Pilot Grant Program Off to a Strong Start
The Massachusetts 4-H Foundation’s grant committee gave away nearly $30,000 as part of the Foundations’ pilot grant program in June. These funds went to 4-H clubs, advisories, and fairs.
Twenty-one 4-H organizations applied, and 17 received grant funding. The grants will be put toward needs such as:
- Robot parts for a robotics team
- Scholarships for 4-H’ers who are high school seniors
- Electronic timer for a horse club
- Experts, ribbons and food for 4-H workshops
- Supplies for showing animals; and premiums, trophies and ribbons, and judging for fairs.
In their grant applications, the organizations needed to complete an application, submit a budget, and include their UMass 4-H financial form.
The grant committee consists of three Foundation trustees, one corporator, a grant consultant, and a Foundation staff member.
Here is the list of organizations that were awarded grants:
| 4-H ALARM Robotics |
| 4-H Regal Riders |
| A Round of A Paws 4-H Dog Club |
| Belchertown 4-H Advisory Council |
| East Middleboro 4-H Advisory Council |
| Franklin County 4-H Advisory Council |
| Hampden County Horse Council |
| Hampshire County 4-H Fair |
| Hawlemont 4-H Goat Club |
| Hilltown Misfits 4-H Club |
| Marshfield Fair Poultry Barn |
| Martha’s Vineyard 4-H |
| Massachusetts 4-H Beef Advisory Board |
| Reptiles, Amphibians, and Friends |
| Steerage Rock Riders & Barks A Lot 4-H Club |
| Worcester County 4-H Fair |
| Western Massachusetts Regional Horse Program |
Through this grant initiative, the Foundation continues to support the UMASS Extension 4-H Program and increases its visibility across the state. The Pilot Grant Program enables the Foundation’s Board members to learn more about 4-H club activities, project areas, and goals.
