Today marks the official kick-off of the Illinois Foundation FFA's 2024-2025 Local Collection Drive!

What is the Local Collection Drive?

The Local Collection Drive is an annual effort where FFA chapters across Illinois are encouraged to engage their communities—businesses, individuals, and local organizations—to raise funds that directly support the Illinois Foundation FFA. These funds are critical for sustaining the various programs, activities, and opportunities that benefit all FFA members across the state.

For the 2024-2025 Local Collection Drive, our goal is to raise $380,000. With your support, we can surpass this goal and continue providing invaluable opportunities to Illinois FFA members. Your dedication and time are deeply appreciated in achieving this important task.

Why Participate?

Your participation in the Local Collection Drive is not just about fundraising; it's about investing in the future of every FFA member. The funds raised help to cover expenses that are essential to our organization’s mission. These include:

• Illinois FFA Major State Officer Team Expenses
• Section President Expenses
• Illinois FFA State Convention
• S.T.A.R Conferences for Section Officers
• Build Conference
• Ground Zero Conferences
• Middle School Conferences
• Leadership Camp
• Plaques & Awards for all Proficiencies, Stars and District/State CDE and LDE Winners
• Stipends for CDE and LDE, Agriscience, and Proficiency Winners to attend National Convention

Initiatives to Encourage Participation

To recognize and reward the dedication of our chapters, the Illinois Foundation FFA Board of Directors has put several exciting incentives in place:

1. Hopper Funds:
• Chapters that participate in the Local Collection Drive will receive a portion of their total collection drive back in their Hopper Funds account. To learn more about Hopper Funds, please email tyard@illinoisffa.org
2. Rock Star Parking at State Convention:
• As a special incentive, the top ten chapters that excel in their collection efforts will be awarded premium parking at the 2025 Illinois FFA State Convention. Imagine pulling up to the convention with the convenience and recognition that comes with Rock Star Parking!

We believe these initiatives will not only encourage participation but also add an element of excitement and competition to this year’s drive.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to Riley Wells, Associate Director. We are here to connect you with local resources and provide any support you need.

A heartfelt thank you to our individual donors, corporate sponsors, community members, and FFA supporters. Your contributions to the Local Collection Drive and other generous donations of time and money are vital. The Illinois Foundation FFA and the Illinois Association FFA extend our gratitude for your role in nurturing future leaders in FFA and agricultural programs.

You are truly making a difference in the lives of countless FFA members.