The WFS Foundation recently approved $20,000 in grant funds to be distributed to 10 FFA chapters within their service and trade area. In addition, the WFS funds are being matched by the Land O’Lakes Foundation, bringing the total contribution to $40,000. The purpose for the grant money is for each chapter to use the funds to focus on developing and applying leadership and classroom skills with activities, projects or events that help improve rural communities or service those who live there.

“Concern for Community is one of our seven cooperative principals,” said WFS Marketing Communications Director Jo Ann Gumto. “Contributions such as this are an investment in the future of our rural communities. The skills that young people can gain from participating in FFA are invaluable and we want to help local chapters fund projects that will teach and inspire the students in FFA to be great leaders in our communities.”

Each chapter advisor was asked to fill out an application describing an activity, project or event that their chapter had planned for the coming months or has already accomplished this year, and how it may have improved their community or helped service a group of individuals within their community. They were also asked how the funds provided by WFS would help with this activity now or in the future.

“The funds provided by WFS and the Land O’Lakes Foundation will be used to help pay for our chapter to attend the state FFA convention,” stated Alden-Conger FFA Advisor Pam Koenen. “Some of the funds will also be used to cover the costs of officer training and provide materials for our ag literacy program in the elementary school.”

“FFA plays an important role in developing leadership skills, personal growth and career success,” said Gumto. “We are very proud to be able to offer this grant to the Alden-Conger FFA program and promote all aspects of agriculture.”

WFS Field Marketer Erik Bryson and Location Manager Wayne Jacobs were on-hand to present the Alden-Conger FFA chapter officers with a check for $2,000. The Land O’Lakes Foundation matching funds of $2,000 will be presented at a later date.