By RYAN SKAITH
Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn announced this week that 17 Missouri youth groups have been selected as recipients of the 2026 Building Our American Communities grant program.
The awards provide $500 each to seven National FFA Organization chapters and 10 Missouri 4-H clubs to fund local community service initiatives. Projects range from physical upgrades to fairgrounds and parks to the improvement of community centers.
“Year after year we see terrific projects and community impact from FFA chapters and 4-H clubs across Missouri,” Director Chinn said. “This year is no different, and we are proud to support efforts that will make a difference in these communities for years to come.”
The 2026 grant recipients are:
FFA Chapters:
- California FFA, Moniteau County
- Otterville FFA, Cooper County
- Memphis FFA, Scotland County
- Elsberry FFA, Lincoln County
- Willow Springs FFA, Howell County
- West Plains FFA, Howell County
- Dora FFA, Ozark County
4-H Clubs:
- Show Me 4-H Club, Moniteau County
- 4 C’s 4-H Club, Cooper County
- Liberty Leaders 4-H Club, Knox County
- Shafter 4-H Club, Linn County
- Foundation Creation 4-H Club, DeKalb County
- Wranglers 4-H Club, DeKalb County
- Drake 4-H Club, Gasconade County
- Double S 4-H Club, Gasconade County
- Patton 4-H Club, Bollinger County
- Ripley County 4-H Club, Ripley County
Established in the 1970s, the BOAC program is funded through the Missouri Agriculture Development Fund via an agreement with the USDA. All selected projects must be completed by Aug. 1, 2026.
