Weekly Funding Opportunity: John Deere Foundation

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Each week, Neighborhood Networks provides potential funding sources to help centers develop and improve programs and services. Featured this week is the John Deere Foundation.

Deere and Company, founded in 1837 (collectively called John Deere), has grown from a one-man blacksmith shop into a corporation that today conducts business around the world and employs approximately 47,000 people. John Deere consists of four major business segments (agricultural equipment, commercial and consumer equipment, construction and forestry and credit).

Program Areas: Established in 1948, the John Deere Foundation has invested millions of dollars to support education, human services, community development, and arts and culture. The John Deere Foundation has doubled its annual giving over the past three years and anticipates awarding grants and gifts totaling $12 million in 2007.

Targeted Area: Southeast, Midwest, West.

Eligibility: In general, the company supports projects in communities where John Deere has a major presence (manufacturing facilities, sales branches, and parts depots). Only organizations that have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code are eligible for foundation grants.

The John Deere Foundation does not fund:

	Individuals.
	Religious organizations for sectarian purposes.
	Athletic organizations or sports programs.
	Political campaigns or organizations.
	Other foundations solely for purposes of increasing an endowment.
	Tax-supported entities, such as schools, police/fire departments, municipalities, etc.
	Fraternal organizations or sororities.

Award Amount: Award amounts vary.

Application Process: All grant requests must include a completed copy of the application form. In addition to the form, an application must include:

	A recent, audited financial statement.
	The organization's annual report.
	A program budget if the request is for a specific project.
	Evidence of 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status.

All grant request documentation should be sent to:

Cheryl A. Ashcraft
Manager, Foundation Charitable Contributions
John Deere Foundation
Deere & Company
One John Deere
Place Moline, IL 61265
(309) 748-7955

Deadlines: Ongoing.

Contact: For more information about the John Deere Foundation, contact:

James H. Collins
President, John Deere Foundation
(309) 748-7951

John Bustle
Manager, Strategic Philanthropy
(309) 748-7960

Cheryl A. Ashcraft
Manager, Foundation Charitable Contributions
(309) 748-7955