities, ensuring that the next generation of agricultural leaders is well-equipped to succeed.

The Debra Slater Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Ashland County Community Foundation, assists graduating seniors from Hillsdale High School and continuing college students pursuing accredited two or four-year degrees. Eligible applicants must major in Agriculture or Animal Sciences and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, with preference given to current or former members of FFA or 4-H. This scholarship aims to support future leaders in agriculture and contribute to the community's growth.

Compeer Financial's High School Senior Scholarship Program offers 105 scholarships of $2,000 each to graduating seniors in its 144-county territory. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic achievement, community involvement, and a passion for agriculture. Special consideration is given to dependents of Compeer clients and students from metropolitan areas. This competitive program aims to support the future leaders of agriculture and rural America, with awards paid directly to the recipients' colleges.

The Zimmerman, Edward and Beverly Memorial Scholarship Fund offers $1,000 to West Noble High School seniors pursuing higher education at a college or university, with priority given to those demonstrating community service and maintaining a GPA between 2.50 and 3.00. Preference is also given to students studying agriculture, education, social work, or accounting. This scholarship reflects the values of its donors, Edward and Beverly, who were dedicated community members and supporters of local education.

The Elroy Webster Cooperative Studies Scholarships support graduate and law students in agricultural cooperative programs. Up to two EWCS Fellows can receive $2,500 each year, while up to three EWCS Scholars may receive $1,000. Applicants must demonstrate how their studies benefit the agricultural cooperative industry. The program promotes inclusivity, welcoming candidates without regard to race or background, and encourages attendance at related events to enhance networking and recognition.

The Christina Sue Lilja Resource Grants support agricultural literacy by providing funds for educators to purchase resources from the Ag Foundation store. In 2025, 100 educators will receive $100 in store credits, selected randomly if applications exceed this number. This initiative, backed by the CSL Foundation, honors Christy Lilja's legacy of advocating for agricultural education. The grants aim to enhance classroom resources and improve students' understanding of agriculture, ensuring access to accurate information.

The White-Reinhardt Grant offers funding for projects that enhance agricultural literacy among K-12 students. With grants of up to $1,000 available, state and county Farm Bureaus can initiate new educational programs or expand existing ones. This initiative, supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation and its Women’s Leadership Committee, honors the contributions of Berta White and Linda Reinhardt, aiming to bolster agricultural knowledge across the nation.

The Michigan Sugar Company FFA Mini-Grant aims to support FFA chapters in advancing agricultural education within its growing region. Grants between $500 and $3,000 will be awarded to eligible institutions, focusing on establishing new chapters and enhancing educational resources. Applications are welcomed from any FFA chapter or school district committed to agricultural education. Preference will be given to proposals that include matching funds. This initiative reflects Michigan Sugar Company's dedication to community involvement and responsible growth.

The Fred C. Gloeckner Foundation Research Fund, established in 2024 through a partnership with the American Floral Endowment (AFE), is dedicated to advancing floriculture research and education. With over 120 years of combined funding experience, it supports innovative projects across various fields related to floriculture. Grants are available for substantial research initiatives at U.S. universities and institutions, focusing on outcomes beneficial to the public, while ensuring projects are reviewed annually for renewal.

The Ag Health and Safety Grants, awarded by CHS and the CHS Foundation, aim to enhance agricultural safety and foster community well-being. These grants focus on educating youth and farmers about agricultural hazards, providing training for rural professionals, and developing essential safety guidelines. With a commitment to improving safety standards, the program has benefitted over 32,000 youth and supported more than 450 communities through safety initiatives and equipment, ensuring a safer future for all involved in agriculture.

The Chipotle Cultivate Foundation Grant Program supports 501(c)3 non-profits dedicated to making real food accessible and fostering community growth. Established in 2011, this initiative aligns with Chipotle's mission to cultivate a better world. Eligible organizations can apply through an invitation-only process, focusing on those paving the way for a better future. The foundation also offers mentorship and resources to innovative ventures in the food industry.

The Youth Programming Grant, offered by the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF), aims to support Native American farmers and ranchers through various projects. This grant focuses on providing essential business assistance, agricultural education, and advocacy services. By funding diverse initiatives, the NAAF seeks to promote the ongoing involvement of Native communities in agriculture, ensuring their sustainable growth and development within the sector.

The Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) offers grants to support Native farmers and ranchers through business assistance, agricultural education, technical support, and advocacy services. Established from the Keepseagle v. Vilsack settlement, NAAF is committed to providing essential resources to eligible organizations, including 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments. Special focuses include inflation assistance and market access, ensuring a holistic approach to agricultural support.