The Indiana FFA Foundation has been awarded a $750,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. through its Capital Project Initiative for Residential Youth Camps. The grant is one of 69 Phase 2 implementation awards designed to help Indiana youth camps enhance facilities that support high-quality programming and improved outcomes for young people.
The funding will support major improvements at the Indiana FFA Leadership Center in Trafalgar, a facility that has served as a hub for leadership development since 1968. The Center hosts leadership workshops, retreats, camps, and career development events for youth and adults from across the state.
Planned upgrades include modernization of the electrical system, remodeling of south-side restrooms to improve accessibility and comfort, replacement of doors and hardware to enhance safety and functionality, and installation of new gutter downspouts and drainage improvements to better protect the facility.
“These investments will allow us to preserve and strengthen the heart of our campus,” said Lisa Chaudion, executive director of the Indiana FFA Foundation. “The Main Lodge has been central to our mission for more than 50 years, and this grant ensures it remains safe, accessible, and welcoming for the thousands of young people who visit each year. We are deeply grateful to Lilly Endowment for its support.”
Phase 1 of the initiative focused on developing a comprehensive campus master plan to guide long-term improvements at the Leadership Center. That planning process evaluated code compliance, accessibility, infrastructure capacity, and opportunities for expansion, while also addressing environmental concerns such as erosion and flooding. These efforts established a roadmap for sustainable growth and future development.
John Nagle, board chair of the Indiana FFA Foundation, emphasized the long-term impact of the funding. “Support from both Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Lilly Endowment initiative will help ensure the Leadership Center continues to provide meaningful opportunities and experiences that prepare Indiana FFA members to become future leaders.”
Each year, the Indiana FFA Leadership Center hosts 13 leadership conferences for FFA members statewide. These conferences, largely facilitated by state officers who reside at the Center, offer interactive programming designed to build positive character traits and leadership skills. In total, more than 200 activities are offered annually to engage students from across Indiana.
Adam Sweet, director of the Indiana FFA Leadership Center, said the grant represents a major step forward. “This investment allows us to address critical facility needs, enhance safety and accessibility, and position the Center for long-term success as a premier leadership development space in Indiana.”
The 170-acre Indiana FFA Leadership Center campus includes a 5.5-acre lake, wooded areas, trails, a creek, a large parade field, and a 33-element low ropes challenge course.
The Indiana FFA Foundation works with partners in industry, education, government, and the community to secure resources that support the Indiana FFA Association and the Leadership Center. These efforts help recognize member achievements, develop student leaders, and support agricultural education for more than 14,125 students across 233 local FFA chapters statewide.
For more information, visit www.inffa.org/foundation.