Calgary, AB. – January 19, 2021 – The COVID-19 pandemic has hit a lot of charities and not-for-profit groups hard as face-to-face fundraising events have been shelved to protect public safety. But there’s an easy way to help them out from the safety of home.

By spending only 5-minutes online, you could have a chance to win $2,500 for a favourite charity, program or event in your community.

First introduced in 2012, the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities Program— supported by the Bayer Fund, the philanthropic arm of Bayer—is a program aimed at strengthening rural communities by equipping local, non-profit organizations with funds to carry out much-needed community work. The aim is for farmers to help improve the lives of many people living in rural communities.

“Farmers and rural communities are the focus of our business at Bayer Crop Science and we want to see them remain strong,” said Trish Jordan, senior business partner, government and industry affairs with Bayer’s Crop Science division. “The Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities Program is just one way we can give back to rural communities across the country and support the programs, activities and events that are important to farmers, our employees and other residents living in rural communities.”

A total of 66 grants, each valued at $2,500, will be provided to charitable and not-for-profit groups nominated by farmers.

In the past, Canadian farmers have applied on behalf of agricultural societies, 4-H clubs, playgrounds, daycares and school projects, community sporting organizations, libraries and health/service groups.

But the program isn’t just for farmers. If you are a local charity, you can also participate by suggesting a charity for farmers to consider in their application. If the focus of your work will enhance the lives of rural residents and help grow the community, you qualify.

 
Participation is simple. First, visit www.CanadasFarmers.ca. If you are a farmer, then complete a Farmer Application to nominate a charitable cause or not-for-profit in your community. If you are not a farmer, simply use the Charity Suggestion option. Applicants have between January 19 and September 30, 2021 to apply or suggest a charity. Winners will be announced this fall.

To get ideas or read the the stories of previous Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities winners visit www.canadasfarmers.ca or follow on Twitter @CanadasFarmers.

 
About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to benefit people by supporting efforts to overcome the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development, and the Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2019, the Group employed around 104,000 people and had sales of 43.5 billion euros. Capital expenditures amounted to 2.9 billion euros, R&D expenses to 5.3 billion euros.

About Bayer Crop Science Canada
In Canada, Bayer Crop Science offers growers a wide choice of tailored solutions with an integrated product portfolio of crop protection products, seed treatment technologies, plant biotechnology and digital farming solutions. As a top employer in Canada, the Crop Science division employs over 450 people, spanning 22 research, breeding, production and office sites across the country. For more information, visit www.bayer.ca.

About the Bayer Fund
The Bayer Fund is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where Bayer customers and employees live and work by providing funding for food and nutrition, education and community development projects.  

Contact:
Trish Jordan, Senior Business Partner
Government & Industry Affairs
204 799-7696
Trish.Jordan@bayer.com  
mediacanada@bayer.com