2024-25 Michigan 4-H Foundation mini grant recipients announced
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EmailFor the 2024–25 program year, 4-H mini grants were awarded in four categories totaling $8,500.
Michigan 4-H Legacy Grants
Michigan 4-H Legacy Grants, funded by the Michigan 4-H Legacy Fund Endowment, encourage creativity and support the implementation of innovative ideas that expand and promote positive youth development in communities. Four grants were awarded.
The Newaygo County 4-H Embryology Program received a $1,000 grant to help expand their program. With funds from the grant, Newaygo County will be able to bring the five-week embryology program to new elementaries and local public libraries, exposing new youth to the developmental process and stages of chicken growth, and basic chicken reproduction and cell division.
The Monroe County Environmental Animal Sciences Club received a $1,000 grant to create and fund a county-wide club that would engage children in the environmental and animal sciences.
Volunteers in Wayne County received a $1,000 grant to launch the Wayne County 4-H Dog Program. This new program will teach youth about basic care and health, nutrition, training and general dog knowledge, while providing the opportunity to develop responsibility, decision-making, nurturing and communication skills through active participation in this program.
Saginaw County received a $1,000 grant to start the Life Skills in Sewing Club. This monthly sewing club will teach youth sewing skills, pattern reading and making, cutting out patterns and sewing. At the end of the project, each child will make a pillowcase to donate to a local shelter.
4-H Educational Garden Grants
Three 4-H Educational Garden grants were funded by the Albert A. Albright Endowment for 4-H Plant Science and Gardening Education.
The Madison Elementary 4-H Garden Club in Oakland County received a $1,000 grant to purchase raised beds and an irrigation system. This enhancement will allow them to expand their garden space to include more room for vegetables and flowers, as well as become an educational garden for all students and their 4-H Garden Club.
The Growing Hope, Cultivating Futures with 4-H Gardening Club in Muskegon County received a $1,000 grant to provide incarcerated youth with constructive outlets for personal growth and skill development. By offering therapeutic gardening activities, educational sessions and opportunities for community engagement, the project aims to empower participants and contribute to addressing food insecurity in the community. Funds from the grant will be used to purchase essential supplies such as soil, mulch, mini-greenhouses, plants, seeds and more.
Collins Grant
The Collins 4-H Youth Horticulture Grant is funded by the William J. and Ruth D. Collins Endowment Fund to advance local 4-H club work in plant science and horticultural activities.
The Chippewa County Blooming Buddies 4-H Club received a $500 grant for their greenhouse and school garden. These efforts will support their goal of increasing knowledge and access to healthy eating and nutrition for youth in the community. They also received an additional $500 Legacy Grant to help fund this project.
On-Target Grants
Three On-Target Grants were funded by the Thomas H. Cobb Shooting Sports Fund to enhance county 4-H shooting sports programs.
The Cheboygan County Strait Shooters received a $500 grant to launch the first shooting sports 4-H club in the county. The club will focus on opportunities to learn to shoot using recurve and compound bows, as well as participation in the State 4-H Shoot.
The Spot On Club in Missaukee and Wexford counties received a $500 grant to grow their new archery program. The grant will fund the purchase of updated pellet guns so that youth can compete in the State 4-H Shoot in 2025. It will also cover the purchase of a small safe for ammunition storage.
The Monroe County Wildlife and Conservation Club received a $500 grant to expose more children to trap shooting at a safe, 4-H appropriate age. Funds from the program will be used to sponsor range fees, ammunition and field guides for children who may not have the opportunity to try trap without support.
The next grant cycle will open April 1, 2025, with grant applications due June 1. For more information on 4-H mini grants and the grant applications, visit the Michigan 4-H Foundation website.
