My Cause My Corduroy
Cultivating philanthropic leadership in Colorado State FFA Officers
“I was lucky to have a chapter that could afford things for students. After traveling and hearing stories, I quickly realized that’s not the case for every chapter in Colorado. I wanted to give chapters more help and opportunities for members. ”
My Cause My Corduroy Foundation was created to help Colorado FFA state officers discover the power of philanthropy through action. They invest in causes that matter most to FFA communities throughout the state, gaining firsthand leadership experience.
For 25 years, the Morgridge Family Foundation has believed that young people are willing to rise to the task when given the opportunity to lead. Born from a partnership with the Colorado FFA State Officers at CSU Spur, the My Cause My Corduroy Foundation is a youth-led philanthropy initiative that empowers young leaders to invest in the communities they know best. Modeled after MFF's Student Support Foundation, the program gives Colorado FFA State Officers real philanthropic experience by entrusting them with identifying needs, making funding decisions, and supporting fellow FFA chapters across the state.
Unlike a traditional grant program, the My Cause My Corduroy Foundation places decision-making directly in the hands of young people. During their first year, MFF provided each state officer with $1,000. Although each received an individual gift, they chose to pool their funds.
In their inaugural year, state officers chose three focus areas that directly reflected the greatest needs facing local FFA chapters.
Event support
Helps ensure that students from all backgrounds have access to statewide events, including leadership conferences, competitions, and experiences that develop career skills, confidence, and personal growth.
FFA Official Dress
Official Dress represents professionalism, pride, and belonging within the organization, and providing access helps remove barriers for members who want to be involved but cannot afford the attire.
Responsive Assistance (disaster relief)
This funding reflects the ongoing challenges many agricultural communities face, including wildfires, drought, severe weather, and other unexpected hardships. Supporting chapters and families during times of crisis reinforces the importance of service, resilience, and community care.
The Impact
In 2025-26, state officers directed grants that:
Sent students to the State Career Development Events Contest
Purchased competition materials for a Floriculture event and clinometers for the Land Evaluation Career Development Event
Funded an ASL interpreter for the annual State Convention
Filled a chapter closet with FAA official dress so that all members could have access to the right attire
Supported student travel to a meat judging camp
Supported opening a middle school chapter with their own fundraiser
Funds Distributed
$11,840
People Impacted
150+
Funds Raised
$4,415
Related Stories
