Professional Improvement Foundation
Mission
The Ag Communicators Network (ACN) Professional Improvement Foundation (PIF) is a member-directed 501(c)(3) nonprofit that funds programs and activities to advance ACN members and strengthen the agricultural communications profession.
Donate to PIF
Your tax-deductible contribution supports professional development for agricultural communicators.
How to Give
- Online: Donate Here
- Phone: 952-855-8701
- Mail: Make checks payable to ACN Professional Improvement Foundation
ACN Professional Improvement Foundation
126 W. Main Street
New Prague, MN 56071
Tax Information
Tax ID: 36-3540-723. Contributions are tax-deductible and may be eligible for employer matching programs.
This version clarifies the mission upfront, organizes donation methods clearly and streamlines the tax information.
Because of the stipend from PIF, I was able to attend the IFAJ World Congress as a Young Leader. It was one of the most beneficial experiences for my career to get to learn from ag journalists and develop lifelong friendships with journalists from around the world.
I again want to thank the Agricultural Communicators Network for the stipend to help pay for attending IFAJ.
If you’re like me, giving to a charity or organization is a personal decision based on a variety of factors, including my relationship to the organization, a shared belief in its mission, and my desire to make a difference. I believe that donating to PIF is an effective, honorable way to ensure that professional development, recognition, and educational opportunities remain available for all ACN members and future ag communicators. Know that your contributions will have a lasting, positive impact.
Serving as the AAEA PIF intern was an experience like no other. I was able to learn about writing like I never would have imagined. From writing for DTN/Progressive Farmer, to traveling to Minneapolis for the Ag Media Summit, I met so many new people and got to experience a new place.
Investing in a young person through our internships and scholarships provides invaluable opportunities for these future ag communicators to grow and progress as they pursue a career in agriculture.
As a new member of AAEA, the Ag Media Summit was and incredible opportunity to expand my network and learn from diverse perspectives in the industry. I’m so grateful for the Alltech + PIF CYAJ award that allowed me to get involved in the ag media community, employ tactics to improve my writing skills, and further develop my career.
Need a Reason to Donate? We’ll Give You Three!
Pave the Way: PIF provides scholarships and internships for ag communications students who become the agriculture’s future journalists, PR professionals, photographers, designers and publishers. Your gift opens the path for tomorrow’s leaders.
Pay it Forward: Have you received a PIF stipend for Ag Media Summit or IFAJ Congress? Help ensure your peers receive the same growth opportunities.
Practice Excellence: PIF funds Communications Awards contests, regional workshops, webinars and Ag Media Summit—programs that help you refine your craft and advance professionally.
Giving to PIF invests in your development, the development of others and the organization’s future.
Annual Report
Bylaws
Thank You – Individual Donors
Thank You – Corporate Donors
ACN PIF Grant Proposals
ACN PIF’s Mission: Provide professional improvement programs in the field of agricultural communications to members and non-members, both career veterans and students, through scholarships, internships, and training for writers, photographers, editors, and freelancers.
PIF Grant Deadline: October 31
Selection: PIF Trustees will review proposals and announce selections by year-end.
Evaluation Criteria:
- Audience scope – Number of ACN members who benefit.
- Impact – Does it fill a need?
- Contribution to ACN’s position as the leading resource for agriculture communication professional development.
Submit Your Proposal by October 31:
- Small Grant: $5,000 or less
- Large Grant: Over $5,000