Extension > Support Youth Development > About the Minnesota 4-H Foundation
About the Minnesota 4-H Foundation
4-H helps youth gain confidence and become leaders in their communities.
The Minnesota 4-H Foundation, a 501(c)3 non profit, was created in 1980 to generate private funds to create and deliver the finest youth development programs in Minnesota. We want all Minnesota young people to gain the life skills they need to succeed.
Through contributions generated from businesses, corporations, associations, foundations, and individuals, the Minnesota 4-H Foundation supports education programs offered through the Extension Center for Youth Development, both at the state level and in the 87 counties that make up our state. 4-H youth development programs are open to all kids, kindergarten through one year past high school, whether they live in cities, towns, or in the country. 4-H welcomes boys and girls from all backgrounds.
A few of the ways the foundation supports youth development programs is by:
- Providing scholarships, grants and awards for 4-H clubs and members
- Finding sponsors to support the growth and development of 4-H project areas.
- Supporting the development of professional staff and youth development volunteers
- Funding statewide marketing and recruitment efforts for youth development programs
History of 4-H
In order to provide educational experiences and opportunities for young people disenfranchised from main stream society and often at-risk for success the Minnesota 4-H youth development program began in 1904 as an outreach method of the land grant institution, the University of Minnesota. At that time the population of youth most at risk were predominantly rural youth, thus, the rural beginnings of 4-H.
To maintain its public purpose and remain a vital youth development organization, over the years 4-H has expanded to virtually every community in the state. Today, more Minnesota youth participate in 4-H clubs, adventures, camps and programs than in any other youth serving organization. And half of all youth involved in 4-H live in towns and cities.
Just as in 1904, 4-H today works with youth to help them develop a set of life skills essential to becoming adults who are responsible and informed citizens, productive employees, and thoughtful human beings. 4-H is a community of young people across Minnesota who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. Read more about 4-H.
