“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”

These words were originally spoken by Helen Keller, but they ring true in many ways for today’s dairy community. Sharing dairy’s story with consumers, educating the next generation of dairy producers and industry professionals, and helping today’s producers adopt the newest ideas and practices for their operations are all critically important to the future of the dairy industry. These objectives also require collaboration and commitment to accomplish.

Twenty years ago, a group of dairy producers took Helen Keller’s words to heart when they formed Professional Dairy Producers Foundation as the charitable arm of Professional Dairy Producers (PDPW). Also known as Dairy’s Foundation, the foundation works alongside PDPW to support educational dairy programs and expand the impact and reach of America’s dairy industry.

The foundation funds educational programs and initiatives that are consistent with its strategic direction set by dairy producers, including a grant program that provides up to $10,000 for producer-driven education initiatives.

“Dairy’s Foundation was created by dairy producers and is largely funded by dairy producers,” says Natalie Glumm, director of development for Dairy’s Foundation. “The decisions on grant awards are made by dairy producers to ensure funds are used wisely and will support initiatives around the country. The foundation’s support is focused in three key areas: raising up the next generation of professional dairy producers, growing and maintaining public trust in our people and products, and building the skills of our dairy producers.”

Grants have wide reach

The Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation received a grant in 2023 to establish a “Moo U” area at the Destination Dairy learning station at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Held in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the January show attracts about 500,000 guests each year, with an estimated 250,000 people visiting the Destination Dairy learning station and Calving Corner.

The Moo U area was created to offer unique science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) activities for kids of all ages, with veterinarians and educators leading hands-on activities that introduced families to the science and technology involved in modern dairy production. The rotating sessions included engineering, chemistry, anatomy, biology, nutrition and technology labs.

“The public is incredibly interested in learning more about dairy farmers – their cows, their farms and their industry – and dairy farm families appreciate the opportunity to interact with the public,” says Miriam Miller, Calving Corner manager. “Building and fostering relationships with the public and consumers is a continuous, ongoing goal, and we continue to make strides thanks to this project.”

In a survey of guests representing 10 states who visited the Destination Dairy learning area, more than 90% responded that the information and activities increased their understanding of the role dairy farmers have in our communities, and 76% said they are more likely to choose dairy products because of their experience.

In 2020, Farmers for Sustainable Food, formerly known as Dairy Strong Sustainability Alliance, received a grant for a pilot milkshed sustainability project in southwestern Wisconsin with the Lafayette Ag Stewardship Alliance and other partners.

The project focused on piloting a framework for farm-level sustainability projects to support farmers in better understanding the environmental and financial impacts of conservation on their farms. Fifteen farms are participating in the pilot program, which will collect five years’ worth of data for measuring a variety of factors from financials to impacts on land, watersheds and more.

“It is important to bring a wide range of partners together to support and implement projects to help farmers make decisions about the practices that are right for their farms,” says Lauren Brey, managing director of Farmers for Sustainable Food.

The most recent round of grant awards announced in July 2023 highlights the variety and reach of grants, with five programs in Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin receiving funding.

“From upgrading an animal lab at a high school to museum exhibits educating children and adults about the dairy industry, to speakers and youth development programs, the grants are truly making a difference in the dairy community,” Glumm says. “It is impressive to see the commitment of dairy producers to fund and support programs and initiatives that will ensure the successful future of the industry.”

Applications for grants are accepted on an ongoing basis, with the next deadline on Dec. 1. Organizations with a tax status of 501(c)(3) or (5) may apply for grants up to $5,000. Grant criteria and application forms can be found online.

Supporting Dairy’s Foundation

There are a variety of ways to support the work of the foundation. Individual and corporate gifts of any amount can be made through the I Believe program, gifts can be made in honor of a loved one’s life and legacy, or planned giving can be established through an estate.

Active dairy producers can also participate in the Two Cents for Tomorrow campaign. This convenient, automated program is an investment in the future of the industry through an ongoing donation of 2 cents per hundredweight of milk sold from the producer’s farm.

The foundation also hosts a silent auction during its annual business conference hosted by PDPW each March.

For more information about Dairy’s Foundation, grant programs and giving opportunities, visit the website or call 800-947-7379.

“As we move into our 20th year, we are celebrating our founding friends, connecting with supporters from throughout the years, listening to their feedback and looking ahead to the next 20 years,” Glumm says. “As a producer-driven organization, we are focused on the areas and programs that will allow our dairy community to thrive and grow well into the future.”

This update is provided by the Professional Dairy Producers Foundation, which raises funds nationwide and awards grants and sponsorships for educational programs and initiatives that benefit the U.S. dairy community. PDPF is committed to uniting the dairy community on issues of common concern to achieve its vision of a professional, proactive and prepared dairy community.