CPDF Grant Program: Investing in Dairy, Agriculture & Community

At the Central Plains Dairy Foundation (CPDF), we believe that the future of dairy thrives when innovation, leadership and community engagement are encouraged. That’s why we established our Grant Program to give financial support to organizations, farms and community groups that:

• Offer scholarships to develop tomorrow’s dairy industry professionals
• Host agritourism and educational events that bring the dairy story to the public
• Develop programs that strengthen the dairy sector through community outreach, leadership development, workforce training or public awareness initiatives.

What We fund

The Grant Program is open to non-profit organizations and farms committed to the dairy industry across our five-state region (Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota). We look for projects that:

• Demonstrate collaboration, creativity and measurable impact
• Support dairy industry promotion beyond “business as usual”
• Align with CPDF’s commitment to investing in the people of dairy, supporting education and advancing industry resiliency

Why It Matters

The dairy industry in the Central Plains is more than milk and cows; it’s about people, places and community. Whether it’s a farm hosting a family agritourism event or an educational organization offering dairy leadership training, these projects create connections between dairy producers and the broader public, help develop the next generation of dairy professionals and strengthen rural communities. By offering this Grant Program, CPDF helps turn ideas into action and ensures that our region’s dairy heritage continues to evolve and thrive.