New Prague, Minn. (November 4, 2025) – The Central Plains Dairy Foundation (CPDF), a 501(c)(3) organization committed to strengthening the dairy industry across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, revealed its 2026 Grant Program. 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 or public awareness initiatives.
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 are looking 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
“Dairy is about more than production; it’s about the people, the communities and the stories behind it,” said Kristy Mach, CPDF executive director. “Through this Grant Program, we have the opportunity to invest in projects that build leadership, foster public trust and help dairy communities evolve.”
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.
Applications for the 2026 funding cycle are now open. Interested applicants should consult CPDF’s website for full details, including eligibility, guidelines, deadlines and submission instructions. Projects that align with dairy education, leadership and/or agritourism are strongly encouraged.
The Central Plains Dairy Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to investing in the people of dairy across the I-29 corridor and surrounding region. Through scholarship programs, educational grants and industry partnerships, CPDF promotes innovation, leadership and sustainability in the dairy industry.
