FUND FOR RURAL AMERICA ®
YEAR IN REVIEW
Since its formation, Compeer Financial has positively impacted vitality in rural communities served by our cooperative, our partner organizations and grant recipients. In 2023, Compeer Financial’s Fund for Rural America provided $4.4 million in funding, impacting the lives of 4 million people, with youth being the largest beneficiaries of our giving dollars.
In 2023, 98% of Compeer’s funding had local and regional impacts, directly benefiting the communities we serve. The Fund for Rural America is committed to serving all facets of agriculture and those contributing to its future. We are proud to support these endeavors collectively.
We continued our support for FFA state associations and members across our 144-county territory in 2023, providing signature-level contributions to each FFA foundation. Additionally, we collaborated on agricultural education equipment grants with local programs and chapters, awarding over $212,000 to 60 recipients. Find details about how we support the youth involved in FFA on page 12 of this report.
In 2023, we created a new partnership with Farm Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aiding farmers and ranchers in times of need. We are excited to continue this partnership in 2024, particularly as Farm Rescue expands its services to Wisconsin. Through supporting Farm Rescue and other organizations that directly benefit farmers, the Fund has positivity impacted the lives of over 91,000 farmers in our territory. Learn more about their admirable mission on page 10.
The opening of the Food + Farm Exploration Center was a notable event in the past year, highlighting the organization’s unique approach to educating families about the connection between agriculture and food. The Fund for Rural America Board expressed gratitude for the opportunity to visit the facility, inspiring a sense of youthful wonder in all. More information about the Food + Exploration Center can be found on page 8.
We are immensely proud of how our team supported others in 2023. Our team member matching gift program was revised in 2023, with the Fund matching personal donations made by team members. This program matched nearly $50,000. Additionally, our team members supported first responders by partnering with Operation Gratitude to make paracord lanyards and notes of gratitude for almost 4,200 first responders. The organization-wide giveback program fostered collaboration and unity among our teams. In 2023, 60% of the organizations we supported reported being impacted by our team members’ time and talents beyond financial support. We are immensely proud of our team members’ dedication to giving back to their communities.
In 2023, we continued our Agriculture and Rural Initiative, our donor-advised fund, making our largest commitments to date: $1 million to The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, for its Farm to Wellness Research Fund and $1 million to the Dairy Pilot Plant and Training Center at the University of WisconsinPlatteville. Additionally, we initiated a pilot program with seven community foundations on the Rural Collaboration Project, aiming to bolster rural vitality across the Midwest. This project is part of a larger $3 million initiative supporting projects and works in rural communities that contribute to a better future.
Partnering with organizations dedicated to rural America is fundamental to our mission. From supporting FFA state associations to aiding farmers and investing in rural health, we look forward to another successful year in 2024.
John Monson, Chief Mission Officer Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Fund for Rural America
$4.4M
Amount allocated to the Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America ® in 2023
4M
More than 4 million people directly impacted
152 Scholarships awarded 105 Annual and one-time gifts given
626 Grants distributed 12
Grant programs offered annually
857,572
Youth directly impacted with $1.1M in gifts
876,344
People facing food insecurity supported 91,328 Farmers directly impacted by gifts
98% of the organizations supported have benefited from the time and talents of Compeer Financial team members (A new record!) 60% of giving made local and regional impacts
2023 IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
The Fund focuses its giving within Compeer Financial’s territory to five areas important to our clients and rural communities:
AGRICULTURAL ADVOCACY & DEVELOPMENT
Supports programs for direct farmer impact, agriculture industry advocacy, agriculture leadership development and consumer awareness.
• 77 markets and 37 farmers impacted by Farmers Market Grants
• Supported production of AgMags and online education for Agriculture in the Classroom
• $15,000 in support for Farmer Veteran Coalitions in Compeer’s territory
• Supported the Discovery Barnyard at the Wisconsin State Fair
• Supported professional development, networking and continued education for agriculture teachers in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin
AGRICULTURE EDUCATION
Supports all levels of formal agriculture education through programs, equipment and facility support, and scholarships.
• 29 scholarships offered at eight state universities with agriculture programs
• 12,290 students experienced new equipment in agriculture classrooms
• Supported Farmdoc, a website with 1 million users in 2023 that provides analysis, tools and data to help Corn Belt farmers make more informed decisions
• Provided grants to 45 young, beginning or small farmers
COOPERATIVE INITIATIVES
Supports Compeer’s cooperative model through client education support, local giving and team member engagement activities.
• $226,408 donated directly to local causes from Compeer offices
• Matched $49,156 in personal donations from Compeer team members
• 4,193 notes of gratitude written to first responders by Compeer team members
RURAL DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT
Supports efforts to increase vitality of rural communities, promote economic development and enrich programs for rural residents.
• Equipped 5,338 first responders with emergency response equipment
• 22 gifts impacted organizations combating food insecurity
• $417,171 in General Use Grants to 67 organizations
• 15 Emergency Response Equipment Collaboration Grants
• 22 community building projects supported
• Supported six organizations in Minnesota focused on rural economic development and vitality
YOUTH ENGAGEMENT
Supports established programs that promote youth leadership, civic engagement and wellness.
• More than $207,500 in support of FFA and 4-H State Associations
• Support for programs, organizations and education opportunities benefiting more than 80,300 youth and young adults
• Supported leadership development and agriculture’s future
Harvesting KNOWLEDGE
Exploration Center is a Hub for Agricultural Innovation and Education
PLOVER, Wis. — In Wisconsin’s heartland, where vast fields of potatoes and vegetables spread as far as the eye can see, the Food + Farm Exploration Center has emerged as a beacon of agricultural innovation and sustainability. This visionary project is the brainchild of the Farming for the Future Foundation (FFTFF), established by the Pavelski family, who are Compeer Financial clients and owners of Heartland Farms in Hancock, Wis. Their mission is to bridge the gap between consumers and the agricultural world by educating current and future generations about the intricacies of farming and sustainable practices.
The Food + Farm Exploration Center, located in Plover, Wis., opened its doors to the public on Dec. 2, 2023. The 50,000-square-foot facility, nestled on 24 acres, offers visitors a unique blend of ag-related science, technology and hands-on experiences. With over 60 interactive exhibits, demonstration farm fields, meeting spaces, café and gift shop, the center aims to demystify agriculture for all who enter. Notably, the center features the world’s largest potato masher, proudly standing 39 feet tall.
“FFTFF’s primary mission is to educate current and future generations about agricultural innovation and sustainability,” said Andy Reitz, executive director of the Food + Farm Exploration Center. “The purpose is to connect the disconnect around the general public’s understanding of where our food comes from, what goes into it, the people who make it happen, the technology
behind it and how it gets from field to store to table. The center is a manifestation of that vision.”
COMMUNITY + AGRICULTURE
Plover provides the perfect backdrop for the Food + Farm Exploration Center. Positioned halfway between Chicago and Minneapolis, the center is a pivotal destination along the bustling Interstate 39 corridor. Its strategic location has attracted numerous meetings, conventions and trade shows, fostering a dynamic connection between the local community and the broader ag industry.
More than just a tourist attraction, the exploration center is a hub for community engagement, welcoming learners of all ages to participate in various activities. It serves as a space for learning, playing, exploring and discovering the wonders of agriculture. Exhibits take visitors through the world of farming, featuring handson displays demonstrating everything from irrigation to processing to grocery shopping. Tractor simulators show the power of GPS, sandboxes teach visitors about topography and interactive maps show where certain crops are grown throughout Wisconsin.
“Our core is built around education,” explained Reitz. “Whether inside our building or through our outreach programming, everything is centered on education, and everything we do supports that initiative. It’s all about closing that gap in people’s knowledge of where their food comes from.”
The Food + Farm Exploration Center has former teachers on staff who develop education programs for kids and adults. One popular program, Tot Time, provides an environment for toddlers and their parents to experience age-appropriate play with an agricultural focus. The center’s outreach programming allows its educators to visit area schools for pre-visits with students before a field trip to the center or a separate lesson altogether.
VISION TO REALITY
The center’s vision took shape in October 2019, followed by an extensive fundraising campaign and a groundbreaking ceremony in April 2022. The total project cost amounted to an impressive $41 million, showcasing the commitment of FFTFF to bring this transformative vision to life.
FFTFF is a nonprofit organization that relies on public support for annual needs and capital projects. The Compeer Fund for Rural America, recognizing the monumental impact of the Food + Farm Exploration Center, contributed a signature gift of $750,000. This donation came with naming rights to the Compeer Financial Observation Deck, promising visitors a unique vantage point overlooking acres dedicated to agricultural production and mini-pivot displays. This visual spectacle mirrors Compeer’s commitment to “watching over” agriculture and rural communities.
Since its opening, the Food + Farm Exploration Center has left a deep-rooted mark on the community and beyond. Hosting events like U-Pick vegetable days, welcoming over 7,300 ticketed guests and collaborating with educational institutions and organizations like Mid-State Technical College, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, Girl Scouts and the Boys & Girls Club of America, the center is fulfilling its mission to educate, engage and inspire.
As the exploration continues, the Food + Farm Exploration Center stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to the future of agriculture. The Fund for Rural America’s support ensures this visionary project continues to flourish, leaving a lasting impact on agricultural education and sustainability.
Opposite page: The Food + Farm Exploration Center, in Plover, Wis., opened in late 2023 and aims to bridge the gap between consumers and the agricultural world.
Top left: Food + Farm Exploration Center visitors can explore demonstration farm fields, where potatoes and vegetables grow as far as the eye can see.
Bottom left: Unique to the Food + Farm Exploration Center, Tot Time provides an environment for toddlers and their parents to experience age-appropriate play with an agricultural focus.
Top right: With over 60 interactive exhibits, the 50,000-square-foot facility offers hands-on experiences for guests.
Bottom right: Interactive maps teach Food + Farm Exploration Center visitors about where certain crops are grown throughout Wisconsin.
STEPPING IN
Farm Rescue Offers Help When Needed the Most
DUNDAS, Minn. — Scattered across the United States are 500 volunteers ready and willing to assist fellow farmers or ranchers in their time of need. Farm Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, stands as a unique organization dedicated to aiding members of the agricultural community who face major illness, injury or natural disasters.
Currently, Farm Rescue’s assistance extends to farm and ranch families in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
“We’re the only organization in the country doing something like this,” said Ben Smith, field operations manager for Farm Rescue. “We provide in-field and hands-on support to farm families during their most critical moments. We dispatch labor and machinery directly to their fields, ensuring farmwork is completed professionally and promptly so the family doesn’t suffer undue hardship due to crises and their business doesn’t suffer.”
Pilot Bill Gross, a native of North Dakota, founded Farm Rescue in 2005. Driven by a desire to give back to the agricultural community, Gross aimed to assist farm families facing a major illness or injury in planting, tending to or harvesting their crops.
John Thomas, a Compeer Financial client near Dundas, Minn., is one of the 1,000 farm and ranch families Farm Rescue has assisted since its inception. In July 2023, Thomas underwent a second leg amputation, 12 years after his first. Recognizing the challenges ahead, Thomas’ wife Judy sought assistance from Farm Rescue for the harvest season.
“Having Farm Rescue really helped speed up the process,” Thomas said. “A lot of people in my area were intrigued by what was going on when Farm Rescue was here.”
Volunteers like Mitch Krause dedicated nearly two weeks to helping the Thomas family harvest their bean and corn crops.
“I’m sure that for these farmers, knowing an organization exists to aid and support them is a big load off their shoulders,” Krause said.
As a nonprofit, Farm Rescue relies on donations, like the one they received from Compeer in 2023, to fund all activities.
“Every donation enables us to not only serve our current areas, but helps in furthering our goal of expanding our reach to offer assistance wherever our machinery and farming expertise is needed,” Smith explained. “Operating costs have steadily risen at Farm Rescue, and farming is no different.”
Faced with escalating machinery costs and increased expenses for lodging, meals, insurance and fuel, Farm Rescue diligently pursues additional funding through support and sponsorships.
The organization also serves to break the stigma of asking for help.
“Seventy percent of our requests originate from individuals reaching out on behalf of the farmer because the farmer was hesitant to seek aid,” Smith noted. “Farmers are known for their pride and self-reliance, but it’s crucial to understand the importance of community support. We aim to prevent anyone from slipping through the cracks because they didn’t know help was available.”
Reflecting on his experience, Thomas emphasized Farm Rescue’s user-friendly application process, noting his neighbors’ newfound interest in the organization’s work. He was able to share more about his experience with Farm Rescue with his neighbors when they stopped over during the multi-week volunteer effort.
“My main advice is to embrace this valuable resource without reservation,” Thomas concluded.
Opposite page: Farm Rescue, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit is dedicated to aiding members of the agricultural community in times of need.
Below clockwise L-R: Farm Rescue supplies its own machinery directly to the fields of the farm families its providing aid.
L-R: Compeer Financial Officer Eric Hokanson, Ben Smith, John Thomas, volunteer Andy Stender and Mitch Krause.
Judy and John Thomas, of Dundas, Minn., received assistance from Farm Rescue in July 2023.
Donations to Farm Rescue allow the organization to supply machinery and labor to members of the agricultural community who face major illness, injury or natural disasters.
Powered byBLUE JACKETS
FFA Nurtures Future Agriculturalists and Leaders
PEARL CITY, Ill. — Benjamin Bremmer’s blue corduroy FFA jacket has created life-changing opportunities for him.
“From the skills I have made to the people I have met — those things wouldn’t have happened anywhere else but FFA,” said the 19-year-old from Pearl City, Ill. “I’ve had valuable leadership, public speaking and hands-on learning experiences. Every single person is touched by agriculture, and there is a place for them in FFA.”
Bremmer, a third-generation FFA member, is the Illinois FFA state treasurer. The five-person state officer team in Illinois takes a gap year from school to serve the association.
During their year of service, officers travel more than 20,000 miles to visit FFA chapters around the state, conduct workshops and meetings, represent Illinois FFA in professional settings, and promote agricultural education.
The Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America is one of five organizations that support the state officers’ travel, working with the state office to provide a vehicle. During his year as state treasurer, Bremmer is utilizing the vehicle provided by Compeer Financial, which is co-branded with FFA and Compeer. Bremmer and his family also happen to be clients of Compeer.
“When companies, local businesses and individuals support FFA, it makes a lasting impact on our members,” Bremmer said. “Support for our travel like this helps the state officers visit chapters, host conferences and contests, support record books and provide plaques and awards. It’s really cool to drive a car supported by a cooperative that I am an active client in.”
Bremmer was one of more than 72,494 FFA members directly impacted by Compeer’s financial support in 2023.
“Benjamin is a shining example of the impact FFA makes on young adults,” said Jeff Kromm, a financial officer at Compeer, who works with Bremmer and his family. “FFA’s mission to prepare its members for leadership and careers in agriculture overlaps with Compeer’s mission of enriching agriculture and rural America. Supporting FFA at the state and local levels within Compeer’s territory is an important pillar in our giving.”
After his year of service as a state officer, Bremmer plans to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to study agriculture business marketing and management. His goal is
“ When I wear my FFA blue jacket, I feel thankful and optimistic because FFA has given me so many opportunities and opened so many doors in my life, from the people I have met to the skills I have learned, and because FFA has shaped a bright future for agriculture by creating the next generation of leaders.”
Benjamin Bremmer
Illinois FFA State Treasurer
FFA PARTNERSHIPS
to return to the family farm, to help raise corn, soybeans and replacement heifers for a local dairy.
Bremmer believes the experiences and skills he’s learned in FFA will benefit him for the rest of this life.
“FFA has really helped me with my public speaking,” Bremmer said. “I feel comfortable talking to people and having a conversation. This skill alone has helped me grow as person and be more mature and confident.”
“ When I wear my FFA blue jacket, I feel empowered to better those around me because I have the opportunity to share my experiences, educate the people I meet and make a difference in shaping the future of agriculture.”
Katie Ketchum
Minnesota FFA President
“ When I wear my FFA blue jacket, I feel confident because I know there is a community of people behind me who have all worn the same blue corduroy.”
Linsey Mueller
Wisconsin FFA State Treasurer
FFA is the premier youth organization that prepares members for leadership and careers in agricultural science, business and technology. Since 2018, the Compeer Financial Fund for Rural America has provided more than $635,750 to support state FFA organizations.
This support includes:
• Annual commitments to support state officer chapter visits, travel, Star Awards and leadership development events
• Matching dollars for Giving Tuesday
• Additional funding for chapter-level grants and donations
Partners in RURAL VITALITY
Rural Collaboration Project Unites Compeer and Foundations
Rural communities thrive when people and organizations share a united, common cause.
Collaboration is the key to creating and maintaining rural vitality, which is the main driver behind Compeer Financial’s support of the Rural Collaboration Project.
The Rural Collaboration Project provides grant funding to community and initiative foundations across Compeer’s territory in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. In 2023, the project was piloted with seven foundations and provided $347,500 in funding for seven focus areas. (See graphic for more information.)
The vision centers around active, strong rural societies capable of supporting thriving economies.
In Wisconsin, the Fond du Lac Area Foundation partnered with the Beaver Dam Community Foundation to create a new fund and grant program focused on rural vitality.
“The grants helped to support community childcare needs and community development,” said Aaron Sadoff, executive director of the Fond du Lac Area Foundation. “Seven rural nonprofits and their communities now have more support than ever.
The collaborative process has beautifully demonstrated how we can work together for the common good.”
Compeer also partnered with Minnesota’s Initiative Foundation to support regional, rural nonprofits in strategic planning and the implementation of the unique capacitybuilding priorities identified through that planning.
“It is surprisingly rare for nonprofits to receive funding for self-identified capacity-building needs,” said Nicole Clements, nonprofit development program officer with the Initiative Foundation. “This unique, innovative approach empowers key stakeholders to direct the future of their organizations and accelerates the pace at which nonprofits can increase their capacity to serve their communities.”
Other partners include:
• Community Foundation of Southern Wisconsin — Janesville, Wis.
• DeKalb County Community Foundation — Sycamore, Ill.
• Eau Claire Community Foundation — Eau Claire, Wis.
• The Foundation for Northwest Illinois — Freeport, Ill.
• Galesburg Community Foundation — Galesburg, Ill.
“At Compeer Financial, we are all about boosting rural growth through teamwork,” said Karen Schieler, senior corporate giving specialist at Compeer. “Our Rural Collaboration Project unites forces within community and initiative foundations to fuel progress. From farming to community needs, entrepreneurship to education, Compeer is on board. We can help rural America thrive through important projects like this.”
The Rural Collaboration Project will continue in 2024 with support for additional community foundations and initiatives.
The Agriculture and Rural Initiative — Compeer’s donor-advised fund — provided funding for this program and was created by Compeer Financial’s Board of Directors in 2019 to make signature investments in programs and projects that are high priorities to member-owners. To date, $10 million has been invested in the initiative, and $2.4 million has been awarded to support rural vitality, human health and agriculture and agriculture workforce development.
Rural Collaboration Projects should have a sustainable long-term plan and fit within the community’s long-term strategic vision for rural vitality.
Focus areas include:
Agriculture
Programs, projects and services that enhance the agricultural landscape and opportunities in a rural community.
Community Development
Programs and projects contributing to the essential needs of the community. This can include health care, daycare and other areas that impact the quality of life for families and community members of all ages.
Entrepreneurship & Small Business Support
Programs and services helping the creative, cuttingedge entrepreneurs and small business owners in a rural community.
Housing Expansion
Programs and services supporting rural housing cooperatives or consultants or enhancements to singlefamily, multi-family and workforce housing efforts. (Excludes efforts related to homelessness.)
Leadership Development
Programs and projects helping to inspire, train and promote leadership for youth and adults in rural communities.
Rural Education
Enhancing programming, innovations and experiences at pre-K to grade 12 schools to ensure students have access to a world-class education.
Workforce Development
Programs and projects attracting, retaining, training and sustaining community members — current and future — to vital jobs and careers.
2024-2025 GRANT TIMELINE
For detailed information, deadlines and applications for each of these programs,* visit compeer.com/giving-back
August: Emergency Response Equipment and Regional Collaboration Grants
November: General Use Grant
January: High School Senior Scholarship Program (Due in March)
February: Farmers Market: Organization and Vendor Grants
March: County Fair Facility Upgrade Grant
April: Agriculture Education and Classroom Equipment Grant
May: General Use Grant
Ongoing:
• Beginning with Compeer Financial Grant
• Community Building Grant
• Rural Feasibility Study Grant
• Transition Planning Grant
*Each grant program is subject to change.
2024 FUND FOR RURAL AMERICA ® BOARD OF TRUSTEES
John Monson, Chair
Board of Director Members
Rod Bosma
Mark Cade
Dan Erickson
Dave Peters
Daniel Scheider
Kimberly Wedig
Team Members
Melissa Caulum
Jacob Chapman
Jessica Fleming
Ben Larson
Jennifer Layton
Jana Stangler
Compeer Financial Corporate Giving Team
Melanie Olson, Corporate Giving Specialist
Karen Schieler, Sr. Corporate Giving Specialist