Governor’s Heritage Foundation gifts historic $200,000 to FFA Foundation
M.K. French
Farmer Staff Writer
A remarkable $200,000 donation from the Governor’s Heritage Foundation was recently gifted to North Dakota FFA Foundation, marking the largest single monetary donation in the Foundation’s history. The contribution, announced at Governor Kelly Armstrong’s Inaugural Ball, signals a powerful investment in the future of agricultural education and leadership development in the state.
“We are deeply honored to have been selected as one of the beneficiaries of this incredible event,” said Laiken DeMorrett, Executive Director of the ND FFA Foundation. “This gift is a powerful testament to the importance of agricultural education and leadership development in North Dakota. It will enable us to expand our impact and continue to empower the next generation of leaders.” The North Dakota FFA Foundation, established in 1980, supports more than 7,700 FFA members across 96 chapters statewide.
The impact of this substantial donation is yet to be fully realized, but the possibilities are vast. “This will really stabilize the level of support that we’re able to maintain,” DeMorrett explained. She noted that the board will meet in the coming weeks to discuss how best to utilize the funds. While specific plans for the funds are yet to be determined, DeMorrett spoke about the potential of this unprecedented and unrestricted donation, stating, “when it comes to what it will be used for, whether expanding, the programs we already have, or possibly something new, either way, it gives us the chance to dream.”
Dawsyn Malkowski, a State Officer for the FFA and a student at NDSU who hails from Fairfield, shared his perspective on the donation and the organization’s impact. “I think that it gives an amazing opportunity for us to expand what we already have when it comes to operations all over the state,” Malkowski said. He highlighted the potential for increased membership opportunities for students who can’t afford it and the possibility for the expansion of statewide projects. Malkowski emphasized the personal impact of FFA, noting the development of many skills which have “allowed me to build my leadership, communication, and networking skills. I have made so many friends, and realized the importance of that support system when I came to NDSU.” Malkowski added that it was an honor to attend “such an amazing celebration, with an unbelievable gift to the FFA.”
The FFA’s influence extends beyond individual growth to community service. DeMorrett recounted the overwhelming response when volunteers were requested for the Inaugural Ball. “When I put the ask out to the ag teachers… 60 kids from seven chapters raised their hand and all of the advisors showed up willing to support them too.” Malkowski confirmed the strong showing by the students in their iconic blue jackets, highlighting the FFA motto, “Living to Serve.”
Greg Tehven, Founder of Grand Farm and Emcee of the Governor’s Inaugural Ball, underscored the Foundation’s vital role. “It has become clear to me that the ND FFA Foundation is a key part of the success of North Dakota,” Tehven stated. “Not only do they support future leaders, the folks involved in this organization make an impact each and every day.”
This historic donation marks a pivotal moment for the North Dakota FFA Foundation, promising to further its mission of developing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture across the state. As Malkowski concluded, “FFA just brings amazing opportunities to anyone who’s willing to just give it a try. It’s really an organization that any amount of effort that you put into it, it’ll definitely give back.”
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