FOSTORIA, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—AgCredit, one of northern Ohio’s largest lenders for farmers, rural homeowners and agribusiness, has awarded $135,900 in Mission Fund grants to 14 community organizations in support of their efforts to improve the quality of life in communities primarily within the cooperative’s 18-county service territory. 

Now in its eighth year, the Mission Fund supports AgCredit’s commitment to investing in the future of agriculture and positively impacting the quality of life in rural Ohio. Recipients were selected based on their proposals to meet criteria in one or more of four key areas: Education, environment, technology and quality of rural life.

Following are AgCredit’s 2025 Mission Fund grant recipients:

  • Bellevue Fire Department, Huron County, $10,000
  • Central Lorain County Joint Ambulance District, Lorain County, $10,000
  • Fort Jennings Volunteer Fire Department, Putnam County, $8,000
  • Lucas County Ag Society, Lucas County, $15,000
  • Ottawa Volunteer Fire Department, Putnam County, $2,026.76
  • Paulding FFA, Paulding County, $12,600
  • Payne Fire Association, Paulding County, $7,500
  • Pemberville Freedom Fire Department, Wood County, $5,000
  • Portage Fire District Firefighters Association, Ottawa County, $6,000
  • Putnam County Rabbit Poultry Committee, Putnam County, $14,850
  • Van Wert County Ag Society, Van Wert County, $15,000
  • Vermillion FFA, Erie County, $7,500
  • Western Reserve Ag Ed Department, Huron County, $7,500
  • Wyandot County Ag Society, Wyandot County, $15,000

“As part of our commitment to supporting the agricultural community, we are proud to announce this year’s recipients. These organizations represent the very best of our industry—working to lead positive impact within their communities,” said AgCredit President and CEO Brian Ricker. “Through the Mission Fund, we are honored to help advance their efforts and strengthen the future of agriculture.”

Organizations may apply for Mission Fund grants of up to $15,000 per year. The 2026 application process will begin in March, and funds will be distributed by Dec. 31. For more information about the lending cooperative or the Mission Fund, visit AgCredit.net.