Dam Proud Day Provides Support for Oregon 4-H
April 29, 2026
What began as a statewide day of giving has become something even bigger for Oregon 4-H: a growing movement of donors, volunteers, alumni, and communities working together to create opportunities for young people across Oregon.
On April 29, 2026, Oregon 4-H experienced its most successful Dam Proud Day (Beavs Give) yet. Supporters made a record-breaking 245 gifts, surpassing the previous year's total of 157 gifts and demonstrating growing enthusiasm for both local and statewide 4-H programs. Donations totaled $112,985, supporting everything from county-based projects and local programming needs to Oregon 4-H Summer Conference.
The momentum extended beyond individual gifts. More than $92,700 in challenge gifts inspired participation throughout the day, helping donors maximize their impact while creating excitement and friendly competition across the state. The growing support reflected a shared belief in the value of 4-H and the opportunities it provides young people to learn, lead, and thrive.
In partnership with Oregon State University, the Oregon 4-H Foundation's Dam Proud Day efforts now highlight both statewide initiatives and county-led priorities. This model allows donors to support the programs and communities they care about most while helping strengthen 4-H opportunities across Oregon.
đ Counties Lead the Way
One of the most exciting developments in 2026 was the continued growth of county participation.
This was the second year Oregon 4-H featured county fundraising pages alongside the statewide giving page, and participation expanded to 30 of Oregon's 36 counties, including Josephine County and Warm Springs 4-H, which participated for the first time. Seven counties secured challenge gifts to help inspire local giving, and communities across Oregon rallied behind projects and priorities that mattered most to them.
County programs collectively raised more than $71,000 for local 4-H needs, representing a dramatic increase from previous years and demonstrating the importance of providing donors with opportunities to invest directly in their local communities.
The friendly competition between counties became one of the most engaging parts of the day. Counties worked to encourage participation, share success stories, and unlock challenge gifts while supporters watched fundraising totals climb throughout the event.
Several counties experienced significant growth in donor participation, while others secured funding for important local projects that will directly benefit youth for years to come.
đ Wasco County's Award-Winning Campaign
One county's success story stood out from the rest.
Wasco County 4-H launched a campaign to replace aging livestock scales used at local fairgrounds. With the support of an $8,000 matching challenge gift from Jeanne Carver and a strong community outreach effort, the county inspired donors throughout the region to get involved.
The result was remarkable.
Wasco County not only unlocked its matching challenge gift but ultimately raised $18,975 for its program. The campaign's clear message, strong storytelling, and community-wide engagement earned statewide recognition when Wasco County 4-H received the Dammy Award for Best Communication Strategy at the Oregon State University Foundation's annual Dammy Awards celebration.
The award also marked a major milestone for Oregon 4-H.
For the first time, Oregon 4-H received a Dammy Award, recognizing the collective efforts of county staff, volunteers, donors, alumni, and supporters who worked together to make this year's campaign a success. Oregon 4-H Foundation Board President Sue Densmore accepted the award on behalf of Oregon 4-H and Wasco County.
đ Supporting Summer Conference and Statewide Opportunities
While county fundraising experienced tremendous growth, supporters also continued to invest in statewide programming.
Oregon 4-H Summer Conference remains the featured statewide fundraising initiative for Dam Proud Day. The annual event brings youth from across Oregon to the Oregon State University campus for leadership development, career exploration, hands-on learning, and connection with peers from every corner of the state.
This year's Summer Conference fundraising effort was strengthened by an extraordinary commitment from challenge gift donors. The Rippey Family Foundation doubled its challenge gift support from the previous year, helping drive participation and encourage giving throughout the day. In total, Oregon 4-H supporters provided more than $50,000 in challenge gifts specifically connected to Summer Conference, helping ensure future participants can continue to access this transformative experience.
For generations of Oregon youth, Summer Conference has provided opportunities to build confidence, explore future careers, strengthen leadership skills, and experience college life firsthand. Donor support helps keep those opportunities accessible for young people from communities across Oregon.
đĻĢ A Growing Movement
The success of Dam Proud Day 2026 demonstrates what is possible when local communities and statewide supporters unite behind a common goal: investing in Oregon youth.
This year's results were about far more than dollars raised. They reflected growing county engagement, increased donor participation, stronger community storytelling, and new opportunities to connect supporters with programs they care about.
From county livestock projects and local programming needs to statewide leadership experiences like Summer Conference, every gift helps create opportunities for youth to learn, lead, and thrive.
As Oregon 4-H looks toward future Dam Proud Day campaigns, the momentum from 2026 provides an exciting glimpse of what is possible. With record participation, expanding county involvement, growing challenge gift support, and a first-ever Dammy Award, Oregon 4-H continues to build a stronger future for young people across the state.
Thanks to the generosity of Beaver Nation, Oregon 4-H youth are gaining access to experiences, programs, and opportunities that will help them become the leaders, innovators, and engaged citizens of tomorrow.