BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota FFA Foundation has received its largest single monetary donation to date—a $200,000 gift from the Governor’s Heritage Foundation. Announced during Governor Kelly Armstrong’s Inaugural Ball, this contribution highlights a growing commitment to investing in the next generation of leaders in agriculture and beyond.
Established in 1980, the North Dakota FFA Foundation was created to provide financial support for the leadership development opportunities and activities, serving more than 7,700 members across 96 chapters statewide. The Foundation plays a critical role in preparing the next generation of leaders in agriculture and related industries and was one of two charitable beneficiaries of the Governor’s Inaugural Ball.
During the Governor’s Inaugural Ball, a significant fundraising effort raised over $1 million to benefit the Governor’s Heritage Foundation and the two selected nonprofit organizations: the North Dakota FFA Foundation and the Great Plains Food Bank. Each organization received a $200,000 check reflecting a generous share of the funds raised, underscoring the critical importance and essential missions of these two organizations.
“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.”
At the event, the North Dakota FFA community showcased its dedication and service. When invited to provide volunteers, the response was overwhelming. Members (high school students), advisors and alumni, most proudly wearing their iconic blue corduroy jackets, traveled from across the state to support the event and interact with guests. Their presence highlighted the FFA motto, “Living to Serve,” while contributing to the evening’s success.
Greg Tehven, Founder of Grand Farm—a project aimed at creating the world’s first fully autonomous farm and driving innovation in agriculture—and Emcee of the Governor’s Inaugural Ball, offered insight into the Foundation’s impact. “It has become clear to me that the ND FFA Foundation is a key part of the success of North Dakota,” said Tehven. “Not only do they support future leaders, the folks involved in this organization make an impact each and every day. I’m impressed by the professionalism, awareness of national issues, and the ability of these talented leaders to engage.”
This historic $200,000 gift from the Governor’s Heritage Foundation marks a defining moment for the ND FFA Foundation. Adding to the excitement, additional contributions during and immediately after the Governor’s Inaugural Ball brought the total raised to an impressive $206,000. These gifts underscore the overwhelming community support and the shared belief in investing in the future of agriculture and leadership development across North Dakota.
The North Dakota FFA Foundation expresses heartfelt gratitude to Governor and First Lady Armstrong, Lt. Governor Michelle Strinden, and the event organizers for making this possible.
For more information about the North Dakota FFA Foundation and its initiatives, visit NDFFAFoundation.com.
About the North Dakota FFA Foundation
The ND FFA Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to support the leadership opportunities and activities of the ND FFA and agricultural education. They do this by building partnerships with industry, education, government, other foundations and individuals to secure financial resources that allow scholarships, financial assistance and sponsorship of the ND FFA State Association’s activities to help grow leaders, build communities and strengthen agriculture.
