Calgary, AB. – Nov. 3, 2020 – Fundraising is tough. For rural-based charitable and not-for-profit groups, this may be even more true in light of COVID-19. Many small communities were hit particularly hard as events and get-togethers, crucial to generating support, were cancelled this year. 

With the completion of the random draw in the Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities (CFGC) program, supported by the Bayer Fund, 66 winning charities and not-for-profits were selected to share $165,000 in funding to strengthen their communities—each receiving a $2,500 grant to apply to a project or program that will enhance the lives of its rural residents and help grow their community.

“Rural communities across the country and the farm families and residents who keep them strong are critical to our agricultural business,” said Trish Jordan, senior business partner, government and industry affairs with Bayer’s Crop Science division. “We feel fortunate we can offer this timely support and work with farmers across the country to help identify those in need within their communities. There is never a shortage of good causes and we know the money is put to good use for the benefit of many.”

Participation rates have risen considerably over the past several years, which points to both interest among farmers in giving back to their communities, and the significant need among charitable and community groups. First introduced in 2012, the 2020 CFGC program received just over 900 farmer applications and charity suggestions, consistent with year-ago entries.

The program this year received many suggestions from farmers about how local groups in their communities could benefit from the grants, with community improvement projects; fire and health organizations; and recreation and sporting activities garnering the most support.

Farmers living and working in the Maritimes, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Northeastern B.C. had from mid-January to the end of September to submit their entries by visiting the Canada’s Farmers website and completing an online application form.

To read more community stories or gather additional information about Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities 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 2018, the Group employed around 117,000 people and had sales of 39.6 billion euros. Capital expenditures amounted to 2.6 billion euros, R&D expenses to 5.2 billion euros.

About Bayer Crop Science

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 

Note: A complete listing of all 66 winning entrants, their farmer nominator and their community, is detailed below. 

Canada’s Farmers Grow Communities - 2020 Winners

ALBERTA/BC TERRITORIES

SASKATCHEWAN TERRITORIES

MANITOBA TERRITORIES

ONTARIO/QUEBEC TERRITORIES

MARITIMES TERRITORIES