Compeer Financial announces grant application schedule under new Compeer Giving platform

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. — Compeer Financial has refreshed its corporate philanthropic program under Compeer Giving. The program refocuses its investments in the future of rural communities under three core efforts: grants, scholarships and community partnerships.

The application schedule for this year’s scholarships and grants is:

Now through Feb. 15 — High School Scholarships: Available to high school seniors pursuing a degree or career in an agricultural field.

Feb. 1 to March 15 — Farmers Market Grant: Supports marketing, technology, education and engagement designed to drive economic impact and foster community spirit through farmers markets.

April 15 to May 31 — Emergency Response Equipment Grant: Funds equipment needed to effectively respond to incidents, as well as equipment needed to protect and support responders.

July 1 to Aug. 15 — Next ACRE (Agriculture Classrooms, Resources and Equipment) Grant: Provides funding to support agricultural education, including new tools, technology or upgrades to equipment, as well as renovations, improvements or building projects for non-traditional classrooms.

Sept. 1 to Oct. 15 — County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant: Supports renovations, updates and improvements to agricultural buildings and facilities on county fairgrounds, as well as new building or barn construction projects for agricultural needs.

Open All Year — Beginning with Compeer Grant: Available to part-time or full-time farmers who have been farming less than 10 years to fund a variety of farm business-related expenses.

“The Compeer Giving program breathes new life into our strategic giving and supports Compeer’s vision of creating a world where agriculture and rural communities are dynamic, collaborative and thriving. Our giving empowers farmers, equips rural first responders, inspires youth, enhances education and nurtures community well-being,” said Karen Schieler, manager of Compeer Giving at Compeer Financial.

Compeer Giving is dedicated to strengthening agriculture and rural communities across its 144-county territory in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Since 2018, Compeer has invested nearly $40 million in rural community support, partnering with organizations, schools, first responders and youth who shape the future of agriculture.

Moving forward, Compeer Giving will support programs and partners aligfirst respondersned with three philanthropic focus areas:

Inspiring Youth: Supporting youth through scholarships, leadership development and hands-on agricultural experiences helps cultivate the next generation of thinkers and doers who will guide rural communities forward.

Enhancing Agriculture and the Rural Workforce: Investing in ag classrooms, technical training, hands-on learning and workforce development helps cultivate the future of farming operations and the industry.

Empowering Rural Communities: Enabling community organizations to expand their impact, improve facilities and enhance resources helps ensure rural life remains vibrant, resilient and sustainable.

“The refreshed program positions Compeer to expand strategic giving and partnerships regionally, as well as collaborative investments with other Farm Credit institutions. Unifying our separate giving efforts under one identity further enhances our ability to deliver meaningful local impact,” Schieler said.

Additional information about Compeer Giving and the 2026 grant and scholarship programs can be found at Compeer.com/giving-back.