MOSES LAKE — The Town of Wilson Creek and Ritzville Grade School in the Columbia Basin will receive grants from Northwest Farm Credit Services, which awarded more than $265,000 to 170 projects in rural communities across Washington, Idaho, Montana and Oregon.

Wilson Creek will receive $1,000 and the Ritzville Grade School will receive $500.

“We are committed to improving the lives of rural residents throughout the Northwest,” said Northwest FCS President and CEO Phil DiPofi. “Through Rural Community Grants, our intent is to help meet the economic, education, safety and social needs of rural communities as they age, grow and revitalize.”

Since the program’s inception in 2007, Northwest FCS has awarded 634 grants totaling more than $1.2 million.

According to the website, the mission is to advance rural America’s success, Northwest FCS provides financing and grants for rural communities. To learn more about how Northwest FCS is supporting rural communities.

In 2015, the Moses Lake Farmers Market received a $2,000 Rural Community Grant to help build a market in the “Grant County Food Desert.”

“The Moses Lake Farmers Market is proud to be the recipient of a Northwest FCS/CoBank Rural Community Grant,” Bruce Bailey of the Farmers Market said. “This grant will be used to help fund our Wednesday Market at Larson – a market providing fresh produce, fruits, vegetables, baked goods and locally-produced products.

“Our hope is to build a strong Wednesday market over the next few years, giving area residents opportunity to buy directly from the farmer/producer. Thank you, Northwest Farm Credit for supporting our local farmers market and small agriculture in our community.”

Northwest Farm Credit Services is a $10.9 billion financial cooperative providing financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Alaska.

Deadlines for grant applications are Feb. 1, June 1 and Oct. 1 of each year. Organizations interested in applying for a Rural Community Grant should visit northwestfcs.com/Stewardship/Rural-Communities for more information.

Rodney Harwood can be reached at 509-765-4561 ext. 111 or businessag@columbiabasinherald.com.