Foundation News

Iowa 4-H Youth Development today announced the receipt of a $50,000 grant from Iowa Total Care, a provider of Medicaid healthcare coverage in Iowa and a Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC). The grant will support early literacy skill development in all Iowa counties.

This grant and collaboration with Iowa Total Care expands Iowa 4-H Clover Kids K-3^rd grade programming to include new literacy resources connecting youth health and wellness concepts, while promoting childhood reading. These materials make learning and reading fun and engaging, while incorporating proven literacy practices that support foundational early childhood reading skills.

Three new Trustees were elected to serve on the Iowa 4-H Foundation Board at its annual meeting on Friday, October 24, 2025. Those new Trustees are Mary Blass, Kirk Glawe and Conner McCoy.

The Successful Farming/Loren Kruse Outstanding Iowa 4-H Leader Award is presented annually to an adult volunteer who has encouraged, challenged, and inspired Iowa 4-H members to reach their fullest potential. This year’s recipient is Kathy McCormick McCoy from Warren County. McCormick McCoy was honored at the Iowa State Fair on August 17, 2025.

One hundred and fifteen Iowa 4-H scholarships valued at over $121,850 were awarded as a part of the Foundation’s scholarship recognition ceremony, Sunday, June 29. Over 450 applications were submitted, and scholarships have been awarded to recipients from 58 counties across the state of Iowa with a wide variety of 4-H experiences.

The recipients of the 2025 Pioneer Seed Grants have been awarded. Designed to stimulate local 4-H clubs in Iowa to plan and carry out community improvement activities, Pioneer provides “seed money” needed to make the projects successful.

The Iowa 4-H Foundation is proud to announce the honorees to be recognized at the 10^th Annual Iowa 4-H Legacy Awards Gala. The Legacy Awards celebrates Iowa 4-H and recognizes those who have made an important impact on the program. Slated for 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 21 at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, this signature fundraising event will showcase Iowa 4-H and raise funds to support the Program.

The Successful Farming/Loren Kruse Outstanding Iowa 4-H Leader Award is presented annually to an adult volunteer who has encouraged, challenged, and inspired Iowa 4-H members to reach their fullest potential. This year’s recipient is Sara Schmitt from Winneshiek County. Schmitt was honored at the Iowa State Fair on August 18, 2024.

One hundred and one Iowa 4-H scholarships valued at over $106,000 were awarded as a part of the Foundation’s scholarship recognition ceremony. Over 450 applications were submitted, and scholarships have been awarded to recipients from 56 counties across the state of Iowa with a wide variety of 4-H experiences.

Lee County 4-H has recently received a significant gift from estate of the late Dale Wilson. Mr. Wilson was an active community member and committed supporter of many community organizations, including the 4-H Program.

AMES, Iowa— The Iowa 4-H Foundation is proud to announce the honorees to be recognized at the Iowa 4-H Legacy Awards Gala. The Legacy Awards celebrates Iowa 4-H and recognizes those who have made an important impact on the program. Slated for 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 23 at Prairie Meadows in Altoona, this signature fundraising event will showcase Iowa 4-H and raise funds to support the Program.