The AgStar Fund for Rural America, the corporate giving program of AgStar Financial Services, has awarded grants totaling $150,925 to 52 emergency response departments in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The annual program aims to support rural communities in AgStar’s service area by helping volunteer fire, rescue or ambulance departments purchase needed equipment.

Twin Lakes Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $3,000 for turnout gear. This new gear will ensure that department members are properly and safely outfitted for emergencies.

Applications were accepted during August. A total of 173 eligible applications were received.

“There is a significant need when it comes to the equipment emergency responders rely on to administer aid in our rural areas,” John Monson, chairman of AgStar’s Fund Board of Trustees said. “Any one of us, our family members, friends or neighbors could require emergency help at a moment’s notice. AgStar is proud to provide funding so, when that time comes, these departments have the tools they need to do their job well.”

To date, the AgStar Fund has donated $1,183,736 to rural emergency response departments for their equipment needs. A full list of this year’s recipients is posted on AgStar.com.

The Rural Emergency Response Equipment Grant is one of several ways in which AgStar’s Fund for Rural America partners with communities and organizations in AgStar’s service area. Since its inception in 2001, the AgStar Fund has donated over $6 million in an effort to improve the future of rural America.

For more information about the Fund for Rural America visit AgStar.com.