INDIANAPOLIS – The record amount raised during the most recent Give FFA Day demonstrates the generosity and dedication of the National FFA Organization’s supporters, according to an official with the organization.

This year’s amount of more than $1.6 million was donated Feb. 20 during National FFA Week. The figure topped last year’s $1.4 million. Since the program began 10 years ago, nearly $5.4 million has been donated.

“Every gift, no matter the size, helps shape the future of agriculture and leadership,” Molly Ball, president of the National FFA Foundation, told Farm World. “Your generosity fuels the growth of students who will go on to be industry leaders, educators and changemakers. Your support makes a real difference, and we are grateful for your belief in the power of FFA.”

The total raised this year “was both humbling and inspiring,” she said. “It’s a testament to the incredible impact FFA has had on so many people and the collective commitment to ensuring that today’s students have the same – if not better – opportunities for leadership, career development and agricultural education.”

Give FFA Day was created 10 years ago as a way to make a difference in the lives of FFA members across the country, growing the next generation of leaders who will feed, clothe and change the world, the organization said.

Donors may choose to give to the National FFA or a state FFA association, Ball noted. This option allows them to support the area of FFA that means the most to them, she added.

“Many individuals made direct contributions, but we also saw a variety of creative efforts to raise money,” Ball explained. “Some alumni groups, state associations and local chapters organized fundraising challenges, matching gift campaigns, and peer-to-peer fundraising efforts. Social media played a big role in rallying support, with individuals sharing their FFA stories and encouraging friends and family to contribute.”

FFA said the money raised this year will go toward supporting special programs and events, providing more than 150 FFA blue jackets to students, supplementing travel costs for conferences and conventions, and paying for teacher support and resources throughout the year.

“Funds raised on Give FFA Day benefit both the national and state levels, depending on how donors designate their contributions,” Ball said. “At the national level, funds help support leadership conferences, national-level scholarships, and initiatives like the National FFA Convention & Expo. At the state level, money often goes toward member scholarships, grants for agricultural education programs, and leadership development events.”

In addition, the funds might be used in such ways as offering grants for local chapters to support community service projects and supporting teacher development programs to strengthen agricultural education, she said.

FFA is a non-profit organization, and while some funding comes from membership dues and sponsorships, those sources alone don’t fully cover the costs of providing high-quality leadership and career development opportunities to students nationwide, Ball pointed out.

“Give FFA Day and other fundraising initiatives help bridge that gap by allowing individuals, businesses and alumni to invest directly in FFA’s mission,” she said. “The funds raised ensure that students – regardless of their financial situation – have access to the resources, experiences and support they need to succeed.

“Whether someone donates $10 or $10,000, every contribution adds up to something incredible. It’s not just about the money raised. It’s about the opportunities created for students who will carry the legacy of FFA into the future.”