FFA Advisors, time is running out! With just one week left to apply for the Illinois FFA State Convention grants, seize this opportunity to provide your students with an unforgettable experience. Don't delay any longer; submit your application before it's too late!

The Illinois FFA State Convention Attendance Grant aims to provide financial assistance to FFA Chapters that have not been able to attend state convention in the past three years. This grant seeks to support FFA Chapters in facilitating their participation in this crucial event, which offers unique opportunities for leadership development, skill enhancement, networking, and engagement with the broader agricultural community.

We believe that every FFA Chapter should have the opportunity to participate in the annual Illinois FFA State Convention and benefit from the valuable experiences it offers. Through the Illinois FFA State Convention Attendance Grant, we aim to empower FFA Chapters to overcome financial obstacles and fully engage in this transformative educational event. 

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this grant is to remove financial barriers that may have prevented FFA Chapters from attending state convention in recent years. By offering funding support, we aim to enable these chapters to participate fully in the state convention experience, thereby enriching the educational journey of their members and enhancing the overall impact of their FFA programs.

Grant Objectives:

• To provide financial assistance to FFA Chapters that have not attended state convention in the past three years.

• To promote active participation and engagement among FFA members by facilitating their attendance at the state convention.

• To support the professional and leadership development of FFA members through exposure to inspirational sessions, competitive events, workshops, and networking opportunities available at the state convention.

• To strengthen the relationship between FFA Chapters and the state FFA association by fostering increased participation in state-level events.

• To encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among FFA Chapters by enabling them to attend the state convention and bring back valuable insights and experiences to their local communities.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Chapters that have not attended the Illinois FFA State Convention in the past three years are eligible to apply.

• Chapters must provide a detailed budget outlining the anticipated expenses associated with attending the state convention.

• Priority will be given to FFA Chapters that can demonstrate a clear plan for maximizing the impact of their attendance at the state convention on their members and the broader FFA community.

• Chapters must be able to attend a meal function on Wednesday, June 12th, at 11:00 a.m. with the sponsors of the grant.

Funding Details:

• Grants will be awarded on a competitive basis

• Funding may be used to cover expenses such as transportation, accommodation, registration fees, and other related costs directly associated with attending the state convention.

• The total amount of funding available and the number of grants awarded will be determined based on the availability of funds and the number of eligible applications received.

Application Process:

Interested FFA Chapters must submit a complete grant application form, including a detailed budget and document signed by the chapter’s administration confirming that the chapter and all of the listed individuals will be able to attend the convention if funds are received. 

Successful applicants will be notified of their grant award and provided with further instructions regarding fund disbursement and reporting requirements.

Timeline:

• Grant applications are due by 5:00 p.m. CST on Monday, April 1, 2024

• Recipients will be notified, and funds will be distributed by Friday, April 15th.

• Grant summaries are due by 5:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, August 1st.

Application Link: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexhWb6_MHkFQRpnX51kODJCYL1h0fGXnjCYHZYbo4TWmICVQ/viewform?usp=sf_link