The California 4-H Foundation

The California 4-H Foundation:

• Supports the Mission and Direction of the California 4-H Youth Development Program by identifying and securing resources that advances the program's core values and criteria.

• Focuses fundraising efforts on programs that are statewide or multi-county.

• Builds partnerships with foundations, corporations and individuals whose funding interests are met through investment in statewide 4-H youth development programs.

• Expands fundraising efforts through a volunteer board of directors comprised of influential business and community leaders as well as 4-H youth from across the state.

• Increases public awareness of the California 4-H Youth Development Program as a valuable investment through donor recognition and stewardship activities.

• Is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, operating as part of the State 4-H Office on the Davis campus of the University of California, and supported in part by the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The California 4-H Foundation was founded in 1971, originally to receive 4-H Youth Development Program income from a variety of sources and then make disbursements for payment of program expenses. In 1988, the Foundation assumed an expanded role, to provide leadership in the development of major private investment in 4-H youth development programs statewide.

The California 4-H Foundation's Board of Directors and Staff are committed to securing the necessary resources for 4-H to continue providing quality learn-by-doing education programs throughout the state. We strongly believe the healthy development of our children must be a cooperative effort between the public and private sectors, communities and families, The Foundation provides opportunities for investors to make a real difference for California's youth by creating funding partnerships.

The Foundation is classified as a University of California Support Group, and operates according to the provisions set forth in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The MOU specifies communication guidelines to enable 4-H fund raising to be professionally coordinated, to reduce the possibility of duplication occurring between the Foundation's statewide efforts and county/local efforts, and to maximize 4-H's ability to attract private support.

How you can help ensure the future of 4-H...

Direct Financial Support

• Personal gifts
• Matching gifts from employers
• Business contributions
• Real estate
• Memorials
• Commemorative gifts (honoring retirements, etc.)
• Underwriting costs of projects or fund raising events
• http://www.escrip.com/
  The California 4-H Foundation (500003938)

Gifts In-Kind

• Equipment
• Computers
• Professional services
• Project supplies

To donate items to your local 4-H club contact your county's University of California Cooperative Extension Office. (get info on your local extension by clicking here)

Gifts of Time

• Be a leader for youth projects (both annual and short-term opportunities available)
• Help with clerical tasks in the county Cooperative Extension office (get info on your local extension by clicking here)
• Volunteer and share your "hidden talents" with 4-H by calling your county's University of California Cooperative Extension Office.