CFC plants seeds of leadership through Community Outreach Grants

Funds going to support youth service projects and farmers markets

Capital Farm Credit is investing in the future of agriculture and its communities by awarding six, $1,000 Community Outreach Grants that will support four youth service projects and two farmers markets.  

The future of agriculture doesn’t begin in boardrooms or classrooms. It starts where young people roll up their sleeves to serve their communities. Capital Farm Credit is helping those efforts take root by investing in youth projects and local farmers markets through its Community Outreach Grant Program.

Together, the grants reflect Capital Farm Credit’s ongoing commitment to strengthening rural communities by empowering the next generation and supporting local food systems.

Rather than simply funding ideas, the Community Outreach Grant Program is designed to amplify passion, leadership and hands-on service. Each youth led project addresses a specific community need, while giving young leaders the opportunity to learn by doing.

“At the heart of agriculture is service to others,” said Capital Farm Credit President and CEO Jeff Norte.  “When young people are given the tools and encouragement to lead, the impact extends far beyond a single project. It strengthens communities today and agriculture’s future tomorrow.”

The two farmers market grants are equally rooted in community impact. By supporting markets that connect producers directly with consumers, Capital Farm Credit is helping create vibrant local hubs that promote nutrition, entrepreneurship and regional economic growth.

The grants are part of Capital Farm Credit’s broader mission to invest in people as much as production. As a cooperative owned by its borrowers, the organization views community engagement not as an obligation—but as a responsibility.

From youth driven service to local food access, each grant tells a story of neighbors helping neighbors and leadership growing where it’s needed most. Projects are funded year-round. Here’s a list of this season’s recipients:

Potter County – This project focuses on ag awareness through the High Plains Tractor Show, where youth and adults learn about the history and heritage of ag machinery and engineering, farm toys and antiques throughout the Texas Panhandle and across the High Plains.

District 8 4-H (Erath County) – Funds will be used to provide hands-on learning and collaboration with SURGE events that equip high school youth with the skills, confidence and networks needed to become effective leaders in their communities and within 4-H. Participants build core competencies in communication, teamwork, decision-making and civic engagement.

Mitchell County 4-H – This project involves a community garden, in which participants grow fruits and vegetables and learn to prepare and serve the fresh foods to their community. Through hands-on workshops, they seek to revive the lost art of food preservation — especially canning – to families build self-sufficiency, reduce food waste and strengthen connections to their food sources.

Kerr County 4-H – The Kerr 4-H Live, Learn, and Grow Outdoor Education program will rebuild and expand its chicken coop, raising chickens and assisting with egg production and distribution. Besides raising poultry, youth learn proper housing, safety from predators, nutrition, chicken health and many other topics relating to backyard poultry.

Burton County Farmers Market – This market is held in Washington County and allows only homemade and homegrown items from local residents once a month. Things you might find at the market can be everything from fruits and vegetables to hand-sewn items and homemade crafts.

San Antonio Farmers Market – This effort is held in conjunction with the San Antonio Food Bank to operate mobile farmers markets in Jourdanton (Atascosa County) and Hondo (Medina County), bringing fresh produce to residents who live far from the food bank and do not have free, easy access to fruits and vegetables.

Those interested in applying for a grant can get more information and submit their applications here.