Springfield, Illinois (December 15, 2024) – The BRANDT Foundation awarded seven grants to charitable organizations at its most recent semi-annual Board meeting. The grantees, all 501(c)3 organizations in good standing for the past three years, align with The BRANDT Foundation’s ongoing commitment to advancing agriculture, education, and food security in communities where BRANDT operates its businesses.
University of Illinois Foundation – This grant will help the University of Illinois Springfield’s College of Business and Management launch the 2025 UIS Commodities Trading Competition. Using the StockTrack platform, 100 high school and college students will gain real-world commodities trading experience, primarily focusing on soybeans and corn. Led by finance faculty Dr. Serkan Karadas and Dr. Tammy Schlosky, participants will learn about market analysis, futures trading, and risk management, culminating in a celebratory on-campus event with prizes and recognition for top performers.
Southeastern Food Bank / Bread of Life Fellowship – Founded in 1991, Southeastern Food Bank feeds over 12,000 low-income families monthly across Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. With The BRANDT Foundation’s grant, the organization will grow its core programs like the Monthly Food Outreach, Mobile Food Pantry, and Holiday Food Boxes, all aimed at reaching 200,000 families by 2025. Through strategic collaborations with more than 100 nonprofits, Southeastern Food Bank remains a vital hunger-relief partner in the region.
Illinois FFA Alumni Association – This grant will support the 2025 Illinois FFA Alumni & Supporters Annual Meeting. The live auction at this event raises crucial funds for scholarships, with over 2,035 scholarships totaling $439,070 awarded to date for programs like Leadership Camp and the Washington Leadership Conference. The BRANDT Foundation’s support will help expand these scholarship opportunities and foster greater engagement among alumni, FFA members, and communities statewide.
Lexington Education Advancement Foundation – With this grant, the Foundation will equip the new Agricultural Classroom for Lexington Community Unit #7. Slated to open in January 2025, the classroom will feature advanced tools such as welding booths and plasma cutting tables. Students will develop hands-on agricultural and technical skills while collaborating with local businesses on community projects. The BRANDT Foundation’s support will help prepare youth for future careers in agriculture and industry, strengthening workforce readiness and community ties.
Cass County Food Pantry – Established in the 1980s, Cass County Food Pantry serves over 900 individuals monthly, providing canned goods, cereals, meats, and other staples. This BRANDT Foundation grant will sustain and expand the Pantry’s monthly food program, ensuring that residents continue to receive consistent access to nutritious meals. The Pantry’s mission is to adapt to evolving community needs in Cass County, providing a lifeline for families and seniors experiencing food insecurity.
Illinois 4-H Foundation – This grant will strengthen the Illinois 4-H Food Advocacy Grant Program, empowering youth across the state to tackle food insecurity through hands-on service projects. Guided by adult mentors, these youth-led initiatives develop leadership skills, inspire civic responsibility, and foster lasting community partnerships. The additional funding will help expand the program’s reach, enabling more young people to implement creative solutions that improve access to healthy foods in their local areas.
Central California Food Bank – Serving more than 300,000 individuals monthly across five counties, Central California Food Bank will use this grant to bolster its Groceries2Go program. Families schedule contactless grocery pickups at multiple sites, receiving both shelf-stable items and fresh foods to help bridge nutrition gaps. By delivering over 1 million meals annually through Groceries2Go alone, Central California Food Bank directly combats food insecurity while maintaining the dignity and convenience of its clients.
“These grants all share a common thread of advancing agriculture and fighting food insecurity, while supporting leadership development in the communities where we have a presence,” said Rick Brandt, President of The BRANDT Foundation. “We are honored to fund these innovative programs that create real, lasting impact.”
The BRANDT Foundation is a private foundation funded through donations from BRANDT, Team BRANDT employees and other generous supporters. Its mission is “to provide meaningful assistance and support to the communities, farms and families where BRANDT has facilities.”