About the Ohio 4-H Foundation

History of the Foundation

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.

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.

Mission of the Foundation

The mission of the Ohio 4-H Foundation is to raise money to enhance the 4-H youth development program and to recognize 4-H youth and the adult volunteers.

Several values help determine the Board’s plan of action each year:

Youth development is the focus of all 4-H activities.
4-H encourages individuals to reach their potential.
Partnerships are essential to successful youth development.
Volunteerism is fundamental.
Diversity strengthens 4-H.

The Ohio 4-H Foundation is also a catalyst for County Endowments and Named Endowments. Currently, 80 counties have established or pending 4-H endowments. 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 is able to raise nearly $1.1 million annually to benefit the Ohio 4-H Youth Development Program.

The Ohio 4-H Foundation is guided by a 42-member volunteer Board of Trustees, comprised of business and industry leaders, Extension personnel, and 4-H youth representatives from around the state. The Board reviews proposals and distributes endowment interest income for the training of volunteer leadership and the recognition of 4-H members through scholarships, awards and positive youth development experiences. The board also oversees the 4-H support funds, which channel private sector annual investments directly to designated 4-H programs. In addition, the board serves as a policy advisory and public relations arm of 4-H for OSU Extension.

View the list of current Foundation Board Members