$11 million gift announced by Rob Peel will create camp and scholarship opportunities

Kentucky FFA Foundation announced a $11 million gift from the Rob Peel-helmed Bill Gatton Foundation, creating unprecedented opportunities for 24,000+ Kentucky students — the largest donation to any FFA Foundation in U.S. history.

The donation was announced during a news conference at the Kentucky State Fair, where Kentucky FFA Foundation Executive Director Sheldon McKinney shared how the funds will be used to grow current programs and add new opportunities for FFA members, including

Enhancements to the Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center and the FFA camp experience

More FFA camp scholarships for individual members and chapters

Increased prize money for state winners of Career and Leadership Development Events

A Foundation-led bus tour to the FFA Washington Leadership Conference for up to 100 students, as well as scholarships for students with financial need

A Forever Blue endowment to Muhlenberg and McLean County FFA chapters

The Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center will be renamed the Carol Martin Gatton Kentucky FFA Leadership Training Center in honor of Mr. Gatton’s historic gift.

“Mr. Bill Gatton has a legacy of leadership, inspiring philanthropy, and a deep love of Kentucky,” said McKinney.

“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.”

Gatton served as Kentucky FFA State President.

He went on to tremendous success as a businessman but is best remembered for his philanthropy.

This gift from the Bill Gatton Foundation will allow tens of thousands of Kentucky FFA members to use FFA as a springboard for their own successes as entrepreneurs, leaders, and members of their communities.

FFA is an intracurricular student organization for those interested in agriculture and leadership.

More than 24,000 Kentucky students are members of FFA. In 2024, Kentucky FFA members earned more than $13.2 million through work-based projects and completed 26,489 hours of community service.