JEFFERSON CITY – Two Gasconade County 4-H clubs are among 17 youth groups from across Missouri awarded grants from the Missouri Department of Agriculture’s 2026 Building Our American Communities grant program.

Chris Chinn, director of agriculture for the state of Missouri, announced the awards Monday which included seven chapters of the National FFA Organization and 10 Missouri 4-H clubs statewide. Among the 4-H clubs receiving $500 Building Our American Communities grants in 2026 are the Drake 4-H Club in Owensville and the Double S 4-H Club in Hermann.

“Year after year we see terrific projects and community impact from FFA chapters and 4-H clubs across Missouri,” said Chinn in a release from the Department of Agriculture. “This year is no different, and we are proud to support efforts that will make a difference in these communities for years to come.”

Each of the 2026 recipients will receive $500 toward their projects, which may include upgrades or additions to existing facilities, grounds or buildings, such as fairgrounds, parks or community centers used by local organizations.

The Building Our American Communities program has been supporting youth projects since the 1970s. Each year, youth organizations throughout Missouri submit proposals for consideration for the grants that support specific projects within each community. The grants are funded through Missouri’s Agriculture Development Fund under an agreement with the USDA. 4-H clubs and FFA chapters awarded grants this year must complete their projects no later than Aug. 1.