SDFB Launches Scholarship Program

Thanks to the generosity of former SD Farm Bureau president Richard Ekstrum and his wife, Agnes, South Dakota students have a new scholarship opportunity.

The Ekstrums, from Kimball, made an initial contribution for the South Dakota Farm Bureau Scholarship Fund.  Earnings on the fund in 2006 will be used to award the first scholarships for the fall 2007 semester.  “We are honored and humbled by the generosity of the Ekstrums in making this endowment,” said SDFB President Scott VanderWal.

“Farm Bureau has been an important part of my life and has opened many doors for me.  My life is richer because of Farm Bureau,” said Richard Ekstrum.  “The privileges and opportunities we have had are because of others who have gone before us.  We think it’s our responsibility to pass along opportunities for those who are coming after us.”

The South Dakota Community Foundation is administering the scholarship funds, at the direction of the Farm Bureau board of directors.  Additional tax-deductible contributions for the Farm Bureau scholarship program may be made to the Community Foundation, which will hold the contributions in permanent endowment.  Yearly earnings will be used to award scholarships for students from Farm Bureau families.

Tax deductible contributions may be mailed directly to the South Dakota Farm Bureau Scholarship Fund, PO Box 296, Pierre, SD 57501.  The Community Foundation will issue a receipt for your tax records.