Agricultural Injury Prevention Youth Grant

The Agricultural Injury Prevention Youth Grant is administered by Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (I-CASH), a program established in 1990 and funded by the Iowa Legislature. I-CASH works to promote agricultural safety and health through statewide partnerships and educational initiatives. This grant program reflects the organization’s mission by engaging youth in efforts to reduce farm-related injuries and illnesses across Iowa communities. Additional support for the program is provided by the CHS Foundation, which contributes funding to expand youth-led safety initiatives. The purpose of the grant is to encourage youth to actively participate in improving farm safety awareness within their communities. Recognizing that agriculture is a high-risk occupation, the program supports projects that address hazards such as equipment operation, livestock handling, respiratory risks, sun exposure, and other occupational health concerns. Youth participants are expected to identify relevant safety topics based on local agricultural conditions and design projects that educate farmers and peers about preventive measures. Funding is provided in the form of small grants of up to 800 dollars per project. These funds are intended to support educational and outreach activities rather than direct compensation, as grant funds cannot be used for salaries. Allowable uses include purchasing materials, supplies, and resources needed to implement safety campaigns, such as protective equipment, educational materials, or demonstration tools. Projects must be conducted through an eligible organization, and funds are disbursed to the organization rather than individual participants. Eligibility is limited to youth groups and organizations located in Iowa, including those affiliated with educational, agricultural, or community-based institutions. Projects must be youth-led, with adults serving in advisory or mentorship roles. Only one application per organization or chapter is accepted, and applicants must demonstrate how youth will be involved in planning, implementation, and delivery. The program emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and meaningful engagement with local farming communities. The application process requires submission via email and includes a structured project proposal detailing the intended topic, methods, expected outcomes, and resources needed. Applicants must describe how they will research best practices, the type of activities they will conduct, and the anticipated reach of their project. Evaluation criteria include youth leadership, effective use of funds, collaboration with partners, and the potential impact of the proposed activities. Applications are reviewed by the I-CASH advisory board. Applications for the 2026 cycle are accepted until April 17, 2026, with funding decisions scheduled for announcement by April 24, 2026. Selected projects are required to submit a final evaluation report by October 9, 2026, documenting outcomes and impacts. One project is selected annually for the Outstanding Youth Grant Award, which includes a cash prize and funded travel to present at the Midwest Regional Agricultural Safety and Health conference held in November. This grant is offered on an annual basis, providing recurring opportunities for youth organizations to contribute to agricultural safety efforts. Through its structured evaluation process and emphasis on youth engagement, the program aims to foster leadership, promote health and safety awareness, and reduce the risks associated with farming activities in Iowa communities.

Emphasize youth leadership and creativity, clearly demonstrate community impact, and align project activities with agricultural safety priorities.