Land O’Lakes has a long-standing culture of giving back, supported by a robust suite of programs that encourage employee giving and volunteerism. 

For employees passionate about community engagement, one opportunity stands out: the Land O’Lakes Community Impact Council, a hands-on, collaborative grantmaking group that allows employees to help direct a portion of the company’s philanthropic dollars.

“They’re actively participating in the steps of philanthropy,” says Amy Podlesak, Land O’Lakes Community Relations and Foundation Manager. “Employees are learning about issues in the community, researching the nonprofits making a difference, evaluating grant applications and making award decisions.”

Land O’Lakes launched the Council in 2022, inspired by the model of collective giving in the nonprofit sector. “It’s a way to engage our employees in the philanthropy process and give them a voice in where dollars are going,” Amy says.

Since its launch, the Council has awarded $650,000 to 66 nonprofits across the cooperative’s national footprint. These grants support causes important to Land O’Lakes, including hunger relief, rural vitality, and economic and workforce development.

How it works

The Council operates two cohorts each year: one based at the Arden Hills, Minnesota, headquarters and a virtual cohort open to employees nationwide. Any employee can apply – no grantmaking experience required. Nearly 60 employees have participated so far, with many returning for a second year.

“I had such a great experience,” says Troy Keslar, Distribution Center Manager for WinField United in Plainfield, Indiana. “It’s a powerful way to give back to our rural communities and collaborate with nonprofits that are doing impactful work.” Troy served alongside colleagues from California, Colorado, the Upper Midwest and the East Coast.

Each cohort participates in a six‑month grantmaking cycle. While the Community Relations team facilitates the program, employees drive the process. “In the first meeting, they vote on a topic to focus on that aligns with Land O’Lakes philanthropy and current community need,” Amy explains. 

Both the Arden Hills and virtual cohorts have a $100,000 budget, awarding final grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000. Nonprofits use the funds as one-time operating grants. “Every year it comes down to a really good, varied slate of nonprofits,” says Community Relations Manager Kelly Bukowski, who currently oversees the Council.

Collaborating for impact

Grantmaking comes with tough choices. “While there are many deserving organizations, limited resources require thoughtful prioritization,” says Kelly. “It's interesting to have the Council sit in our shoes and critically evaluate how funding decisions impact the broader community.”

With about 15 employees in each cohort, collaboration and consensus-building are essential. “Because we always submit more nonprofits than we can actually grant money to, there’s a bit of friendly debate in the room at times,” says Lucinda Martinez, Project Planning Coordinator for Member Governance and Shared Services. “It’s hard to say no.”

Lucinda, a self-described “research person,” even created a stoplight system to help evaluate grantees. “I think that process helped lead the conversation and encourage other people to speak up,” she says. 

Benefits to employees

Employee feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with members unanimously rating their experience as excellent. Beyond supporting communities where Land O’Lakes employees live and work, the Council helps participants develop their communication, leadership and networking skills.

“It definitely gave me a toolkit of skills that I didn't realize I needed,” says Lucinda. “I've been with the company for a long time, and I’m always looking for opportunities to grow,” adds Troy. “This was a great opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone.”