Building Our American Communities Grant Program

The Building Our American Communities (BOAC) Grant Program, administered by the Missouri Department of Agriculture, supports youth engagement in rural community development across the state. Each year, the program allocates $12,000 to Missouri 4-H clubs and FFA chapters, promoting initiatives that improve and advance local agricultural communities. The BOAC program reflects Missouri's commitment to empowering young leaders to take initiative in strengthening infrastructure and services in their hometowns. The BOAC program awards 24 grants annually—twelve for 4-H clubs and twelve for FFA chapters. Each award is valued at $500 and is distributed evenly across Missouri's six agricultural districts, with two grants per district for each eligible youth organization. The program prioritizes projects that contribute positively to agricultural communities or drive broader community development, such as improving buildings, facilities, or grounds utilized by local groups or organizations. Eligible applicants must be affiliated with a Missouri-based 4-H club or FFA chapter. These youth-led entities are required to propose projects that are clearly aligned with the program’s community development mission. Projects that revitalize public spaces, enhance shared-use facilities, or provide agricultural benefits are considered particularly relevant. Award recipients are required to complete their proposed work by August 1 of the following year. Applications for the 2026 cycle must be submitted electronically by December 1, 2025. Forms for both 4-H and FFA applicants are available on the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s website. Selected recipients will be notified in early January. The funding process is tied to Missouri’s financial system, MOVERS, in which all grantees must register. Projects are selected based on how well they meet the program’s community benefit criteria. While no specific match funding is required, applicants should ensure that proposed budgets align with the $500 grant limit. The application process is straightforward but must be completed on time and in full to be considered. This grant opportunity recurs annually, making it a consistent source of support for youth-driven community development. The Department’s long-term investment in the BOAC program demonstrates its confidence in the ability of Missouri’s young agricultural leaders to enact meaningful change in their communities.

Projects that benefit shared-use community spaces or agricultural groups may be prioritized