Founded in 1945 as part of The Ohio State University Development Fund, the Ohio 4-H Foundation solicits and receives contributions on behalf of Ohio 4-H in order to enhance the 4-H Youth Development Program and to recognize 4-H members and adult volunteers.

The Ohio 4-H Foundation established an Endowment in 1946 in order to create a permanent investment. With private support from individuals, businesses and organizations, the Ohio 4-H Foundation is able to fund new programs and improve existing programs at the county, district and state levels. Annual program grants are awarded by the Foundation to support innovative programs, meet emerging, local needs or pilot new efforts. In 2003, 163 grants were distributed to county, district and state 4-H programs for a total of $149,600.

The Foundation uses all contributions to benefit the educational efforts of the program. Gifts to the 4-H program support specific program areas, teen and adult leadership education, volunteer programs, member recognition, project clinics, camps, counselor training, teen leader clubs, livestock and non livestock events and much more.

Financial support for 4-H is provided by the federal, state and county governments. However, public funds cannot fully support 4-H program needs, nor can they be used for 4-H member awards, incentives, or volunteer development and recognition. Thus, the support of donors throughout Ohio is vital to our success. In 2003, more than 1,800 individuals, companies, and organizations have contributed to the Ohio 4-H Foundation.

The Ohio 4-H Foundation is also a catalyst for County Endowments and Named Endowments. Currently, 76 counties have established or have pending 4-H endowments. In 2003, $257,967.07 in earned income was distributed at the county level, to be used for local programming, 4-H member scholarships and awards, material costs, volunteer support and more.

Donors can also set up Named Endowments in which the earned income is designated to the specific interests of the donor. Examples of these funds include the Cashman Family Fund, Calhoon 4-H Leadership Scholarship, Lifer 4-H Excellence Fund, and Sauder 4-H Career Development Fund.

Through fundraising events such as the annual Celebration of Youth and donor gifts made to the Foundation, County and Named Endowments, the Ohio 4-H Foundation was able to raise nearly $1.1 million to benefit the Ohio 4-H Youth Development Program.