National FFA Foundation hits new fundraising high in 2011

INDIANAPOLIS, Dec. 13 - With the help of new sponsors, the National FFA Foundation raised a record $16 million through corporate and private financial contributions to support FFA in 2011, the organization’s fundraising arm announced today. The news comes just two months after the National FFA Organization announced a new record membership of 540,379 students thanks to more than 17,000 students in the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands signing up during the 2010-11 school year.

The foundation welcomed 40 new corporate sponsors in 2011, raising the total number to 1,212. Three new corporations combined for a $3 million gift to FFA. The foundation also drew more than 80 new companies and organizations as exhibitors at the 2011 National FFA Convention & Expo, the nation’s largest gathering of students. More than 53,350 FFA members, teachers and school administrators attended the 2011 event.

 “We were well positioned in 2011 with the resources we needed to ensure our members received the ultimate FFA experience through our programs and key initiatives,” said National FFA Foundation executive director Rob Cooper in a press statement. “Our core programs, including career development events, proficiencies, scholarships, award competitions and more, were funded at 90 percent - another record high. Without the commitment of our donors, it would be impossible for FFA to make a meaningful difference in the lives of hundreds of thousands of students.”

 Providing opportunities that help FFA members grow and succeed is the work of the National FFA Foundation. Foundation donors make possible award and recognition programs, scholarships, service learning activities, global engagement programs, national FFA convention functions, educational materials, teacher training and much more.

 Created in 1944 and governed by a 19-member national board, the foundation gives companies, organizations and individuals opportunities to provide financial resources and cooperation in support of FFA programs and other agricultural education organizations. Since, the foundation has raised more than $216 million to support FFA and agriculture education.

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