Foundation Scholars Program

The objective of the Champaign County Farm Bureau Foundation is to communicate the critical importance of agriculture to our community. Through our Foundation Scholars Program we are proud to support students with the knowledge, passion and motivation to lead our agricultural industry.

Successful applicants will meet the following criteria:

  • Have been a resident of Champaign County while enrolled in high school, or be a graduate of a high school located in Champaign County
  • Have been accepted for enrollment, or be currently enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited college or university. A full-time student will be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester.
  • Majoring in an agricultural related field of study, leading to a career which impacts the agricultural industry.
  • Applicants must maintain successful grade point average.
  • COMPLETE applications must be submitted by 11:59 P.M. on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
  • Any application submitted incomplete or after the deadline will not be considered.

NOTE: A complete application will include the attachment of the following:

  • A current academic transcript. This will include cumulative and fall 2025 grade point averages and proof of ACT score (HS Seniors).

Note that a 15-minute zoom interview is a required portion of the application. Applications will not be judged until your interview is complete. Applicants will be contacted after February 1st to set up an interview time/date. 

Successful candidates will be awarded a scholarship of no less than $1,000. The number of awards extended and their respective values are at the discretion of the CCFB Foundation Board of Directors.

Awards will be announced in spring 2026. Scholarship funds will be released directly to scholar’s college or university in the fall 2026 semester unless otherwise noted by the CCFB Foundation.

Please contact the Champaign County Farm Bureau Foundation with any questions:

Kirk Builta, Executive Director
801 N. Country Fair Drive, Suite A
Champaign, IL 61821
kirk@ccfarmbureau.com
Office: 217-352-5235
Cell: 217-621-5405

Helpful Tip – We have had a few issues with the “Save and Continue Later” function of our application.  We recommend that applicants write and save the essay question answers in a word document so that they can be copied into the application when you are ready to submit.  

2026 Scholarship Application

Due IN FULL by 11:59 P.M. Saturday, January 31, 2026

"*" indicates required fields

Applicant's Name:*
Home Address:*

(Used only to deposit scholarship funds into your student account)
(Please notify the CCFB Foundation should you choose to attend a college or university other than that specified above.)
How did you hear about our Scholarship Program? (Choose one)*

ACADEMICS (15 points)

Note: We understand that some students may only take the SAT. If you've only taken the SAT please enter that score in this area in place of an ACT Score.
Note: We understand that some students may only take the ACT. If you've only taken the ACT please enter that score in this area in place of an SAT Score.
High School Seniors - Please attach to this application a transcript confirming GPA, and ACT/SAT score. College Students - Please attach to this application your most recent transcript.
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 1 MB.
Accepted file types: jpg, jpeg, png, Max. file size: 10 MB.
Please provide a professional senior picture or formal headshot. (Please save or title the photo with your name.)

Community Impact (15 points)

In the spaces provided, please tell us about your impact on the community: Please provide examples of the three most meaningful or influential community or school activities in which you have participated. Using the space provided, explain how or why these experiences impact your personal growth. Examples could be from academic, school or campus activities, clubs, athletic, faith-based initiatives, community involvement, work history, or any other influential life experience. (5 points each).

Agricultural Impact/Essay (35 points)

Tell us about the agricultural experiences that have been most meaningful to you. Pick two activities or moments—big or small—that helped you understand where you might fit in agriculture. How have these experiences influenced your goals for school or a future career in agriculture?

INTERVIEW (35 points)

A 15-minute in-person or Zoom interview will be held with qualified applicants later in February. All applicants will receive an email on or before February 10th with a link to sign up for an interview slot. Interview times will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Your application will not be judged if you fail to appear for an interview.

*The interview committee and CCFB Foundation will make reasonable accommodations to complete this interview. Any requests to reschedule an interview must be made at least 24 hours in advance of your scheduled interview time.

More information regarding your interview will be sent to your email address on or before February 10th. Please watch for an email from CCFB Foundation Executive Director Kirk Builta kirk@ccfarmbureau.com*
More information regarding your interview will be sent to your email address on or before February 10th. Please watch for an email from CCFB Foundation Executive Director Kirk Builta kirk@ccfarmbureau.com

TOTAL APPLICATION — 100 points

Extra Credit - 3 points max

In the past year, I've volunteered with the CCFB Foundation at the following events.