Dairy’s Foundation offers grants to nonprofit organizations that promote education and leadership within the dairy industry, with an emphasis on innovative and impactful programming. The foundation’s mission is to build a professional, proactive, and prepared dairy community through educational initiatives. Funding is awarded to projects that align with core objectives: engaging and equipping individuals through lifelong learning, fostering leadership skills, and developing the next generation of professional dairy producers.

Grant applications are accepted during two cycles annually. The Spring Cycle is open from January to May, with a deadline of June 1 and funding decisions announced by August 1. The Fall Cycle runs from July to November, closing on December 1 with decisions communicated by February 1. Organizations may apply for up to $10,000 per project, and this is also the maximum amount any single organization can receive within a cycle. All applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(5) status in the United States.

Grants support educational projects that are producer-driven and not related to physical infrastructure or existing programs. Funded projects must address a new need in the dairy sector and demonstrate potential for significant impact. Projects must be unique, replicable, and contribute to the foundation’s vision of industry improvement through education.

Funding cannot be used for scholarships, political or religious activities, endowments, private business ventures, building projects, or nutrition initiatives covered by state or national check-off programs. Applications must be submitted as a single PDF via email to info@dairyfoundation.org, with "Grant Application" in the subject line. Required components include a cover page, IRS determination letter, and a grant proposal of fewer than 10 pages formatted in 12-point Arial font.

The proposal should address the applicant’s background and achievements, project need, methodology, timeline, detailed budget, and any leveraged funds. Recipients are expected to provide periodic progress updates and a final impact evaluation that documents outcomes and publicizes the results in alignment with Dairy’s Foundation’s mission.