S.D. FFA Foundation receives $10K grant

South Dakota FFA Foundation Receives $10,000 Grant

PIERRE, SD – The South Dakota Community Foundation (SDCF) awarded the South Dakota FFA Foundation with a $10,000 South Dakota Fund grant to support the reinvention of the South Dakota FFA Ag Learning Center on the grounds of the South Dakota State Fair. The South Dakota FFA Foundation has done extensive work to update the building to make it more vibrant, interesting and relevant for the approximately 100,000 fair goers.

“The grant provided by the South Dakota Community Foundation is allowing the South Dakota FFA Foundation to provide hands-on, interactive exhibits for young people in the FFA Ag Adventure Center,” says Gerri Ann Eide, South Dakota FFA Foundation executive director. “The agricultural industry stepped up to upgrade the facility, and now we are filling it with educational displays, exhibits, modern agricultural technology and fun games to fulfill our mission. The biggest exhibit the grant provides for will be a life-size fiberglass milking cow, giving students a real eye-opening, educational dairy experience! The grant will help us showcase South Dakota agriculture, its integrity, its commitment to the land and water resources, and its humane and caring concern for animals. “

Overall, the building will showcase the FFA and its advocacy for modern agriculture. Green space outside the building will also be used for agricultural demonstrations and activities.

“Education is a key area supported by South Dakota Fund grants” says Ginger Niemann, program officer at the South Dakota Community Foundation. “The South Dakota FFA Foundation is working hard to inform and instruct the public about the importance of agriculture in our state. We are proud to support its efforts.”

The South Dakota Community Foundation awards South Dakota Fund grants on an ongoing basis. For more information or to apply for a grant, visit SDCommunityFoundation.org/SDFund.

About the SDCF

Since 1987, the South Dakota Community Foundation has helped people reach their philanthropic goals and strengthened communities across the state. The SDCF administers approximately $219 million in total assets for over 760 funds. By commingling endowed assets, the SDCF gives its partners enhanced investment opportunities that provide long-term support to charitable causes. In 2015, the SDCF distributed more than $11.9 million in grants from all funds. So far in 2016, the SDCF has distributed more than $8.5 million in grants from all funds. For more information, visit SDCommunityFoundation.org.

–South Dakota Community Foundation