Share the Dream Spotlight: AgrIInstitute

This summer, 25 different charitable organizations, scholarships and endowments are participating in the Putnam County Community Foundation Share the Dream program. The fundraising program offers proportionally awarded grant prizes to participants who receive at least 10 donations of $25 or more between May 1 and Aug. 31.

Each of the 25 organizations will be highlighted in this series.

AgrIInstitute provides leadership education and training for adults who are engaged in the agricultural industry in Indiana and provides opportunities for meaningful dialogue on matters of high importance.

Their premier program is the Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program, a two-year leadership development program for adults. This program features 12 educational seminars for 30 individuals in each two-year class.

While the organization serves the State of Indiana, the impact of its work is felt at local levels all across Indiana. Putnam County has many graduates of the Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program who are actively serving Putnam County.

The first class of this program began their study in 1983. Since that time, more than 440 individuals have completed the Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program and have gone on to serve in influential leadership roles in their community, have led the agriculture trade and membership organizations at all levels, have served in elected positions at local and state levels and provided effective leadership in national roles to advance agriculture. 

AgrIInstitute Inc. Endowment, established in 2015, was created to support the Indiana Agricultural Leadership Program. This program prepares leaders to advance agriculture and the industries and communities served by agriculture.

Putnam County residents and individuals across the state who believe that the future of agriculture is dependent on a well-connected, strong leadership on all fronts — leadership to advance agriculture on a state and local ­— level should consider donating. The agricultural industry is critically important in every community of Indiana.

AgrIInstitute invests nearly $15,000 in each participant. The long-term goal of the endowment is to support a portion of the cost for a participant each year.

The specific goal during the Share the Dream program is to increase the endowment $5,000.

If you would like to support this program and make an investment in its long-term sustainability make your donation today by contacting PCCF at 653-4978 or visiting the website at www.pcfoundation.org.