Purdue University’s College of Agriculture is offering a funding opportunity to help strengthen the next generation of agricultural leaders, but programs seeking support for 2027 need to act quickly.
The Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association’s Ag Alumni Trust Fund is accepting applications for grants designed to expand student experiences, build professional skills and create opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2026.
Established in 1967, the Ag Alumni Trust Fund provides flexible financial support for College of Agriculture needs that cannot be met through other available resources. The fund distributes an estimated $20,000 annually, depending on investment earnings, donations and other financial considerations.
For Purdue agriculture programs, the grants offer a way to turn innovative ideas into meaningful student experiences — from professional meeting travel and networking events to new program launches that connect students with opportunities across the agricultural industry.
Funding targets broad student impact
The Ag Alumni Trust Fund committee, working with the dean of agriculture and college staff, reviews proposals and determines how available funding will be allocated.
Priority is given to projects that benefit a broad cross-section of undergraduate and graduate students while keeping costs efficient on a per-student basis. Applications that serve more than one or two students are particularly encouraged.
Most funded projects fall between $1,000 and $2,500, although larger awards have been made in the past. The committee seeks to distribute limited resources across as many students and program areas as possible.
Previous projects have included travel to professional meetings, innovative program kickoffs and strategic networking events — experiences intended to help students develop practical skills, expand professional connections and prepare for careers in agriculture.
Equipment purchases may be considered in some circumstances, but ongoing maintenance expenses are not covered.
The funding is intended for qualifying projects and experiences taking place during the 2027 calendar year. Expenses for activities that have already occurred are not eligible for retroactive funding, and individual undergraduate or graduate research projects are not eligible.
Previous recipients also should not assume they will automatically receive another award. All applications are evaluated for the current funding cycle.
December decisions, January funding
The application process follows a defined annual timeline. The committee meets in December to review proposals, with applicants notified of funding decisions by the end of the year. Awarded funds become available in January 2027.
Applicants must complete the entire Trust Fund application to be considered.
Programs selected for funding also must submit a certification of completion report after using the funds. Those reports are shared with the Ag Alumni Association, Purdue University and the College of Agriculture, and may be used in recruiting, marketing and informational materials.
How to apply or support the fund
Purdue College of Agriculture programs can submit proposals through the Ag Alumni Trust Fund application. Questions about eligibility or the application process can be directed to Danica Kirkpatrick at danica@purdue.edu.
Agricultural alumni and supporters can also help sustain the program through tax-deductible contributions to the Ag Alumni Trust Fund.
Donations can be made online through Purdue’s giving portal. Donors should select the fund option, search for “other,” and enter Ag Alumni Trust Fund (RF3002).
Contributions also can be made by check payable to Purdue Foundation, with “Ag Alumni Trust Fund (RF3002)” written on the memo line, and mailed to:
Purdue Foundation
Gift Processing
P.O. Box 772401
Detroit, MI 48277-2401
For additional giving information, donors can contact the College of Agriculture Development office at 765-494-8672.
With applications due October 31, Purdue’s Ag Alumni Trust Fund offers a timely opportunity to invest in the experiences, connections and professional preparation that can help agriculture students become the industry’s next generation of leaders.
