The AgStar Fund for Rural America, the corporate-giving program of Ag-Star Financial Services, is proud to announce they are once again accepting grant applications for programs that enhance the quality of life and future opportunities for rural residents and their communalities. Recipients will be awarded up to $10,000 for projects or programs that focus in one of four areas: Education, Environment, Technology or Quality of Life.

According to Fund Board of Trustees Chair, John Monson, each year, The AgStar Fund supports a wide range of projects and programs that enhance the quality of life in rural communities by providing up to $100,000 in funding. The grants awarded in 2009 range in scope, including: a project at the Minnesota Forest History Center, a request for new computers for the City of Lonsdale’s Public Library and dollars to support an educational exhibit for youth at Wisconsin Farm Technology Days.

“By partnering together with organizations that are able to bring ideas, energy, commitment and expertise, we can concentrate on areas that are relevant to rural America,” states AgStar President and CEO, Paul DeBriyn. AgStar encourages those seeking funding to visit agstar.com to learn about the AgStar Fund and see if they meet the guidelines.

Grant applications can be completed online and will be accepted October 1 through November 30. Grants will be awarded in the Spring of 2011.Since its inception in 2001, the AgStar Fund has donated more than $3 million to organizations working to improve the future of rural America. Applications considered for funding and support must align with the Fund’s mission to “enhance the quality of life and future opportunities for rural residents and their communities.” The Fund focuses on one of the four key areas of support:

About AgStar:

AgStar Financial Services, ACA, headquartered in Mankato, Minn., employs more than 600 full-time team members. The company is part of the national Farm Credit System and has a public mission to serve 69 counties in Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. AgStar’s industry specialization, client segments and market delivery systems result in diversification nationwide. The company has expertise in the corn, soybean, swine, dairy and bio-energy industries. Ag- Star has developed successful programs in loans, leases, crop insurance, tax services, accounting, consulting and rural home mortgages. As a value-added financial services cooperative, AgStar allocates patronage dividends to its 13,000 stockholders.

Visit www.AgStar.com for more information or contact: Terri Fast 507-344-5108