Gift of Grain Awards First Ag Education Grant to Local FFA Chapter

The East Porter County Chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA) is on its way to the 95th National FFA Convention & Expo this year, thanks in part to a grant from the Gift of Grain program of the Porter County Community Foundation (PCCF).

Members of East Porter County Chapter of Future Farmers of America received a grant from the Gift of Grain program. Photo Credit: Aimee Tomasek

This year, the Gift of Grain committee awarded funding to the Future Farmers of America local chapter which helped offset the cost to attend their national convention. “Farmers who take advantage of the opportunity to donate grain are having a real impact on youth interested in agriculture as a possible career,” said Bill Higbie, President and CEO of the Porter County Community Foundation. “The Foundation is thrilled to play a role in supporting our local FFA chapter so they can experience the benefits of attending their national convention.”

Since 2017, local farmers have had the opportunity to donate grain as a way to make a charitable contribution. In partnership with Co-Alliance in Malden, farmers can designate a portion of their corn or beans to PCCF. The value is then added to the Gift of Grain Fund held at the Foundation.

Brothers Bryce (left) and Colton (right) Birky, donated corn to the Gift of Grain program. Photo Credit: Aimee Tomasek

The two youngest donors to the Gift of Grain program, Bryce and Colton Birky, helped their grandparents, Morgan Township farmers Ron and Cheri Birky, during harvest. The boys then drove a wagon load of corn to Co-Alliance to donate. Farmers can donate grain anytime throughout the year; the gifts are combined in the endowment fund, collectively impacting the community in a greater way.

(left to right) Colton Birky, Bryce Birky and grandfather Ron Birky, of Morgan Township, at Co-Alliance in Malden donating to the Gift of Grain program at the Porter County Community Foundation. Photo Credit: Aimee Tomasek

For more information about gifts of grain, please call Bill Higbie at 219.465.0294 or click here.