The SDARL program provides an opportunity to invest in the development of future leaders for agriculture and rural communities.

WHAT IS SDARL?
SDARL is the South Dakota Agriculture and Rural Leadership Program. A unique leadership development program offering intensive study, training and travel for future leaders.

WHO PARTICIPATES?
Thirty participants, who have demonstrated leadership ability, comprise a class. Class members must be involved in ranching, farming, or agribusiness.

WHAT IS THE FORMAT?
Two day instate sessions are conducted each month from November to April each year. A national study tour to Washington D.C. and an international study tour are part of the curriculum.

WHAT IS THE COST?
 The total cost of the two-year program is approximately $12,500 per participant. Each participant pays $3,500. The remaining funds are raised through contributions. 

WHO RUNS THE PROGRAM? 
SDARL is a private, not-for-profit organization run by an nine-member Board of Directors.. A fifty-member Advisory Board provides input, regarding the application process, curriculum and fund-raising. 

WHY SHOULD YOU SUPPORT IT?  
Agricultural representation among decision-making entities is at an all time low. The SDARL Program provides better representation by training new rural agriculture leadership - ethical, honest and motivated individuals qualified to lead through changing and difficult times. 

The leaders we are training are committed to agriculture and rural South Dakota. They have already been active in leadership roles.

The challenges and opportunities of today will be replaced with new opportunities tomorrow. The quality of our agriculture and rural leaders will determine how well we meet those challenges and realize those opportunities.

BROAD-BASED SUPPORT = LONG TERM SUCCESS 
Realization of the SDARL Program mission will happen as the South Dakota agricultural and rural community adopts the program. This will ensure that our best and brightest will have access to the training they need to maximize their effectiveness. The key to long term success is establishing broad-based financial support. 

A GOOD INVESTMENT WITH TAX BENEFITS The federal government encourages charitable giving by providing significant tax benefits when you make a gift to a qualified charity. Contributions to the SDARL Program are tax deductible. 

POPULAR GIFT OPTIONS 
A. Cash Contributions 
Cash donations are the most popular way to make charitable gifts. The net cost of your cash gift to a qualified charity becomes apparent at tax time. For example if you make a $1,000 gift, and you are in a 28% marginal tax bracket, your gift could save you $280 in taxes.

B. Designated SDARL Contributors 
Some people like to have their donation specifically pay for an activity of the Program. There is a great flexibility in how these types of contributions can be made. Contact the Executive Director to discuss details. These contributions directly offset budget expenditures, and thus qualify as tax-deductible contributions.

Date last modified:  January 04, 2007