Michigan 4-H Foundation supports 4-H learning experiences across Michigan in 2025-26
The Michigan 4-H Foundation has awarded nearly $130,000 in sponsorships to reduce the cost for youth and volunteers to attend Michigan 4-H programs and events during the 2025-26 program year.
Each year, the Michigan 4-H Foundation invests in a broad range of 4-H learning experiences — statewide, regional and multi-county — to ensure that high‑quality 4‑H educational opportunities remain accessible to young people across Michigan. Nearly $130,000 has been awarded to support Michigan 4-H programs in the 2025-26 program year. These funds help lower registration fees and expand participation in signature 4-H experiences.
This support is made possible through generous donor contributions, endowment earnings and general fund resources from the Michigan 4-H Foundation. 4-H program staff and event coordinators may apply annually for sponsorships through a competitive grant process.
Funding was awarded to the following programs:
- 2025 Michigan 4-H State Horse Show
- 2026 Michigan 4-H Dairy Conference
- 4-H Bullseye Bash Target Archery Competition
- 4-H Capitol Experience
- 4-H Exploration Days
- 4-H Outdoor Education Workshop
- 4-H Winterfest
- Fall 2025 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Workshop
- GooseChase platform unlimited use for Michigan 4-H staff
- Ignite by 4-H – Community Accelerators Track
- Michigan 4-H Animal Products Day
- Michigan Youth Livestock Judging Camp
- National 4-H Congress
- National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest
- National 4-H Dairy Conference
- Preparing 4-H Teen Leaders to be Beyond Ready
- Southeast Regional 4-H Spark and Share Summit
- Spring 2026 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Workshop
- World Food Prize Michigan Youth Institute
Annual support for these 4-H learning experiences is provided by the following Michigan 4-H Foundation endowment funds:
- Adam Family Endowment Fund
- James H. and Dorothy A. Anderson Fund
- Jack and Betty Barnes Tribute Fund
- Thelma and Leonard Burleigh Fund
- Thomas H. Cobb Shooting Sports Fund
- The Echo Endowment Fund
- David Eppelheimer 4-H Exploration Days Fund
- Phyllis Eppelheimer Memorial Fund
- Milon Grinnell Memorial Fund
- John F. and Andrea E. Grix Endowment
- Donald J. and John H. Hawkins Memorial Fund
- Henning Family Fund
- George E. and Deanna J. House Endowment
- G. Kettunen Endowment
- Russell G. and Lou Ann S. Mawby Endowment
- C. Sackrider Memorial Fund
- William Allen Schiller Memorial Endowment
- Noel W. and Sandra Clarkson Stuckman 4-H Endowment Fund
- Francis H. and Ingrid E. Thacker Endowment
- Turner-Ousterhout Memorial Fund
- Norman R. and Marjory A. Veliquette Endowment
- Westrate Family Fund
- WNF&GA, Michigan Division Endowment
- Howard Zindel Memorial Fund
Support is also provided by individual donors, 4-H Give Green Day contributions, and the following partners:
- The Andersons, Inc.
- GreenStone Farm Credit Services
- Michigan Farm Bureau
- Michigan Milk Producers Association
- Michigan Pork Producers Association
- National 4-H Council partnerships with Tractor Supply Company
- Tkachik Sisters Charitable Fund of the Community Foundation of Southeast Michigan
If you or your organization are interested in sponsoring a 4-H learning experience, visit the Michigan 4-H Foundation website or contact Abbey Miller, Michigan 4-H Foundation director, at abmiller@msu.edu.