American Crystal Sugar Company is deeply rooted in the communities of the Red River Valley. As a company, we are committed to the sustainability and growth of our business and to improving lives in the places where we work and live. We do that by investing in our people, our communities and the future of our Company. Our support includes scholarships, grants, contributions, volunteerism gifting, matching gifts, donations and more.
American Crystal’s Community Roots giving program is primarily focused on three areas:
- Strong Communities
- Education, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)
- Employee Engagement
We actively support communities where our 4,000-plus employees and shareholders live and work to make a positive impact with in-kind donations, matching gifts, grants, contributions, scholarships and volunteer efforts.
Financial and other forms of support are available in each of the areas where American Crystal factories are located. Giving is focused on education, hunger and emergency services, with awards made to a variety of not-for-profit agencies, including charitable organizations and schools. Requests can be submitted throughout the fiscal year, with awards distributed as long as funds are available.
To request support:
For contributions, contact the factory accounting supervisor at a factory nearest you.
For a grant application, click here or access our list of applications in the right hand column.
American Crystal invests in the future of education through scholarships and partnerships with high schools, tech schools and institutions of higher education to prepare the next generation of researchers, scientists, farmers, agronomists and employees.
Our scholarship program began in 2008 as one of several community-focused initiatives. Since that time, the company has awarded over $200,000 in scholarships to deserving students. Altogether, American Crystal awards 108 scholarships to graduating seniors in the Red River Valley each year.
American Crystal employees contribute greatly to the company’s success. While that’s rewarding and positive for results, our true pride is in the involvement of our people – whether they volunteer their time to an organization or donate with their pocketbooks – they make a difference. We encourage and support their community involvement efforts.
American Crystal encourages local leadership and volunteerism by making a $500 donation on behalf of qualified individual employees to the organizations they serve. Community Service Gifts are distributed on a “first come, first served” basis, with the budget for each year set at the beginning of the fiscal year. Gifts will continue until the funds are gone.
How to apply
Employees can access details and an application for an Employee Community Service Gift by clicking here or access our list of applications in the right hand column.
American Crystal assists many nonprofit organizations and educational institutions by combining the generosity of employee gifts with matching Company funds. This activity doubles the contribution to the benefiting organization. The program works by encouraging employees to personally support qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations that are important to them. All year-round and campaign employees of American Crystal are eligible to request matching gifts each fiscal year.
How to apply
Employees can click here to access our matching gifts form or access our list of applications in the right hand column. Employees can also check with their local HR and administrative personnel for printed forms.
American Crystal wants to support the efforts of our employees to form a team that participates in an organized sport. In order for American Crystal to sponsor an employee’s team, the team must be at least 50% and have a minimum of four team members. The team must participate in an organized league. The sponsorship amount is limited to $700 and can be used for fees and/or uniforms.
How to apply
Employees can click here to access our team sponsorship form or access our list of applications in the right hand column. Employees can also check with their local HR and administrative personnel for printed forms
Three United Way organizations function in Red River Valley counties where American Crystal operates facilities. They include: United Way of Cass-Clay, United Way of Crookston, and United Way of Grand Forks – East Grand Forks. We partner with each of these United Way organizations in their annual fundraising drives.
American Crystal commits a dollar-for-dollar match with our employees who donate to their local United Way. In addition to informational meetings to increase awareness of the excellent service performed by United Way, we hold special auctions, drawings and events to raise our giving levels.