Celebrating Community Champions Across Three States
Celebrating Community Champions: 2025 Giving Stories Across Three States
For the second year in a row, Compeer Financial is highlighting the people and programs strengthening rural life across its territory. This tradition continued through Compeer’s 2025 Giving Tuesday initiative, where clients and community members entered for the chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a local organization making an impact close to home.
Participation spanned Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin as 3,954 individuals selected from four categories that represent the heart of rural communities: FFA, 4-H, county fairs and food support programs. After the drawing, three winners – one from each state – were selected to designate a $2,500 contribution to the organization of their choice.
“These organizations reflect what our clients care about most,” says Karen Schieler, manager of Compeer Giving. “Supporting them strengthens rural communities, uplifts neighbors and helps build the next generation of leaders.”
Below are the 2025 Giving Tuesday winners and the organizations they chose to receive this year’s donations.
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MINNESOTA – Blue Earth Area Schools Backpack Program
Chosen by: Brenda Millmann of Delavan, MN
In Faribault County, where food insecurity affects many families, the Blue Earth Area Schools Backpack Program provides essential weekend food support for elementary students. As both the program coordinator and Minnesota’s 2025 contest winner, Brenda designated the $2,500 to help ensure the program can continue serving 107 students each week and remain fully funded through the school year.
WISCONSIN – Jolly Joiners 4-H Club
Chosen by: Annette Trescher of Cashton, WI
The Jolly Joiners 4-H Club empowers youth through hands-on learning, leadership experiences and community involvement. Co-leader Annette Trescher selected the club to receive the $2,500 Giving Tuesday gift, which will help expand educational projects and ensure all members can participate in year-round activities.
ILLINOIS – Illini Bluffs FFA Chapter
Chosen by: Justin Towery of Glasford, IL
The Illini Bluffs FFA Chapter is a young and growing program focused on giving students hands-on agricultural experiences and leadership opportunities. With limited funding, the $2,500 Giving Tuesday gift will help the chapter attend conferences, events and activities that empower youth and continue building future leaders.
Supporting Rural Strength Throughout the Year
Compeer invests one percent of annual net earnings into the Fund for Rural America to support programs across its territory that enhance:
- Agricultural Advocacy & Development
- Agriculture Education
- Cooperative Initiatives
- Rural Development & Community Enrichment
- Youth Engagement
The 2025 Giving Tuesday winners helped direct this support to organizations that sustain rural youth, families and neighbors.
“Giving back is core to Compeer’s mission,” Schieler says. “These gifts continue a legacy of investing in the organizations that keep rural communities thriving.”
Learn more about Compeer Giving programs.
Giving Back
Compeer Giving supports youth, workforce development and rural communities with grant, scholarships and financial gifts.
Gift Empowers Youth & Future Leaders in Grow…
A Giving Tuesday FFA donation is empowering youth by funding trips and leadership experiences for Illini Bluffs students as the chapter continues to grow.
Hands-On Learning & Service Strengthen 4-H Y…
Empowering youth with leadership, learning and community engagement, the Jolly Joiners 4-H Club expands programs thanks to a Giving Tuesday 2025 donation.
Nourishing Minnesota Students Beyond the Sch…
A Giving Tuesday gift helps the Blue Earth Area Schools Backpack Program stay funded through the school year, providing essential weekend meals for students.
