Juneau, Wis. – Have a unique idea to share the story of modern dairy production? An existing dairy exhibit or project that needs updating? A youth education program that needs a little extra support? A project to improve water quality, soil health or sustainability in your area?
Dairy’s Foundation, the only public-held national foundation supporting dairy education and initiatives across the entire dairy industry food chain, is seeking applications for grants for up to $10,000. The next application deadline is Dec. 1, 2024, with applications accepted from across the United States. Nonprofits and organizations developing new programs to build the skills of students or dairy producers or increase public trust in the people and products of dairy are encouraged to apply.
Recent grants have supported museum exhibits on dairy, public outreach programs at fairs and farm expos, youth dairy training programs and contests, and much more.
St. Lous, Missouri, based Dr. Genie’s Kids received a grant to develop an interactive toy that introduces young children to animal care and veterinary careers. The organization created “Mable the Dairy Cow” as part of the Little Medical School collection of imaginative animal care kits called “Vetopia.” The kit comes with a plush cow in a habitat carry case, two milk bottles and a caddy, and a two-sided veterinarian exam form that teaches children what to look for in a healthy cow.
The kits are used in Little Medical School programming around the country, donated to local organizations like hospitals, not for profits, community centers and schools to add to their programs, and available for retail purchase.
“We’ve found that talking about animal care and veterinary careers is a great way to introduce STEM concepts to students who may not be interested in coding, robotics or some of the other areas that are most typically associated with STEM programs, and it is important for students to know how milk is produced and animals are cared for,” said Dr. Mary Mason, founder of Little Medical School. “The Dairy’s Foundation grant was a tremendous help in offsetting the costs to develop and produce a new item, as well as allow our Foundation to donate kits to programs across the country.”
Dairy’s Foundation strives to identify emerging educational needs and help fill gaps in funding for new or innovative programs. Since 2010, Dairy’s Foundation has awarded more than $335,000 in grants to support vital programs that equip the dairy community with the latest tools and resources to be effective managers, leaders and ambassadors of dairy to their neighbors in rural and urban settings.
Grant criteria and guidelines can be found at www.DairyFoundation.org/grant-seekers/. Applications will be reviewed by an independent grant-selection committee. Organizations with a tax status of 501(c)(3) or (5) may apply.
Inquiries about Dairy’s Foundation grants can be sent to info@dairyfoundation.org.
Dairy’s Foundation, a national public-held foundation was established by Professional Dairy Producers in 2002 as a way to raise funds and award grants for educational programs. The Foundation is a 501(c)3 entity. Our mission is to share ideas, resources and experiences about important issues surrounding the dairy industry through educational opportunities for dairy producers and the public.
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