MICHIGAN FFA FOUNDATION
Growing Investment in our Young Agricultural Leaders
The Michigan FFA Foundation builds partnerships with industry, education, government, foundations and individuals to secure resources for the future of education, agriculture and student leader development. Charitable donations to the Michigan FFA Foundation help accomplish the FFA Mission, “making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.”
We are a 501(c)(3), non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Governed by a 21-member board of directors composed of educators, business leaders, individual donors and FFA Alumni, the foundation is a separately registered nonprofit organization that supports activities of the Michigan FFA Association.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Michigan FFA Foundation is to impact youth leadership development in Michigan as it relates to FFA and agriscience education initiatives, supporting leadership development, career success and self-esteem, leading to a lifetime of personal success for students across the state.
Contributions to the Michigan FFA Foundation help us support the students, teachers and programs that power Michigan FFA and agricultural education. Donations can be made in many different forms to suit your giving style and financial goals.
Financials and 990s
We know it’s important to you that your donation is being used effectively.
It’s important to us, too. That’s why we work hard to be transparent and accountable.
To request a copy of our annual 990, e-mail our executive director at foundation@michiganffa.org. The Michigan FFA Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3. Our Federal Tax ID number is: 92-1757324 .
Our History
The Michigan FFA Foundation was founded in 1984 at Michigan State University (MSU.) Founded to be a fund-generating source for FFA, the foundation operated without an executive director until the late 1980s.
In 1995, Michigan State University and Michigan Farm Bureau joined in cooperation to hire a part-time executive director to oversee fundraising activities. The Michigan FFA Foundation moved from Michigan State University to Michigan Farm Bureau.
In 1998, the Michigan FFA Foundation hired a full time executive director to manage all foundation activities.
In 2006, the FFA Foundation was moved back to MSU, back to where it began.
In 2023, in an effort spearheaded by the Michigan FFA Foundation Board of Directors and supported by MSU, the foundation filed its own articles of incorporation and became a registered 501c3 charitable organization. The board shifted from an advisory to a fiduciary board and hired a full-time executive director.
Over the years, the Michigan FFA Foundation has grown from a small operating fund to a portfolio of over $13 million in endowments and annually raising over half a million dollars to fund FFA and agriculture, food and natural resources education.
Key Foundation Milestones
The foundation separates from MSU and becomes a standalone 501c3 non-profit organization. Alex Schnabelrauch named as the executive director.
The foundation returned to MSU with Megan Hirschman as the executive director.
First FFA Masters golf outing was held in St. Johns.
The foundation moved to Michigan Farm Bureau and Julie Chamberlain became the executive director.
Pauline Glassbrook established the Glassbrook Endowment.
John Hilt, CEO of Quality Stores, initiated the toy tractor sale generating $26,000.
Dave Krueger was hired as the first foundation director.
Earl Martindale of Corunna became the first individual donor and the North Branch FFA Chapter became the first FFA chapter to donate to the foundation.
The first foundation constitution was approved by the state FFA delegate body.
Live to Serve
Michigan FFA is preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture. Many past members and supporters wish to give back to the organization that made such a positive difference in their lives, and in the lives of others.
We invite you to build the future of agriculture in Michigan. Every gift counts.