Foundation FAQs

A: The National FFA Organization is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares students for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. An example of what works well in education, FFA is an intracurricular organization that implements the three-circle model of education – classroom instruction, hands-on learning and leadership development through FFA programs.

A: The National FFA Organization is a federated system of state associations, located in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and Guam. Each state is typically divided into districts or regions and each made up of numerous local chapters. FFA members engage in the FFA on a local level and have opportunities to engage on a regional, state and national level for more advanced leadership and competition activities. The National FFA Organization is governed by a national board of directors.

A: Agricultural education is the foundation of FFA but FFA provides leadership opportunities that extend far beyond the industry of agriculture. As the agriculture industry has changed, so has the National FFA Organization. In 1988, members changed the name from Future Farmers of America to simply the National FFA Organization. FFA prepares students for more than 300 careers in agriculture, including business, science, food safety and security and production.

A: FFA and 4-H both serve youth interested in agriculture and related areas. However, there are several differences: FFA is an intracurricular program based in the classroom; 4-H is an extracurricular program directed from extension offices of land grant universities. Many young people have positive experiences in 4-H and then build on that experience for the comprehensive opportunities offered in FFA. The mission of FFA centers around premier leadership, personal growth and career success; 4-H focuses on citizenship, healthy living and science, engineering and technology . FFA is a year-round, comprehensive program led by full-time, dedicated teachers; 4-H provides project-based opportunities often led by volunteers. FFA also provides team-based opportunities; 4-H members most frequently work individually.

A:FFA provides students a comprehensive learning experience through classroom and hands-on experiences. While extracurricular activities occur outside the classroom, FFA is an intracurricular program that begins in the classroom. Students must be enrolled in an agriculture class – agriscience, horticulture, agribusiness, agriculture mechanics, animal science, plant science and others – to be FFA members. FFA is more than simply a club or extracurricular organization; it serves to prepare student leaders for experiences both inside and outside the classroom.

A: The National FFA Foundation team of professionals is committed to efficiently and effectively securing support for the programs and initiatives of the National FFA Organization and for the future of education, agriculture and student leadership development. FFA programs are funded through corporate and individual donations and sponsorships at the local, state and national levels. The Foundation, a separately-registered nonprofit organization and works with business, industry, individuals and organizations that contribute funds for FFA programs and initiatives. The foundation also raises support for other organizations in the agricultural education community, such as professional associations for agriculture teachers.

A: The Iowa FFA Foundation serves as a fundraising arm for the various agricultural education-related organizations that are members of the Iowa Team Ag Ed: Iowa FFA Association, Iowa Association of Agriculture Educators (IAAE), Iowa Professional Agricultural Students (PAS), and Iowa FFA Alumni & Friends. In doing so, the foundation promotes youth leadership and career development primarily in the agriculture industry. The foundation funds awards, scholarships and other recognitions as authorized by Iowa Foundation board of directors. The foundation also publishes an annual report to recognize receipts and expenditures, support conference and other educational facilities for the use of FFA/PAS members and their teacher advisors. The foundation is governed by a 16-member board of trustees that is comprised of business/industry partners and Team Ag Ed representatives.

A: Yes. The Iowa FFA Foundation is actively pursuing appropriate partnerships on behalf of other organizations who share our commitment to education, agriculture and student leadership development. Current fundraising clients include organizations that are a part of Team Ag Ed include the Iowa FFA Association, Iowa Association of Agriculture Educators (IAAE), Iowa Professional Agricultural Students (PAS), and Iowa FFA Alumni & Friends.

A: The Iowa FFA Foundation focuses on five strategic themes, including fiscal sustainability, advocating for new and existing agriculture educators in Iowa, fueling agriculture literacy, maintaining collegiate recruitment, and supporting young students pursuing agricultural education. The foundation is currently focused on providing support for core programs essential to the success of Team Ag Ed. Stronger partnerships will enable agricultural education to serve more students in Iowa. The continuum of agricultural education from middle schools to all postsecondary institutions teaching agricultural education connects FFA/PAS members with industry partners for more scholarships, internships and opportunities for successful job placements and teacher leadership development to meet the challenges of being a key influencer in their local communities.

A: About 82 percent of all sponsorship dollars support FFA members and agricultural education opportunities. Less than 20 percent is used in the foundation’s Leadership Fund that covers general foundation expenses in regard to future leadership development initiatives for students.

A: FFA develops members by providing opportunities for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. Your contribution supports Iowa's youth both in and outside the classroom. For corporate sponsors, corporate brands can reach more than a 2,100 Iowa students. Sponsoring Team Ag Ed allows the opportunity to develop brand loyalty with young influencers, their families and more than 389 Iowa teachers.

A: FFA makes every effort to see that sponsors are recognized for both specific program support as well as overall support of agricultural education and Iowa FFA. Sponsors should consider support of programs that are core to the FFA mission to take advantage of the strongest visibility opportunities. If a specific core program aligns closely with a sponsor’s interests, visibility will likely be more effective. While any sponsor is welcome to begin a new program, many find the most success by supporting activities where teachers and students are already engaged. By supporting the Iowa FFA Foundation, corporations and individuals can support activities in which FFA members are already familiar and likely to remember. Learn more about the Gold Standard Program (for corporate partners) or the Corduroy Club (for individuals) by viewing the hamburger above "Explore Iowa FFA Foundation."

A: Because of the engaging and comprehensive model of agricultural education, anecdotal feedback shows that FFA members earn higher scores in math and science. They are part of the solution to the national academic crisis, as FFA members are more likely to stay in school than the average of those not involved.

A: The exact number of FFA members who pursue careers in agriculture is unknown. But one known statistic shows many members are on the way to doing so. Also, Iowa's strong ag economy and deep integration of FFA with school-based agricultural education suggest that Iowa likely meets or exceeds that national average, especially given: The state’s high concentration of ag-related businesses and opportunities, strong postsecondary ag programs at Iowa State University, community colleges, and private institutions, and a robust FFA Alumni network that supports career connections.

A: Your contribution reaches more than 42k people each year – more than 20,066 Iowa FFA members, 363 enrolled PAS members, other students in agricultural education classes, parent, more than 21,670 alumni members, and more than 407 Iowa educators/advisors.

A: People choose to give to Iowa FFA Foundation for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, they give because the mission of the organization supports agriculture education, which supports youth leadership development and leads to the future of Iowa's agriculture system. In research completed in the summer of 2025, 73 percent give for this reason. Additionally, 65 percent give because the organization’s mission aligns with their own. Forty-five percent of corporate sponsors give to Iowa FFA Foundation to gain brand recognition while 49 percent said they give to build a positive reputation with future employees. Seventy-two percent of contributors give to further develop future leaders in agriculture. Many individual and corporate donors give to give back to the organization that provided priceless opportunities for them. Financially supporting Iowa FFA Foundation, supports the sustainability of our organization and the future of our agriculture industry.

A: A Career Development Events (CDE) builds upon what is learned in agricultural classes and FFA to demonstrate meaningful connections between classroom instruction and real-life scenarios CDEs. Classroom instruction comes alive as students demonstrate their skills in a competitive setting. CDEs test the abilities of individuals and teams in 23 major areas of agricultural instruction.

A: Our proficiency award program helps FFA members set goals and learn practical skills. The program rewards FFA members at the local, state and national levels for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program. Proficiency awards are given in 47areas that represent the diversity of our agriculture industry.

A:Nearly 95 percent of agricultural education programs offer agriscience in the classroom. FFA members have the opportunity to demonstrate their innovative projects through an AgriScience Fair at the state and national levels and AgriScience student awards.

A: Yes. The Iowa FFA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your donations are tax deductible under IRS rules.