AgFirst donations benefit several communities in 2021

This year, AgFirst donated more than $600,000 to organizations that improve lives in our community, provide opportunities for those starting out in the industry and support agriculture. See some of the notable donations from the year.

Midlands impact

To fight homelessness in the Midlands, AgFirst gave $50,000 to Transitions Homeless Shelter, allowing the organization to purchase essential items and make needed kitchen equipment repairs. AgFirst has a strong commitment to the United Way of the Midlands, and this year, gave $60,000 to the organization. Continuing with our community investment, AgFirst donated $25,000 to the Columbia Urban league to support programs providing economic empowerment and educational opportunities for those in need.

Relief efforts

A corporate donation of $25,000 was given to Red Cross earlier this year, and when Hurricane Ida left devastation in its wake, AgFirst gave an additional $25,000 to support relief efforts for people recovering from the natural disaster.

In December, a series of tornadoes ravaged Kentucky and destroyed homes, lives and livelihoods. The storms affected farmers and agricultural business owners with widespread destruction of farmland and production facilities. To help those in agriculture begin to recover from this destruction, AgFirst donated $50,000 to the Kentucky Agriculture Relief Fund.

Inclusivity in agriculture

Four college students benefited from a new scholarship program investing in Native American and Latino students. By partnering with the Native American Agriculture Fund (NAAF) and Minorities in Agriculture Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANNRS), AgFirst awarded each recipient $3,000 for the school year to support their aspirations in serving rural communities.

Knowing that Black farmers face unique needs in agriculture, AgFirst donated $10,000 to the National Black Growers Council (NBGC) to support its mission to improve efficiency, productivity and sustainability of Black farmers.

AgFirst is proud to partner with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and this year, gave $87,000 to support Benedict College, Claflin University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and South Carolina State University. Donations provided scholarships and professional development opportunities for students and provided support for each school’s career center.

Continuing our investment in education, AgFirst donated $25,000 to the South Carolina Governor's School for Agriculture to support the next generation of leaders in the industry.

Employee-requested contributions

Our employees continually serve our community to make it a better place. This year, AgFirst gave $28,500 to organizations our employees support. These donations improve education, community development, and health and human services. Just some in a long list of organizations include Sistercare, Make-a-Wish, Palmetto Place Children’s Center and Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands. 

While the pandemic prevented us from collecting employee donations supporting a new local charity each month, AgFirst donated $2,000 each to the charities on the 2021 schedule, like Oliver Gospel Mission, Salvation Army, March of Dimes and other organizations, totaling $20,000 in contributions.

In this season of giving – and year round – AgFirst is proud to support organizations making a difference. Donating to uplift and empower various communities will always be a part of who we are.