The Georgia Agribusiness Council Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization,  was created to help grow funding initiatives to help support agriculture education. GAC is a proud sponsor of agribusiness awards and programs for FFA and 4-H, in addition to many other education projects. 

The Council created the Dr. Joe Crane Memorial Classroom Grant program for Georgia teachers interested in promoting agricultural literacy; provides William C. “Bill” Baisley “Sumpin Big” Scholarships to Georgia college students demonstrating a need for financial assistance while seeking an agricultural degree; and sponsors the UGA College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences Congressional Fellowship Program. 

Through generous support to the GAC Foundation, the Council will continue to invest in these programs and others to expand opportunities available to young people. To learn more about the Foundation, please contact Jill Hansard at jhansard@ga-agribusiness.org or 706-336-6830.  To become a GAC Foundation supporter, please click here for a donation form or to donate online click here. Don’t forget – your donations are tax deductible!

William C. "Bill" Baisley "Sumpin' Big" Scholarships

This $1000 scholarship is offered to a student in need of financial assistance studying for an agricultural career at a college in Georgia. Bill Baisley was a trusted leader, a personal friend, and encouraging mentor for the food and agricultural sector for many years. Bill used the phrase “sumpin big” as a way to move ideas forward. We honor him with this scholarship and look forward to helping a student that is moving our industry forward. The deadline for the 2024 application is October 7th. 

Click Here For Application

Dr. Joe B. Crane Classroom Grants Program

GAC started this program to deliver grant funds directly to teachers for ag education projects. It is named for longtime GAC Director and education program advocate Dr. Joe B. Crane of Valdosta. Dr. Joe was an integral part of his county Board of Education and carried his passion for education wherever he went. We are proud to honor him by presenting this award to a few teachers each year. The deadline for the 2024 applications is October 14th. 

Click Here For Application

UGA CAES Congressional Agriculture Fellowship

The Council has supported this program since its inception and it is a proven winner for these students and the agriculture industry. This program helps students interested in politics and agricultural issues gain great experience as they serve Georgia Congressional leadership in Washington, D.C. over the summer. These students go through an extensive and competitive interview process to earn acceptance into this program. D.C. "Fellows" attend agriculture committee hearings, prepare briefs, conduct agricultural research and meet with constituents.

Georgia FFA Sponsorship & Georgia 4-H Support
           

We have supported these programs for many years, focusing funding and time to the "Star in Agribusiness" awards as well as the National FFA Convention. We also support the mission of the Georgia 4-H by attending their events and donating our time for their fundraising efforts.