In 2024, the Iowa 4-H Foundation celebrates our 75th Anniversary. That’s 75 years of partnership with the Iowa 4-H Program. Seventy-five years of meeting the needs of 4-H’ers. Seventy-five years of innovation and growth.
The Iowa 4-H Foundation was founded around the ideal of meeting the needs of the Iowa 4-H Program. In 1949, that need was a place for 4-H'ers to attend camp and explore the outdoors. Today, the challenge to 4-H is to meet the needs of all young people, whatever their interest, wherever they may be. Because we know that time spent in 4-H produces engaged contributors, outstanding communicators, effective leaders, and successful learners. The Iowa 4-H Foundation is committed to coming alongside the Iowa 4-H Program, to provide the private resources necessary to continue to support the young people of Iowa through 4-H.
Make a Difference for Future 4-H'ers
The Iowa 4-H Foundation has always been committed to meeting the needs of the Iowa 4-H Program. In 1949, that need was a camp. Today, that need looks different. Today, we support county programs, volunteer development and financial aid. What will the need be in another 75 years? We can’t answer that question, but we do know that 4-H will need to be innovative--and to do that will require resources.
In honor of our 75th Anniversary, we have created a special Innovation Fund and invite you to make a special gift in celebration this year. Funds will be used to help 4-H to be innovative and reach more young people. Help us reach our goal!
Support 4-H today, tomorrow and for the next generation!
Stories of Impact
4-H Forward Innovation Grants
This year, the Iowa 4-H Foundation created a new funding opportunity called the 4-H Forward Grant. Designed as seed investments for an innovative local program, through these grants, we hope counties will be able to better recruit and retain members, reach new audiences and grow local capacity. These funds were allocated through the Program Endowment Fund.
4-H Connect: Reaching Youth
The 4-H Connect program is a three-day retreat designed to use cultural strengths to introduce untapped and underserved youth to their local 4-H program, introduce volunteers and staff to culturally based leadership development best practices, and connect youth to post-secondary educational opportunities and resources available through Iowa State University.
Bridging the Gap for Clover Kids
Wapello County is well known for their Clover Kids Program, annually serving over 250 youth. An outstanding partnership with local elementary schools has been key to this success. What has been a challenge, however, has been retaining Clover Kids members into 4-H. To address that challenge, a similarly structured club was created at Liberty Elementary, which serves 4th-6th grades.
