SUN PRAIRIE, Wis., Dec. 2, 2025 – Illini Bluffs FFA Chapter, Glasford, Ill.; Blue Earth Area Schools Backpack Program, Delevan, Minn.; and Jolly Joiners 4-H Club, Cashton, Wis., each received $2,500 from Compeer Financial in recognition of Giving Tuesday. In addition, Compeer will match donations made on Giving Tuesday to each state’s FFA Foundations, up to $2,500 per state. The donations represent Compeer’s commitment to rural communities through its Fund for Rural America, which has reinvested nearly $29 million since it was established in 2018.
Nearly 4,000 nominations representing FFA chapters, 4-H clubs, county fairs and food pantries across the 144-county territory in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin were submitted for the Giving Tuesday contest.
“As rural residents ourselves, Compeer Financial team members understand what these organizations mean to their communities. On Giving Tuesday, we’re honored to support these deserving recipients and further uplift their ability to make valuable contributions within their communities,” said Karen Schieler, manager of Compeer Giving at Compeer Financial.
Reigniting interest in FFA
The Illini Bluffs FFA Chapter is in a state of rebirth. The chapter was nominated by Justin Towery, president of the Alumni Association and Supporters for the chapter. “I believe in the future of agriculture, which is why I donate my time and entered for this donation. This gift changes our financial outlook for the year exponentially, and we are very grateful for it,” Towery said.
Mackenzie Harmon, FFA advisor, hopes the donation helps support reestablishment of the chapter and member involvement with the community. “Our greatest concern is still finding that footing,” Harmon said. “I’ve seen a lot of growth over the past two years, and we need to make sure there are kids ready to step in and fill positions as the juniors and seniors graduate out. The donation will help us create interest and opportunities. It will also allow us to take the kids to different conferences and events, especially summer events when school is out, and we don’t have as many funds.”
Stretching dollars to fight food insecurity at school
The Blue Earth Backpack Program is a weekend meal program for the community’s elementary students. The program had gone away with the pandemic but has been brought back by Brenda Millmann, who nominated the program and is also its coordinator. She’s seen firsthand the impact the program has on families and also experienced the heartbreak when funding runs out.
“Last year we had to end a month early because donations ran out. We weren’t able to provide meals for the last month of school, which was heartbreaking because I know families rely on that,” Millmann said. “Prices have gone up. Even since last spring, every single item has gone up, even just a few cents, so I’m always conscious of stretching that dollar. I’m hoping this $2,500 donation helps us get through at least the winter months and stretches our dollars even further.”
Developing education opportunities, supporting community
For Annette Trescher, 4-H is all about preparing members for real life. That involves providing relevant educational experiences and being active in the community. As co-leader of the Jolly Joiners 4-H Club, her members are benefactors of both, and as contest nominator she hopes to provide more opportunities with the donation from Compeer Financial.
“Our officers continue to ask for more education. Even though we have a lucrative fundraiser, we see our treasury being utilized heavier than it has in the past because of having 12 months of educational programs. That is why the $2,500 from Compeer is so important to us,” Trescher explained. “Our kids are also very active in the community – from the fall fest to supporting community improvements like an all-abilities splashpad and town mural. And the community supports them back, so for the past several years, we’ve been having a community appreciation dinner. Receiving this donation is awesome and brings tears to my eyes.”
To read more about these organizations, visit https://compeer.com/articles/
About the Fund for Rural America
The Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America is the corporate giving program of Compeer Financial, structured to support Compeer Financial’s mission to enrich agriculture and rural America. Compeer Financial’s Board of Directors has dedicated one percent of annual net earnings to support the Fund’s focus areas of agriculture education, youth engagement, rural development and community enrichment, agricultural advocacy and development, and cooperative initiatives. The Fund is managed by a Board of Trustees, made up of team members and members of the Compeer Financial Board of Directors. Learn more about opportunities available through the Fund.
About Compeer Financial
Compeer Financial is a member-owned Farm Credit cooperative serving and supporting agriculture and rural communities. The $35.5 billion organization provides loans, leases, risk management and other financial services throughout 144 counties in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Based in the Upper Midwest, Compeer Financial exists to champion the hopes and dreams of rural America, while providing personalized service and expertise to clients and the agriculture industry.
Compeer Financial is the third largest cooperative of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of lending institutions supporting agriculture and rural communities with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. Learn more about Compeer Financial’s patronage program.
