The Minnesota FFA Foundation is holding its annual sponsorship drives for two key programs: the Blue Jackets Bright Futures program and the FFA Legacy Club.

The blue jacket program is open to any sponsor — individuals, FFA chapters, agricultural teachers, organizations and alumni. The program offers FFA members the opportunity to earn an FFA jacket through an application process.

Jackets are $85 each and are awarded in October to FFA members.

Last year, 516 FFA members applied for jackets in Minnesota, says Val Aarsvold, Minnesota Foundation executive director.

“Although we don’t know how many members will apply this year, we know the need continues to grow and we are working to meet this need,” she says.

The FFA Legacy Club, established in 2012, supports grants to FFA chapters for program enhancement to better serve members. An FFA Legacy Club pledge is $1,000 and may be paid in full at the time of sign-up or in installments.

Grant applications from FFA chapters are due Oct. 15.

There are 190 FFA chapters with nearly 11,000 members in Minnesota supported by the foundation.

“We believe the strength of the FFA is its members and the chapters that serve them,” Aarsvold says. “Accordingly, we work to support our members through the Blue Jackets Bright Futures program and the Legacy Club grants,” she adds.

The deadline for sponsorships for both programs is Oct. 15.

For more information, contact Aarsvold at [email protected]. Or visit the foundation’s website at mnffafoundation.org to sponsor a jacket or make a Legacy Club donation.