Kentucky FFA Celebrates Record-Breaking $11 Million Donation

The Kentucky FFA Foundation is set to receive an $11 million gift from the Bill Gatton Foundation — the largest donation ever given to any FFA Foundation in the nation. The record-setting gift is expected to expand opportunities for the more than 24,000 Kentucky students involved in FFA chapters across the state.

The announcement was made during a news conference at the Kentucky State Fair. Kentucky FFA Foundation Executive Director Sheldon McKinney explained that the funds will both strengthen current programs and launch new initiatives. The donation will support upgrades to the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center and its camp experience, provide additional camp scholarships for individual members and entire chapters, and increase prize money for state winners in Career and Leadership Development Events.

It will also fund a foundation-led bus tour to the Washington Leadership Conference for up to 100 students, with scholarships available to those with financial need. In addition, the Muhlenberg and McLean County FFA chapters will each receive a Forever Blue endowment, managed by the foundation, that will provide them with annual funds in perpetuity.

In recognition of the gift, the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center in Hardinsburg will be renamed the Carol Martin Gatton Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center.

“Mr. Bill Gatton has a legacy of leadership, inspiring philanthropy and a deep love of Kentucky,” McKinney said. “This gift to Kentucky FFA, which was a piece of his leadership development, will offer life-changing opportunities for generations of future FFA members. The Carol Martin Gatton Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center is a place that has grown thousands of Kentucky FFA members into true leaders in their homes, communities and our state. Mr. Gatton’s gift will ensure that we continue to thrive.”

Beth Hargis, associate commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Career and Technical Education, echoed that sentiment. “We are so grateful for this gift and excited for the opportunities it will open up for the students across Kentucky who are learning and growing through the FFA program,” she said. “Whether it’s through career skills workshops or hands-on leadership programs, our students will benefit from opportunities to help guide them down the road to success. Agriculture has a nearly $50 billion impact on Kentucky’s economy. Students who participate in FFA programs are learning valuable skills for their future and helping ensure the food supply for our country.”

Gatton, who served as Kentucky FFA State President in 1950, went on to a successful career in business but is best remembered for his generosity. The Bill Gatton Foundation’s latest gift ensures that Kentucky FFA members, past, present, and future, can continue using the program as a launchpad into careers in agriculture, business, and community leadership.

FFA remains one of the nation’s largest youth leadership organizations, with Kentucky students at the forefront. In 2024, members in the state earned more than $13.2 million through work-based projects and contributed over 26,000 hours of community service. Collectively, they worked more than 1.6 million hours in Supervised Agricultural Experiences, served in over 2,400 local leadership roles, and received nearly $240,000 in scholarships.

Today, Kentucky FFA has roughly 16,000 members, representing a significant share of the state’s agricultural education students. The organization continues to serve as a bridge between classroom learning, career readiness, and leadership development; an impact that this historic gift will only strengthen.