Springfield, Illinois (September 23, 2021) – The BRANDT Foundation awarded four grants to charitable organizations at its regularly scheduled semi-annual meeting.

The grantees, all 501(c)3 organizations in good standing for the past three years, boast close ties to the Ag industry and the local communities where BRANDT operates its businesses.

Central California Food Bank - The Central California Food Bank is the largest nonprofit organization solely focused on ending hunger. With the help from this grant, they will provide food to families through their Groceries2Go pick-up program. This program has convenient and contactless options for receiving food support.

PORTA Foundation - With the help of this grant, the PORTA Foundation will be able to build a 24’ x 48’ gable greenhouse with modern heating, cooling and irrigation systems. The greenhouse will be used by the PORTA school district in Petersburg, Illinois for horticulture classes, plant science classes, FFA annual flower sale fundraisers, culinary arts classes, business classes, and community partnerships with local restaurants.

Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation (IALF) – Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation equips agricultural professionals with the knowledge, skills and expertise to take on influential roles in the Ag industry. With this grant, the IALF will create a diversity scholarship to help provide financial support to individuals of color to encourage participation in the IALF program.

Illinois Amish Heritage Center- With the help of this grant, the Illinois Amish Heritage Center will replicate the historic garden once situated in front of the 1865 Mose Yoder house in Arthur, Illinois. It will utilize heritage seeds for vegetables, corn, and flower varieties. The surrounding elementary schools will be able to come visit for hands on engagement and learning about gardening. The garden will also be managed and maintained by the local 4-H organization.

All the grants are connected to the local communities where BRANDT does business. The mission of The BRANDT Foundation is “to provide meaningful assistance and support to the communities, farms and families where BRANDT has facilities.”

The BRANDT Foundation is a private foundation, funded through donations from BRANDT, Inc. and BRANDT employees.