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

Avon Sweet Clovers 4-H Club in Bon Homme County

Dell Rapids FCCLA in Minnehaha County

Hitchock-Tulare FFA in Beadle/Spink County

Lake County 4-H Club in Lake County

Tyndall Clever Clovers 4-H Club in Bon Homme County

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

BIG Idea Competition-Statewide

Central Plains Dairy Foundation - Statewide

Ground Works & SD Ag in the Classroom - Statewide

Hutchinson County 4-H Leaders Association in Hutchinson County

Lower Brule Research - Statewide

Mitchell Technical Institute Statewide

Community Youth & Involved Center in Stanley/Hughes County

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 throughfirzarzcial support, human resources, and capital.