In an effort to elevate rural communities, Illinois Farm Bureau partnered with county Farm Bureaus to award 30 Rural Development Grants totaling $120,000 to support local projects across the state.

Fifty-three emergency response departments supporting rural communities across Illinois received up to $4,000 — for a total of $202,878 — to fund much needed equipment and technology upgrades.

Southeast Livingston County Ambulance Service received a $2,500 gift from Compeer Home in recognition of its crew members’ selfless service to others.