Local farmers are being encouraged to give back to their communities by nominating organizations for a major national funding program through BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada.
BASF has opened 2026 nominations for its Growing Home with BASF program, which will award a total of $160,000 to community organizations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario.
From Feb. 3 to Feb. 28, BASF customers in the four provinces can nominate a local organization they believe is making a meaningful difference in their community. Nominations must be submitted by BASF customers, typically farmers or growers, though the nominated organizations themselves can include a wide range of community groups.
Eligible groups include child-care centres, schools, agricultural societies, hospital foundations and other community-based non-profits.
The program, now in its fourth year, is designed to recognize and support the organizations that help rural communities thrive.
“The momentum behind the program over the past four years demonstrates just how important these organizations are to the communities they call home,” said Andrea McConnell, senior manager of customer solutions with BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada. “This community-inspired initiative has allowed BASF to support people and the places that are near and dear to them.”
How to nominate a community organization
Step 1: Submit a nomination
BASF customers are invited to nominate a local organization that makes a difference in their community. As part of the nomination form, participants are asked to submit a short write-up explaining why the organization deserves to win and how it positively impacts the community. Nominations must be submitted by Feb. 28, 2026.
Step 2: Boost your chances
Nominees can increase their organization’s chances of success by earning up to 25 additional entries, with details provided during the nomination process.
Step 3: Get ready for voting
A panel will select three finalist organizations per province, which will be announced March 31, 2026. Public voting will then be open to all Canadians from March 31 to April 17, with winners announced April 28.
Twelve organizations will share the $160,000 prize fund, with awards broken down by province: four first-place prizes of $25,000, four second-place prizes of $10,000 and four third-place prizes of $5,000.
Since launching in 2023, the Growing Home with BASF program has distributed $335,000 to 19 organizations across the four provinces. Last year’s Manitoba first-place funding supported the Boissevain School Parent Advisory Council Playground Committee, helping advance plans for an inclusive and accessible school playground.
BASF officials say the program’s success is driven by farmers who take the time to nominate local groups and encourage community participation during the voting phase.
More information, including the nomination form and full program criteria, is available at agsolutions.ca/growinghome
