Australia
December 5, 2017
Rural schools, men’s sheds, Country Women’s Associations and community halls are among the 30 not-for-profit organisations in cotton growing communities to receive a $5000 boost from the Monsanto Fund this year.
30 not-for-profit and community organisations across cotton growing regions will benefit from a $5,000 grant just before the festive season, awarded under the 2017 Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities grants program. The program is delivered in partnership by the Monsanto Fund and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and has now distributed $600,000 to New South Wales and Queensland cotton communities in the past four years.
"After four years, the positive effect that these grants have on recipient communities is becoming even more apparent," said Natalie Egleton, Chief Executive of FRRR.
"With these grants, local community groups are able to address ongoing challenges and deliver lasting benefits in their communities. Often the funding is a catalyst for further investment, with grants typically leveraged at least three times over with additional financial or in-kind support.
"Sometimes they may seem like simple things, but new transport equipment for the Meals on Wheels Service or upgrading disabled access to a community hall has far-reaching impacts. With increasing pressures on rural communities making it harder to raise funds locally, we are delighted to be able to provide support for the wonderful work that many local leaders do, to build strong, vibrant and sustainable communities."
Cotton Australia Chief Executive, Adam Kay, said the organisation was encouraged to see another 30 diverse projects awarded grants for the betterment of cotton-growing communities.
"In recent years these grants have played an important role, either as seed funding to enable organisations to get projects off the ground, or as the deciding factor in an existing project’s successful completion.
"We congratulate all of this years’ recipients and look forward to seeing what is accomplished in the coming year," Adam said.
Monsanto Fund Representative in Australia, Jessica Douglas said that it was clear from the nominations received that there are many dedicated people within cotton areas committed to providing quality and much needed community services.
"Monsanto is proud of the Aussie Cotton Farmers Grow Communities program and the ongoing, positive impact of the grants over the past four years is noteworthy.
"This year we saw many community support programs being nominated, providing the opportunity to fund a range of projects that focus on mental health, disability care and education."
"It is important that the projects articulate long term benefits, in this way we can ensure that each individual grant has an enduring impact.
"Monsanto would like to thank all the cotton growers who nominated community projects—your support for the program ensures its success.
"The stories that have emerged over the past four years are astonishing. With such a wide mandate the grant program is able to offer support to many people. Congratulations to this year's recipients," Jessica said.
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