Ralph K. Morris Foundation
The Ralph K. Morris Foundation is a nonprofit corporation which provides development opportunities for emerging leaders expressing interest in applying and advancing the principles of cooperation, and in promoting farmland preservation, land stewardship, and sustainability.
Ralph K. Morris Foundation
Matching Gift
CoMinnesota is relaunching and looking for support to mobilize a cooperative coalition and hub for the state of Minnesota. CoMinnesota encourages and supports the growth of cooperatives in Minnesota by fostering cross-sector collaboration and linking resources. CoMinnesota's vision is to create a strong, sustainable cooperative economy that benefits all members and communities across the state.
The Ralph K. Morris Foundation will match contributions from individuals and organizations committed to support the MN Cooperative Summit gathering in Spring 2025, up to $1,500 if made by December 31, 2024.
Ralph K. Morris Foundation
Matching Gift
The Ralph K. Morris Foundation is pleased to facilitate a cooperative education and professional development capacity-building opportunity to benefit the University of Wisconsin Center for Cooperatives (UWCC), initiated by Ole Olson of Isthmus Engineering & Manufacturing, a member of the UWCC Advisory Committee. Donations and sponsorships will support the participation of a UWCC staff member in an internatioanl study tour to Costa Rica, led by ICCM at Saint Mary's University in close collaboration with Universidad FUNDEPOS, CEARC, and the Costa Rican cooperative movement.
The Ralph K. Morris Foundation will match contributions from individuals and organizations committed to sustaining the work of UWCC and building its professional capacity and connections up to $1,000 if made by December 31, 2024.
Who We Are
The Foundation's Purpose
A major challenge for cooperatives serving any sector of rural America is the perpetuation of formidable leadership, both governance and managerial. The viability of cooperatives is a mirror image of those they are designed to serve and are deeply affected by the fundamentals of changing demographics, low economic return on investment, changing business structures, and lifestyle desires. To sustain this economic and social environment, cooperatives must apply resources toward maintaining a leadership development system that stimulates ongoing participation and hones the intellectual capacity of the willing.
The life and work of Ralph K. Morris exemplified the visionary, dedicated, practical leadership needed by cooperative enterprise in the future. The Ralph K. Morris Cooperative Leadership Fund has been established by the Ralph K. Morris Foundation to support the development of future cooperative leaders.
Support Us
Contribute today!
In order to continue to provide opportunities to educate and train our young cooperative leaders,
we must also continue to seek contributions to the Foundation.
There are a number of ways in which you can make a contribution to the Foundation.
Provides financial support to help cover costs associated with training, professional development and educational programs for young leaders interested in the future of cooperatives and rural communities.
This Fund provides financial support to graduate students or law school students enrolled in an agricultural cooperative program or that can demonstrate how their field of study would relate to or benefit the agricultural cooperative industry.
The Rod Nilsestuen Fund commemorates Rod’s achievements and sustains his legacy through an annual symposium at the Unversity of Wisconsin River Falls. The Fund’s mission is to encourage creative thinking, research, education and outreach in the areas of cooperative business and development, wise rural land use, and leadership.
The Tom Lyon Family Leadership Symposium recognizes the legacy of the Lyon Family in encouraging organizations, agencies, and all people--especially students and emerging professionals--to advance cooperative business, develop their leadership skills, and work for the preservation of farmland.
Contact Ralph K. Morris Foundation
Get in touch with Ralph K. Morris Foundation to learn more about our work and how you can get involved.