Charitable Contributions Fund (CCF) Grant Program

The Charitable Contributions Fund (CCF) Grant Program is administered by Farm Credit of the Virginias to support nonprofit and charitable initiatives that strengthen agriculture and rural communities within the organization’s service territory. Farm Credit of the Virginias operates across a 96-county footprint and provides financial and community support to agricultural producers and rural residents throughout portions of Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. Through the CCF program, the organization provides direct grant funding to projects that align with its mission and values related to agricultural advancement, food security, rural wellbeing, education, and community development. The grant program is intended to support organizations whose activities directly benefit rural communities and agricultural populations served by Farm Credit of the Virginias. The 2026 funding cycle is accepting applications from May 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026. Grants are awarded for up to $10,000 per organization. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, community organizations, and government organizations whose projects are located within or serve communities in the Farm Credit of the Virginias territory. Organizations must demonstrate alignment with the objectives of the fund and clearly explain the community need their project addresses. The program specifically excludes individuals and private farms from eligibility. Organizations that previously received a CCF grant are not eligible to receive funding in consecutive years and must wait one year after receiving an award before applying again. The grant program supports a broad range of agricultural and rural community initiatives. Eligible project categories include youth education programs such as 4-H, FFA, and K-12 agricultural education; adult agricultural education; farm safety initiatives; urban agriculture projects including community gardens and farmers markets; food insecurity efforts such as farms-to-food-banks programs; natural resources and conservation initiatives; rural mental health and agritherapy services; support for underrepresented communities in agriculture; and military veteran agricultural programs. Applicants may also propose projects outside these listed categories if they can clearly explain how the initiative aligns with Farm Credit of the Virginias priorities and rural community impact goals. Applicants are required to complete the official application form and provide substantial supporting documentation. Required materials include a completed application, a W-9 form, a project budget using either the Farm Credit of the Virginias template or an equivalent budget document, and any additional project support documents such as business plans, building plans, or photographs for construction-related initiatives. The application requests organizational information, project descriptions, geographic impact details, community demographics, project goals, timelines, evaluation methods, partnership information, and funding history. Applicants must also explain how partial funding would affect project implementation and disclose any support previously received from Farm Credit of the Virginias within the last three years. Farm Credit of the Virginias permits both online and printed application submissions. Printed applications may be delivered to any branch location, while digital submissions can be emailed to the official grant inbox. Incomplete applications are not accepted, and applicants are instructed to ensure all required fields and supporting documents are completed prior to submission. Online applicants may save their progress and return later to complete the form. The organization reserves the right to verify references and partnership claims included in the application materials. Grant funding decisions are discretionary, and Farm Credit of the Virginias may choose to fully or partially fund any request. Salary expenses, rent, utilities, and administrative costs are allowable uses of funds under the program guidelines. The program includes several restrictions designed to ensure funding alignment with organizational priorities. Funding cannot be used for political campaigns, lobbying, scholarships, sports teams, non-agricultural school activities, private foundations promoting hobbies, individual farm operations, or sectarian programming that benefits a single religious organization. Postsecondary institutions such as community colleges and universities are excluded from this opportunity and are instead directed toward the Agricultural Career Enhancement grant program. Organizations receiving funding must expend awarded funds by September 1, 2027. Questions regarding the grant program may be directed to CCF@FCVirginias.com or by phone at 1-800-919-3276. The CCF program operates as a recurring annual funding opportunity intended to provide sustained support for agricultural and rural community development efforts across the Farm Credit of the Virginias territory.

Clearly demonstrate how the project supports agriculture or rural communities within the FCV territory. Ensure all required fields and attachments are complete before submission because incomplete applications are not accepted. Emphasize measurable community impact, alignment with FCV priorities, and realistic project timelines and budgets.