Nebraska 4-H Foundation

The Nebraska 4-H Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to supporting the educational efforts of the Nebraska 4-H Youth Development Program. It was founded in 1958 to enhance and expand 4-H programs across Nebraska.

Mission

The foundation's mission is to seek and manage contributions that advance the interests of Nebraska 4-H, focusing on improving existing programs and establishing new ones at county, district, and state levels. Additionally, it supports the maintenance of 4-H camps and centers for educational and recreational purposes[1][3].

Programs and Activities

The Nebraska 4-H Foundation awards annual program grants to support innovative 4-H initiatives, including teen and adult leadership education, volunteer programs, member recognition, project clinics, camps, and livestock and non-livestock events[1][3]. The foundation plays a crucial role in providing funding for awards, incentives, and volunteer development, as public funds cannot cover these aspects[3].

Nebraska 4-H Programs

While the foundation itself does not directly conduct projects, it supports the broader Nebraska 4-H program, which offers a wide range of projects in areas such as Animal Science, Communication & Expressive Arts, Consumer & Family Science, Environmental Education & Earth Science, Healthy Living, Leadership, Citizenship & Personal Development, Plant Science, and Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)[4]. These projects aim to develop skills like leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making among young participants.

Community Engagement

The Nebraska 4-H program also includes initiatives like the Nebraska 4-H Gives Back program, which encourages 4-H members to undertake significant service-learning projects that benefit their communities. This program fosters a spirit of service and community involvement among Nebraska youth[2].

Financial Support

The foundation relies on donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations to fund its activities. Despite receiving some financial support from federal, state, and county governments, private contributions are essential for fully supporting the diverse needs of the Nebraska 4-H program[3].