PIERRE, S.D. — The South Dakota Agricultural Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the organization’s annual Building Rural Communities (BRC) and Ag Innovators (AI) Youth Education grants. This year, the Foundation has awarded 14 grants totaling $28,770.00 to support innovative youth ag education programs and rural community projects.
The Building Rural Communities Grant and Ag Innovators Youth Education Grant are designed to support ongoing agriculture-related community and safety projects along with innovative ideas in youth agricultural education. “We’re thrilled to continue to support youth ag education, future ag leaders, and raise up rural communities through these grants. These projects reflect the core values of the SD Ag Foundation,” said Chris Maxwell, Executive Director.
The Building Rural Communities (BRC) grants support community improvement projects and projects that enhance public safety. These student-led and -implemented projects are open to 4-H Clubs, FFA Chapters, and Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Chapters. BRC grants totaling $3,150.00 were awarded to five grantees for 2021.
BUILDING RURAL COMMUNITIES (BRC) GRANT PROGRAM
ORGANIZATION- COUNTY
Avon Sweet Clovers 4-H Club – Bon Homme
Dell Rapids FCCLA – Minnehaha
Hitchock-Tulare FFA – Beadle/Spink
Lake County 4-H Club – Lake
Tyndall Clever Clovers 4-H Club – Bon Homme
The Ag Innovators (AI) Youth Education grants fund creative projects offering more agriculture related innovation and leadership programs for youth. Selected programs involve a combination of agriculture, innovation, technology, and leadership in the area of youth education and address an educational need or opportunity in a more innovative, effective, equitable, or sustainable way than existing approaches. This year, the Foundation awarded nine AI Youth Education grants totaling $25,620.00.
AG INNOVATORS (AI) YOUTH EDUCATION GRANT PROGRAM
ORGANIZATION- COUNTY
BIG Idea Competition – Statewide
Central Plains Dairy Foundation – Statewide
Ground Works & SD Ag in the Classroom – Statewide
Hutchinson County 4-H Leaders Association – Hutchinson
Lower Brule Research – Statewide
Mitchell Technical Institute – Statewide
Community Youth & Involved Center – Stanley / Hughes
SD Ag and Rural Leadership – Statewide
SD FFA Foundation Inc – Statewide
For additional information about the SD Ag Foundation, call 605.412.4008 or email board@sdagfoundation.org.
The SD Ag Foundation is an independent, industry-led nonprofit composed of key leaders in the South Dakota agriculture industry. The Foundation is committed to cultivating a culture of philanthropy that serves all South Dakota ag organizations and investing in the future of South Dakota agriculture through financial support, human resources, and capital.
— SD Agriculture Foundation
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