Ag Innovators Youth Education Grant

The Ag Innovators Youth Education Grant is a program administered by the South Dakota Agricultural Foundation, a private organization committed to enriching agriculture for future generations. Headquartered in Fort Pierre, South Dakota, the Foundation has awarded over $300,000 in grant funding to date, with a particular focus on supporting rural communities and the organizations that drive agricultural education, innovation, and youth leadership development. Its mission reflects a long-term commitment to the vitality of rural South Dakota and the development of future agricultural professionals. This grant program specifically targets public nonprofit organizations operating within the state of South Dakota that focus on implementing or enhancing youth education in agriculture. Applications are encouraged from groups that demonstrate innovative approaches to agricultural education and leadership development. Proposals should clearly outline how the project serves rural areas and includes meaningful youth engagement. The Foundation allows organizations to work with a verified fiscal sponsor, provided the sponsor is capable of receiving grant funds on the applicant’s behalf. Award amounts for the Ag Innovators Youth Education Grant range from $500 to $10,000, and funding may be used for activities such as agriculture-related youth programming, technology integration in education, and leadership training. The application process requires detailed project information, including a description of the community need, educational and project objectives, the estimated number of youth to be served, and a cost breakdown. Successful applicants will be required to submit progress and completion reports outlining the use of funds and impact achieved. The grant application consists of several required sections: organizational and contact details, prior funding history, and extensive project information, including methodology, location, innovation strategy, collaboration with other groups, and expected outcomes. Additionally, applicants must submit a timetable and detailed budget showing how funds from the Ag Innovators Grant, as well as any matching contributions from their organization, will be used to accomplish the proposed objectives. The application form must be signed by both the organizational lead and, if applicable, a board or council president or chair. Applications for the current funding cycle are due by March 1, 2026. All applications must be received or postmarked by that date. Submissions can be mailed to the South Dakota Agricultural Foundation at PO Box 1198, Fort Pierre, SD 57532 or emailed to the designated contact at [email protected]. Award announcements and additional timelines are not specified, but applicants are expected to adhere to the reporting and accountability requirements outlined in the application packet. This is a recurring program, with future application rounds anticipated beyond the current cycle. While the frequency is not explicitly stated, the availability of multiple past rounds and the structured application schedule suggest the Foundation intends to continue offering this opportunity on a regular basis. Interested organizations are encouraged to monitor the Foundation’s website or contact the administrator directly for updates on future cycles and timelines.