Last year, the Land O’Lakes Foundation contributed over $2.4M into member-owner communities through matching gift and regional grant programs. And each year through these programs, the Foundation received hundreds of thank you notes as a result of those contributions.  

Some are on letterhead, some are handwritten, and some come in the form of colorful children’s drawings. No matter the format, these notes are a reminder that behind every donation is a community, a classroom, a food shelf, or a neighbor who has benefited from local support.  

While each message is unique, they share a common theme: gratitude.

Behind each note is a story of local generosity and community impact made possible through the Land O'Lakes Foundation's matching gift programs.

In 2025, the Foundation provided more than 950 matching grants totaling over $1.9 million. Combined with contributions from member-owners, those gifts generated approximately $3.8 million in support for communities across the country, many of them rural areas where local organizations play an essential role in meeting community needs. 

The thank you notes serve as a reminder that every grant represents more than a dollar amount. They represent meals provided to students and families, support for first responders and education opportunities for future generations. 

During National Cooperative Month, we celebrate the spirit of the cooperative, the generosity of our member-owners, and the knowledge that we achieve more together than we can alone. Together, we are making a greater impact in our communities, and the notes of appreciation we receive throughout the year are a meaningful reminder of that shared commitment.