Communicating for Agriculture Scholarship and Education Foundatio
Preselected recipients only
Communicating for Agriculture Scholarship and Education Foundatio is a private foundation in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.3 million in 7 grants; the typical grant was $20,000 and the largest $1.2 million. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.3 million
- Number of grants7
- Typical grant$20,000
- Largest grant$1.2 million
- Assets$269,851
- New grantees57%
Giving in 2025 was up from $65,000 the year before.
57% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $50,900 | 5 | $1.2 million |
| 2024 | $65,000 | 6 | $1.4 million |
| 2025 | $1.3 million | 7 | $269,851 |
How to apply
Communicating for Agriculture Scholarship and Education Foundatio says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 4 states, the most to Minnesota.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | 4 | $1.2 million |
| California | 1 | $20,000 |
| Texas | 1 | $20,000 |
| New York | 1 | $15,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Smedsrud Foundation Inc | Charitable | $1.2 million |
| Sonoma County Grape Growers | David ramey years of service | $20,000 |
| Texas Exes | Diedre reagan endowment | $20,000 |
| Giving Voice Initiative | Giving voice mn initiative | $20,000 |
| Undue Medical Debt | Medical debt relief mn debt | $15,000 |
| Pioneer Care Foundation | Services expansion | $10,000 |
| Dough 4 Joe | Charity benefit donation | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Stephen Rufer
- Patricia Strickland
- Angela Nelson
- Hilary Smedsrud
- Mark Ritchie
- Robert Rumpza
- Jeff Smedsrud
Questions people ask
Does Communicating for Agriculture Scholarship and Education Foundatio accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Communicating for Agriculture Scholarship and Education Foundatio give?
$1.3 million in tax year 2025, across 7 grants, with a typical grant of $20,000.
Who runs Communicating for Agriculture Scholarship and Education Foundatio?
Its 2025 filing lists Stephen Rufer (Chairman/Gen), Patricia Strickland (President/Co), Angela Nelson (Cfo/Secretar) and Hilary Smedsrud (Director) among 7 officers and trustees.