--  Ford-Iroquois Farm Bureau supports Gibson City Restoration Association  --

  In an effort to elevate rural communities, Illinois Farm Bureau partnered with county Farm Bureaus (CFBs) to award 30 Rural Development Grants totaling $120,000 to support local projects across the state.  Of the grants awarded, nine are addressing rural emergency services’ needs, and 21 are projects focused on supporting community and economic development or enhancing quality of life.

Through the Ford-Iroquois Farm Bureau, the Gibson City Restoration Association benefits from a grant to support the restoration of the historic Burwell Building in Gibson City.  The building, in the center of the business district, was purchased by the Gibson City Restoration Association in 2021.  Plans are to use the building for community meetings and pop-up stores. 

The Rural Development Grant Program provides resources and support to help local communities and counties successfully implement projects and overcome challenges inherent in rural development projects, such as lack of funding and volunteers or complicated grant applications.  The Farm Bureau searches for projects that meet a need in a community, county or rural area, and excites and benefits farm families.

Other approved grant recipients included fire protection districts and ambulance operations, grant monies used to improve communication systems like STARCOM and outdated handheld radios.

94.1 WGFA