Toro to award grants to nonprofits

Toro is asking for help in recognizing those that promote sustainable practices in agricultural communities across America with its ‘Ready. Set. GROW!’ grant initiative, in which Toro will award $15,000 to non-profit organizations to help further their efforts. You might recognize an organization installing drip irrigation in a community garden to more efficiently use water resources; a local non-profit committed to furthering sustainable agricultural practices; or, an organization training military veterans in modern agriculture technologies.

Toro is asking the public to nominate non-profit organizations — 501(c)(3) or government entities like university extensions or conservation divisions, agriculture employment programs, and public educational entities — that are doing great work to improve agricultural communities across the country by meeting one or more of the following criteria...

• Enhancing communities through water-saving technologies and practices in agriculture
• Involving children or adults in educational programs promoting a healthy lifestyle
• Educating communities on the value of water efficient technologies that increase crop production
• Helping growers implement sustainable agriculture practices or integrate modern technology
• Keeping the agricultural economy healthy and sustainable for the long-term

Online entries will be accepted through Sept. 25, 2013 at
https://www.facebook.com/Toro.Company/app_112813808737465. At the conclusion of the nomination period, a panel of Toro representatives will evaluate and select four finalists to create (and submit by Oct. 16, 2013) a one-minute video further detailing their organization’s cause and mission. The grant awards will be determined by a public vote from Oc. 22, 2013 to Nov. 5, 2013 at www.facebook.com/toro.company. The first-place organization (earning the most votes) will receive $7,000, the second-place organization will be awarded $4,000, and the remaining two organizations will be given $2,000 each. Winners will be announced by Nov. 8, 2013.