Thanks to the Lilly Endowment Inc. the National FFA Organization will be receiving a three-year, $1.5 million grant to support the mission and vision through their annual convention.

The National FFA Convention & Expo returns to Indianapolis this fall, where it will stay until 2024.  The event is considered to be the premier FFA event, with programs and competitions happening on a national level.  It is the largest annual student gathering and offers members the opportunity to explore careers, be inspired and recognize accomplishments.

“We are grateful for this generous grant,” said W. Dwight Armstrong, chief executive officer of the National FFA Organization and National FFA Foundation. “These funds will help us ensure that our conventions are premier experiences for our members while making a greater impact on Indianapolis and the state of Indiana. The conventions are an essential component of how FFA grows leaders, builds local communities and strengthens American agriculture.”

Each year, the convention and expo provides transformational experiences for FFA members who will be the next generation of leaders, managers and workers for American agriculture. In addition to bringing economic impact to Indianapolis and the region, the FFA convention and expo offers unique opportunities to showcase the state’s agricultural assets and recruit top human resource talent to Indiana agriculture while significantly advancing the state’s goal of becoming an innovative regional, national and international hub for food, agriculture, natural resources and life sciences.

“We’re thrilled to have the National FFA Convention & Expo return to Indianapolis, this time for nine years,” said Ted McKinney, the director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “Lilly Endowment has been gracious with its support and recognizes the power of the youth leadership coming to our city and state this year and in the years to come.”