$87K awarded in Farmers Market Grants
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Jill Carlson, Public Relations Strategist
C:(309) 502-2805
Karen Schieler, Manager of Corporate Giving
O: 309-268-0254
Compeer Financial Awards $87K in Farmers Market Grants
68 markets and 41 farmers in Ill., Minn. and Wis. received grant awards
Sun Prairie, Wis., (April 8, 2025) – As part of its ongoing effort to support local economies and agriculture, Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America has awarded $86,697 in Farmers Market Grants to organizations and individuals in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
This is the seventh year Compeer Financial has offered these grants under its Farm Credit cooperative’s giving program. Since the grant debuted in 2019, they have directly impacted 14,972 vendors and touched the lives of 11.6 million farmers market visitors.
“These grants significantly boost the markets' ability to support local farmers and producers, while creating vibrant and sustainable market environments that are economic drivers and community hubs,” said Karen Schieler, Manager of Corporate Giving at Compeer Financial. “We’re proud to support the farmers markets and vendors bringing fresh and nutritious foods straight to our communities.”
This year’s grants support 68 farmers market organizations with funding up to $1,000 for marketing, technology or educational efforts and 41 farmer vendors with grants of up to $500.
Schieler says they are seeing trends from grant recipients this year.
“Marketing continues to be the most needed resource for both vendors and markets,” Schieler said. “The grants support expanded local marketing efforts to increase visibility, attract more visitors and boost sales.”
Farmers market organizations are largely volunteer-driven, and operational efficiency is a priority. Markets are increasingly adapting technology for market management, vendor management and customer payment options.
Illinois
- 24 organization grants totaling $23,988
- 12 vendor grants totaling $5,728
Minnesota
- 23 organization grants totaling $22,061
- 12 vendor grants totaling $6,000
Wisconsin
- 21 organization grants totaling $20,500
- 17 vendor grants totaling $8,420
The 68 farmers markets in Compeer Financial’s territory receiving grants include:
Illinois
Quincy Town Center Farmers Market
Mt. Sterling IL-Farmer's Market
Village of Evergreen Park Farmers Market
Uptown Farmers Market
Hyde Park Farmers Market
El Paseo Community Market
Hegewisch Farmers Market
Riverside Farmers Market
Brookfield Farmers Market
Logan Square Farmers Market
Edgewater Farmers Market
Arlington Heights Farmers Market
Downtown Downers Grove Market
Warsaw Mercantile
Downtown Elgin Market
Galesburg Farmers Market
Haymarket Square-Dixon Park District
Fairview Haven Farmer's Market
Downtown Pontiac Farmers Market
Macomb Farmers Market
Downtown Crystal Lake Farmers Market
Wonder Lake Farmer and Makers Market
Downtown Bloomington Farmers Market
Matherville Community Farmers Market
Minnesota
Sauk Rapids Market
Popple Creek Farmer's Market
Mankato Farmers Market
212 Farmers Market in Norwood Young America
Taylors Falls Farmers Market
Eagan Market Fest
Fountain Market - MN
Goodhue Farmers Market
Kenyon Farmers Market
New Hope Farmers Market
Richfield Farmers Market
Cambridge Farmers Market
Montgomery Farmer's Market
Glencoe Area Chamber of Commerce Farmer's Market
Bill & Oi's Farmers Market
The Village Farmers Market at The History in Olmsted County
MidCity Farmers Market
Duluth Farmers Market
Paynesville Farmers Market
St. Cloud Area Farmers Market
Wabasha Farmers Market
Mahtomedi Area Farmers Market
Winona Farmers Market
Wisconsin
Portage Farmers Market
Ferryville Farmers Market
Waunakee Farmers and Makers Market
Hillside Farmers Market
Menomonie Farmers Market
Friends of Blue River Farmers Market
Berlin Farmers & Artists Market Inc
Tutti Noi Farmers Market
The Market
Whitefish Bay Farmers Market
Cathedral Square Market
Riverwest Farmers Market
Brown Deer Farmers Market
Frederic Farmers Market
Richland Area Farmers Market
Baraboo Farmers Market
Hayward Farmers Market
Plymouth Farmers Market
Saturdays on the Square
The Farmers Market at Perlick Distillery
Omro Thursday Night Market
The grants will be offered again next year. Farmers market organizations and farmer vendors who are clients of Compeer are eligible for the grant every other year. Learn more at compeer.com/giving-back.
About the Fund for Rural America
The Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America is the corporate giving program of Compeer Financial, structured to support Compeer Financial’s mission to enrich agriculture and rural America. Compeer Financial’s Board of Directors has dedicated one percent of annual net earnings to support the Fund’s focus areas of agriculture education, youth engagement, rural development and community enrichment, agricultural advocacy and development, and cooperative initiatives. The Fund is managed by a Board of Trustees, made up of team members and members of the Compeer Financial Board of Directors. More information about opportunities available through the Fund can be found at Compeer.com/giving-back.
About Compeer Financial
Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities. The $34.7 billion organization provides loans, leases, risk management and other financial services throughout 144 counties in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Based in the Upper Midwest, Compeer Financial exists to champion the hopes and dreams of rural America, while providing personalized service and expertise to clients and the agriculture industry.
Compeer Financial is the third largest cooperative of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending institutions supporting agriculture and rural communities with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Learn more about Compeer Financial.
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