INDIANA - The Indiana FFA Foundation received a $37,000 grant through the Youth Program Resilience Fund of the Lilly Endowment Inc.

"We were honored to be selected as one of the grantees through this Lilly Endowment program," said Lisa Chaudion, Indiana FFA Foundation Director. "These funds will go a long way in helping students with online learning and allow the Indiana FFA Association and Foundation more ways to prepare for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic."

The mission of the Indiana FFA Foundation is to support, fund and promote the programs and objectives of the Indiana FFA Association. The FFA Association has 12,500 members and supports 211 chapters.

The Indiana FFA Foundation will use the grant to fund COVID-19 related expenses including technology for virtual learning needs, cleaning supplies and equipment and funds for general operations impacted by the pandemic. The Indiana FFA Foundation will be able to continue its commitment to FFA members and youth across the state. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

"The Indiana FFA Foundation is a crucial part of the Indiana FFA Association," said Sam Miller, Indiana FFA Director. "We are so grateful the foundation received this generous award from the Lilly Endowment to position students toward future success."

The grant to the Indiana FFA Foundation is one of 297 that Lilly Endowment has made through the Youth Program Resilience Fund to help youth-serving organizations across Indiana adapt their work to challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants from this fund are part of more than $170 million in grants Lilly Endowment has made to help organizations serve individuals and communities amid the pandemic.

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The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) was established as a separate state agency by the Legislature in 2005. Administratively, ISDA reports to Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, who also serves as Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. Major responsibilities include advocacy for Indiana agriculture at the local, state and federal level, managing soil conservation programs, promoting economic development and agricultural innovation, serving as a regulatory ombudsman for agricultural businesses, and licensing grain firms throughout the state.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J. K. Lilly and his sons, Eli and J.K. Jr., through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, the Endowment is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with its founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education, and religion, and it maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

Indiana FFA Foundation Inc. builds partnerships with industry, education, government and individuals to secure financial resources that support the efforts of the Indiana FFA Association, recognize FFA member achievements, develop student leaders and support the future of agriculture education for over 12,550 student members in grades seven through 12 who belong to one of 211 local FFA chapters across Indiana. Governed by an 18-member board of directors comprised of business leaders, educators and individual donors, the foundation is a separately-registered nonprofit organization. For more information, visit the Indiana FFA Foundation at www.inffa.org/foundation.