Committee Reports
“I would like to take a moment to recognize and thank those who will be completing their terms and rolling off the Board at the end of this fiscal year. Your dedication, leadership, and service have made a lasting impact on the Oregon 4-H Foundation, and on behalf of the Board, I extend my sincere gratitude for your contributions.
We continue to actively engage prospective Board members and currently have a strong pool of candidates, including several individuals with whom we are having ongoing conversations about future service. As we recruit new members, we remain focused on building a Board that reflects diverse experiences, perspectives, and strong geographic representation from across Oregon.
We are also excited to transition our officer leadership at the upcoming Spring Board Meeting. Sue Densmore will conclude her service as Board President and Chair of the Executive Committee, and I will have the privilege of stepping into the role of President. I would like to personally thank Sue for her outstanding leadership, dedication, and support over the past two years. Her commitment to the Foundation and to Oregon 4-H has had a tremendous impact, and we are deeply grateful for all she has contributed. “
—Griffin Zollner, Committee on Trustees Chair
“The Development and External Relations Committee discussed plans for Dam Proud Day and identified an opportunity to encourage a significant Trustee Challenge Gift to inspire giving to county funds. Our goal is to see donations made to county funds in all 36 Oregon counties, strengthening support for local 4-H programs across the state.
The committee also discussed strategies for building stronger relationships with Regional 4-H Faculty and other 4-H professionals throughout Oregon. By deepening these connections, we believe we can more effectively identify opportunities, strengthen partnerships, and leverage philanthropic support for 4-H programs statewide. . “
—Ellen Bradley, Development & External Relations Chair
“The Finance Committee reviewed the Oregon 4-H Foundation’s Q2 FY26 financial statements, which reflected stable administrative operations, continued progress related to the sale of the 4-H Center, and a strong reserve position. Contributions, earnings distributions, and investment revenues were generally in line with or above budget expectations, while operating expenses remained below budget through the second quarter.
The Committee also reviewed financial activity connected to the 4-H Center sale, including the receipt and reallocation of related contributions, continued endowment earnings, and interest revenue recorded from the sale’s promissory note. The Committee will continue reviewing accounting matters related to the Center sale in upcoming meetings.
The administrative reserve exceeded policy requirements as of December 31, 2025, and the Foundation’s net asset value increased during the first half of the fiscal year, supported by investment gains and cash increases. As of December 31, 2025, none of the Foundation’s 114 endowment projects were underwater.
The committee reviewed the FY2027 budget and recommended approval to the full board at the upcoming meeting (which was approved). “
—Nolan Sundberg, Finance Committee Chair
“The Grants Committee continues to support innovative and impactful Oregon 4-H programs through its review and recommendation of grant proposals from across the state. During the most recent grant cycle, the committee evaluated applications focused on youth leadership, STEM education, animal science, and community engagement. Following thoughtful discussion, the committee recommended funding projects in Polk, Umatilla-Union, and Josephine counties, providing resources to expand educational opportunities, strengthen local 4-H programming, and support youth development. The committee also reviewed progress updates from previously funded projects and emphasized the importance of sharing outcomes, participant experiences, and program impact through final grant reports. Through its ongoing work, the Grants Committee helps ensure Foundation resources are invested in projects that foster innovation, leadership, and community pride while advancing the mission of Oregon 4-H throughout the state.”
If you are interested in applying to the Oregon 4-H Foundation Grant, you can find the application and instructions on our website here: Apply for Grants — Oregon 4-H Foundation
—Jennifer Beathe, Grants Committee Chair