What Iowa FFA Foundation does

The Iowa FFA Foundation Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID 42-1305468) founded in 1986 to serve as the unified fundraising arm for Iowa agricultural education organizations under the Iowa Team Ag Ed umbrella. It is headquartered at the FFA Enrichment Center on the DMACC Ankeny Campus and operates with a four-person staff led by Executive Director Shannon Latham (appointed September 2025). The Foundation's mission is to reduce financial barriers and expand leadership opportunities for the 20,000+ FFA members across Iowa's 270 FFA chapters, 285 high school and middle school agriculture teachers, 85 postsecondary instructors, and 363 PAS members.

The Foundation's revenue is generated through a diversified portfolio of programs rather than a single product. Streams include the Gold Standard corporate partnership program (288 corporate partners, giving tiers $500–$1M+), the Corduroy Club recurring donor program (1,002 individual partners, monthly gifts starting at $5), the Foundation Checkoff Program (1/10th cent per bushel via Heartland Co-op and Archer Coop Grain Company, 8.5M bushels enrolled in FY 2023-24), annual events such as the Black Ties Blue Jackets Gala and Golf Tournaments, named scholarships ranging $500–$2,500, planned giving via the Forever Blue Society, Iowa Ag Tag specialty license plates, the Give the Gift of Blue jacket program, and limited-edition SpecCast collectible tractors. The Golden Owl Award, co-sponsored with Nationwide, recognizes seven Iowa agriculture educators annually with a $3,000 grand prize. Approximately 82% of sponsorship dollars are directed to FFA members and agricultural education programs. The Foundation publishes a monthly newsletter and maintains active social channels across Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to drive donor acquisition and retention.

Name

Iowa FFA Foundation

Legal name

Iowa FFA Foundation Inc.

Website

https://iowaffafoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1986

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Iowa FFA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises and administers funds to support Iowa's 20,000+ FFA members, 270 chapters, and agricultural educators through corporate partnerships, individual donations, cooperative checkoffs, events, scholarships, and merchandise.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Agricultural Education Fundraising Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Education Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Scholarship & Fellowship Foundations and Trusts (EDADAHAC), Athletics Fundraising, Sponsorships & NIL Support (EDALAIAN)

Keywords

• Agricultural education fundraising
• Nonprofit scholarship programs
• Agricultural youth development
• Agricultural educator recognition
• Community fundraising events

Headquarters

HQ city

Ankeny

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individuals including alumni, FFA supporters, and community members. The Corduroy Club offers monthly recurring gifts starting at $5/month. Individual partners numbered 1,002.
2. Corporate Partnerships: Gold Standard Program corporate partnerships at giving levels ranging from $500 to over $1 million. Corporate partners numbered 288. Includes recognition, event sponsorship, and scholarship naming opportunities.
3. Foundation Checkoff Program: 1/10th cent per bushel donation program launched in 2018 in partnership with Heartland Co-op and expanded in 2020 to include Archer Coop Grain Company. In 2023-24, 8,545,980 bushels were enrolled in the program.
4. Golf Tournament Fundraising: Annual charity golf tournaments at multiple Iowa locations with sponsorship opportunities ranging from $500 to $10,000, including presenting partner at $10,000 and various hole and contest sponsorships.
5. Black Ties Blue Jackets Gala: Annual signature gala event that raised $157,757.77 in 2025 (record-breaking) and over $150,000 in 2026. Features silent and live auctions, games, and paddle raising.
6. Collectable Tractors: Limited-edition collector tractors produced in partnership with SpecCast Collectibles of Dyersville, Iowa. 2026 lineup includes 1:64 scale Fendt 1162 Vario MT (600 units) and 1:16 scale Case WF with front weights (500 units).
7. Ag Tag License Plate Program: Iowa Ag Literacy specialty license plate sales contribute to youth programs including the Iowa FFA Foundation, Iowa 4-H Foundation, and Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Iowa FFA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises and distributes funds to support Iowa FFA members, agricultural educators, and agricultural education programs. It operates scholarship programs, teacher recognition (Golden Owl Award), corporate and individual giving programs (Gold Standard Program, Corduroy Club, Forever Blue Society), a grain checkoff donation program, signature fundraising events (gala and golf tournaments), career/trade shows, and limited-edition collectable tractor merchandise, with all proceeds directed to agricultural education programs across Iowa.

Product overview

The Iowa FFA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as the fundraising arm for Iowa agricultural education organizations. Rather than a unified technology product, the Foundation offers a portfolio of programs including recognition initiatives (Golden Owl Award), scholarship programs, recurring and planned giving options (Corduroy Club, Forever Blue Society), corporate partnerships (Gold Standard Program), and annual events (Golf Tournament, Black Ties Blue Jackets Gala, Career Show, Summer Conference Tradeshow). Supporting programs include the Foundation Checkoff Program for grain donations, Ambassador Program for chapter fundraising, Give the Gift of Blue for FFA jackets, Iowa Ag Tag specialty license plates, and Collectable Tractors merchandise. The Foundation also publishes a monthly newsletter and maintains the FFA Enrichment Center as a collaborative hub for agricultural education.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Gold Standard Program (Corporate Partnerships) Corporate partnership program with giving tiers ranging from $500 to over $1 million, offering recognition and engagement opportunities with Iowa's agricultural community for agribusinesses, cooperatives, and industry companies.
• Corduroy Club Recurring Giving Recurring donor program allowing individual supporters to make monthly contributions starting at $5/month to support agricultural education, with exclusive donor benefits tied to giving level and automatic processing on the first Monday of each month.
• Forever Blue Society (Planned Giving) Planned giving program allowing donors to include the Iowa FFA Foundation in their estate plans through bequests, beneficiary designations, charitable gift annuities, trusts, or property donations.
• Foundation Checkoff Program Program allowing Iowa grain producer members to donate 1/10th cent per bushel at grain sale through Heartland Co-op and Archer Coop Grain Company locations, with 100% of funds submitted to the Foundation. In 2023-24, 8,545,980 bushels were enrolled.
• FFA Foundation Scholarships Financial awards for Iowa FFA members pursuing higher education in agricultural fields, including named scholarships such as Haney Family Foundation Entrepreneurial Scholarship ($2,500), Arthur and Susan Churchill Endowed Scholarship ($1,000), Sinclair Tractor Scholarship (five $2,500 awards), and others.
• Golden Owl Award Annual recognition program presented in partnership with Nationwide that recognizes seven outstanding agriculture educators across Iowa each year, with one grand prize winner named Iowa Agricultural Educator of the Year. Includes $3,000 grand prize and $500 for each finalist.
• Give the Gift of Blue Program that provides free official FFA jackets to deserving Iowa FFA members who cannot afford them, with Iowa agricultural educators and FFA advisors identifying qualifying students.
• Ambassador Program Fundraising and engagement initiative encouraging FFA chapters to support the Foundation through merchandise sales, volunteer hours, and donations, with chapters earning points toward Partner, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum recognition levels.
• Iowa Ag Tag Specialty License Plate Iowa Department of Transportation specialty license plate program whose proceeds are split between the Iowa FFA Foundation, Iowa 4-H Foundation, and Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation.
• Collectable Tractors (SpecCast Partnership) Limited-edition collector tractors produced annually in partnership with SpecCast Collectibles of Dyersville, Iowa, in custom FFA-branded packaging. Sold through the Foundation's GiveSmart storefront and at Iowa State Fair and National Farm Toy Show booths.
• Black Ties Blue Jackets Gala Annual formal gala celebrating agricultural education and recognizing outstanding contributors, featuring silent and live auctions, games, paddle raising, and donor recognition, with attendance of 400+ supporters, industry leaders, and FFA members.
• Annual Golf Tournament Annual charity golf tournament held at multiple Iowa locations with sponsorship opportunities ranging from $500 to $10,000, including presenting partner, gold partner, blue partner, team, and hole sponsorship levels.
• Iowa Agricultural Career Show Annual career and trade show held during the Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference at Iowa State Center in Ames, connecting students with industry professionals and agriculture-related career opportunities.
• IAAE Summer Conference Tradeshow Annual trade show held at the FFA Enrichment Center, connecting industry leaders with over 250 high school ag programs, 13 community colleges, and Iowa State University representatives.

Quantifiable outcome

• Students earned $43.2 million from SAE projects and invested 4.4 million hours in 2024
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• Archer Coop Grain CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Joined the Foundation Checkoff Program in 2020, expanding the program to additional cooperative locations. Enables producer members to participate in grain sale checkoff donations.
• Heartland Co-opcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Founding partner of the Iowa FFA Foundation Checkoff Program launched in 2018. Allows producer members to donate 1/10th cent per bushel at time of grain sale. Heartland Co-op submits 100% of those funds to the Foundation.
• CHS FoundationflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 1968Long-standing supporter since 1968 through the Gold Standard Program. CHS Foundation is the charitable giving arm of CHS Inc., a global agribusiness company. Supports the next generation of agriculture through FFA.
• Iowa Soybean AssociationflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerGold Standard Sponsor providing financial support to help youth explore their interests in agriculture. ISA District 3 Director Suzanne Shirbroun noted that Iowa schools, especially in rural areas, do not always have funds to support every extracurricular activity.
• NationwideflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerFounding sponsor of the Golden Owl Award. Provides $3,000 grand prize and $500 finalist awards, plus $5,000 donation to the Iowa FFA Foundation. Partners on State Officer Partnership Visits.
• Stine SeedcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInvests in officer development, ambassador recognition, and alumni support. Strengthens leadership development across FFA chapters, districts, and state officer programs.
• John DeerecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGlobal leader and local advocate supporting leadership development, career readiness, and chapter growth. Supports ambassador and alumni programs, advisor training, and National FFA initiatives.
• Iowa Institute for CooperativescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners on State Officer Partnership Visits. Invests in officer development, ambassador support, and alumni mentorship while promoting the cooperative spirit that defines rural Iowa.
• Iowa Cooperative FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInvests in officer development, ambassador support, and alumni mentorship. Fosters civic engagement, leadership, and agricultural literacy across Iowa communities.
• Corteva AgrisciencecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartners on State Officer Partnership Visits. Long-standing support for Iowa FFA Degree and statewide events including the Black Ties Blue Jackets Gala.
• Pioneer Brand SeedscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerPartners on State Officer Partnership Visits. Supports statewide events and initiatives that benefit agricultural education and FFA programs.
• 4 Seasons Fund RaisingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosted Iowa FFA State Officers for facility tour. Provides fresh produce reaching fundraising packets used by FFA chapters across the state.
• Capitol City FruitminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosted Iowa FFA State Officers for facility tour. Supplies produce for fundraising programs used by FFA chapters.
• North Central Poultry AssociationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHosted State Officer Partnership Visits. Officers explored Iowa's egg industry and learned about career opportunities in poultry sector.
• Key CooperativecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHosted 2025 State Officer Partnership Visits. Supports agricultural education and rural community development across Iowa.
• SpecCast CollectiblescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to produce limited-edition collector tractors in exclusive FFA-branded packaging. 2026 lineup includes Fendt 1162 Vario MT (600 units) and Case WF with front weights (500 units). Both companies share dedication to celebrating agriculture and FFA tradition.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• National 4-H Council: National nonprofit governing 4-H youth development with substantial agricultural education programming. Competes for similar agribusiness corporate sponsorships and youth-development donor dollars.
• CHS Foundation: Charitable arm of CHS Inc. that is itself a flagship Iowa FFA Foundation sponsor. Operates as a national ag-focused grantmaker, broader in scope but overlapping on youth agricultural education funding.

Direct peers

• National FFA Foundation: The national-level fundraising and sponsorship arm of FFA, supporting the same agricultural education mission, member recognition programs, and corporate partner network. Directly comparable in revenue model and stakeholder mix.
• Texas FFA Foundation: Largest state FFA foundation by membership, with similar scholarship, recognition, and corporate sponsorship programs. Comparable business model and program structure despite different scale.
• Illinois FFA Foundation: State FFA foundation serving Illinois agricultural education through scholarships, corporate partnerships, and teacher recognition. Closely comparable in mission, programs, and scale to Iowa FFA Foundation.
• Nebraska FFA Foundation: Neighbor-state FFA foundation with very similar corporate sponsorship, scholarship, and teacher-recognition programs serving an agricultural economy with comparable scale and donor base dynamics.
• Iowa 4-H Foundation: Iowa's parallel youth agricultural education foundation sharing revenue from the Ag Tag license plate program. Same donor base, same state footprint, similar scholarship and program-grant mission.
• Iowa Agriculture Literacy Foundation: Iowa-based agricultural literacy nonprofit that shares Ag Tag license plate proceeds with Iowa FFA Foundation. Closely aligned mission around agricultural education in Iowa K-12 schools.
• California FFA Foundation: State-level FFA foundation operating with the same corporate partnership tier structure, scholarship administration, and event-driven fundraising model in a different agricultural geography.

Emerging players

• Agriculture Future of America: National organization focused on scholarships, leadership development, and career preparation for college students in agriculture. Overlaps with Iowa FFA Foundation's scholarship and leadership development mission, with national scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/iowaffafoundation
• Facebookfacebook.com/iowaffafoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/iowa-ffa-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/iowaffafoundation

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Iowa FFA Foundation