Previous Grant Recipients — Oregon 4-H Foundation

Oregon 4-H Foundation Previous Grant Recipients

Spring 2026 Recipients

Josephine County Restoring Visibility $1,980.00

This project will help restore awareness of the Josephine County 4-H program by providing updated marketing and promotional materials to support outreach and recruitment efforts throughout the community. Following the rebuilding of the local 4-H program, these resources will be used at fairs, community events, schools, and other public gatherings to increase visibility and connect more youth and families with 4-H opportunities.

Grant funding will support the purchase of co-branded 4-H and OSU Extension materials designed to strengthen community recognition and engagement. The project currently serves 70 youth members and 30 volunteers in Josephine County and aims to increase enrollment, recruit new volunteers, and support the continued growth of local 4-H programming.

Umatilla-Union County Animal Science Workshop $5,000.00

This project is a collaborative effort between Umatilla and Union Counties to provide a two-day animal science training workshop for 4-H volunteers throughout Eastern Oregon. The training will equip volunteers with current industry knowledge, instructional materials, and practical resources to support youth involved in livestock and small animal projects.

Grant funding will help develop educational materials and provide a high-quality learning experience that strengthens animal science programming across the region. The workshop is expected to serve approximately 50 volunteers who will take what they learn back to their local communities and share it with youth in their clubs. The long-term goal is to create a sustainable library of animal science resources that can be expanded and made available to 4-H volunteers statewide, improving educational opportunities for youth across Oregon.

Polk County Coding Restoring Visibility $2,100.00

This project will expand access to STEM education in Polk County by providing robotics kits and coding curriculum for local schools, homeschool programs, and 4-H youth. Through hands-on learning opportunities, participants will explore programming, robotics, problem-solving, and digital literacy using age-appropriate equipment and progressively challenging activities.

Grant funding will support the purchase of robotics kits and educational materials that can be checked out by teachers and youth groups, making high-quality STEM experiences more accessible across the county. The project is expected to serve approximately 40 4-H members and 100 local students annually while helping increase participation in STEM-related projects, encouraging creativity, and introducing youth to future opportunities in technology and engineering.

Winter 2026 Recipients

Douglas County Enhancing Safety in Small Animals Program $5,000.00

This project will improve the safety and functionality of the Douglas County small animal barn by replacing outdated and deteriorating cages with modern, secure housing for fair animals. The upgraded equipment will enhance animal welfare, improve sanitation, and reduce safety risks for youth exhibitors, volunteers, and staff. Grant funding will support the purchase of new cages that meet current animal care and safety standards while creating a more welcoming and educational environment for participants. The project will serve 30 4-H families, 8 FFA chapters, and community fairgoers throughout Douglas County, helping strengthen the small animal program and creating opportunities for expanded participation and educational activities in the future.

Marion County Educational Video Project $3,000.00

This project supports the development of educational videos created by Marion County 4-H to provide youth with accessible, hands-on learning opportunities across a wide range of project areas. Featuring 4-H members, volunteers, and alumni as presenters, the videos cover topics such as livestock, small animals, horse projects, photography, and other practical skills that help youth succeed in 4-H and beyond.

Grant funding will help expand the video library and support equipment needed for production while creating opportunities for youth to become involved in the video creation process. Available online through the Marion County 4-H YouTube channel, these resources can be used by clubs, classrooms, and individual youth throughout Oregon, increasing access to high-quality educational content and helping youth build knowledge and confidence in their project areas.

Statewide 4-H Camp Tumbleweed $3,000.00

4-H Camp Tumbleweed provides an affordable overnight camp experience for youth in grades 4–6 from across Oregon. Through outdoor recreation, hands-on learning, and team-building activities, campers develop life skills, independence, problem-solving abilities, and a sense of belonging. The camp also offers leadership opportunities for teen counselors in grades 9–12, who serve as mentors while gaining valuable experience in leadership, teamwork, first aid, and camper care through specialized training.

Grant funding will help offset increased costs associated with transportation, instructional supplies, meals, and a pre-camp leadership retreat for teen counselors. The program is expected to serve approximately 70 campers and 12 teen counselors statewide, ensuring that youth from diverse communities have access to a high-quality camp experience that fosters personal growth, confidence, and lasting connections.

Union County Expanding Sewing $2,201.67

This project will expand sewing education opportunities for youth in Union County by providing hands-on sewing day camps and access to equipment and supplies that might otherwise be unavailable to families. Sewing has become one of the most requested project areas in the county, and this program will help remove barriers to participation while introducing youth to valuable life skills. Through short-term workshops, participants will learn how to operate sewing machines, work with fabrics, and practice foundational sewing techniques.

The project is open to both current 4-H members and community youth, creating opportunities for recruitment, community engagement, and future club development. Grant funding will support equipment and materials needed for the camps, helping increase participation in sewing projects, county fair exhibits, and sewing skills contests while encouraging new volunteers to become involved in 4-H programming.

Washington County Archery Club $4,226.00

This project will expand archery opportunities for Washington County 4-H youth by providing the specialized equipment needed to support a growing archery program. With strong interest from youth and newly trained volunteers ready to lead clubs, the program will provide meaningful opportunities for participants to build archery skills, confidence, responsibility, and teamwork alongside caring adult mentors. Grant funding will be used to purchase bows, arrows, targets, safety equipment, and other supplies needed to support club activities and instruction. The project will directly serve 15 youth members and 6 volunteers while strengthening existing archery clubs and supporting future program growth throughout Washington County.

Fall 2025 Recipients

Lane County Adulting 101 $5,000.00

This project is a comprehensive life skills series designed to help Lane County teens ages 13–18 build the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed for adulthood. Through hands-on workshops, participants will explore topics such as career readiness, budgeting, cooking, food preservation, first aid and CPR, emergency preparedness, mental wellness, self-defense, and basic car maintenance. The program also connects youth with local community partners and resources that can support them beyond the classroom. Grant funding will provide educational supplies, take-home learning materials, and specialized instruction from community experts. The series will serve up to 20 teens from across Lane County, helping participants develop independence, confidence, and real-world skills they can use throughout their lives.

Statewide High Desert Leadership Retreat $5,000.00

The High Desert Leadership Retreat is a statewide leadership experience that brings together approximately 120 youth in grades 7–12 from across Oregon. Held annually near Redmond, the retreat provides youth with opportunities to build leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills through hands-on workshops and peer collaboration. Participants live in small groups with adult chaperones, where they learn practical life skills such as budgeting, grocery shopping, meal preparation, teamwork, and shared decision-making. Grant funding will help support lodging, food, educational supplies, workshop instructors, and additional adult chaperones to ensure a high-quality and safe experience while keeping registration costs affordable. The retreat serves youth from communities throughout Oregon and helps participants develop confidence, independence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of belonging within 4-H.

Linn County 4-H Dog Show Ring $2,700.00

This project will provide a professional dog show ring and mats for the Linn County 4-H dog program, creating new opportunities for youth to develop their skills in a high-quality show environment. The equipment will support the county’s growing dog project, allow Linn County to host its own dog fair events, and strengthen partnerships with the local kennel club. Grant funding will be used to purchase the show ring, mats, and related equipment needed for competitions and educational events. Currently serving 12 youth members, the project aims to expand participation, increase community engagement, and introduce more families to 4-H through dog-focused activities and outreach opportunities.

Lake County 4-H Fairgrounds Storage $2,000.00

This project will provide a storage shed for the Lake County 4-H fairgrounds, creating a secure and organized space for awards, supplies, and important program materials. Improved storage will help volunteers and staff efficiently access equipment and reduce safety concerns caused by overcrowded storage areas. Grant funding will support the purchase of materials needed to construct the shed, which will serve approximately 200 youth members and 50 volunteers throughout Lake County. The project will strengthen the county’s ability to host 4-H activities and fair events while improving organization, efficiency, and long-term program support.

Spring 2025 Recipients

Statewide 4-H Nexo Team $4,000.00

The 4-H Nexo Team is a statewide initiative designed to empower multilingual youth by helping them build language proficiency, leadership skills, and cultural awareness through meaningful, real-world experiences. Participants will receive training aligned with national language proficiency standards and apply their skills by translating documents and resources that improve language access across Oregon State University Extension and 4-H programs. The program also connects youth with bilingual mentors and provides opportunities to explore future education and career pathways.

Grant funding will support a pilot cohort of multilingual youth from across Oregon, helping create a sustainable model that engages historically underserved communities and strengthens family involvement in 4-H. The project aims to translate at least 30 documents in its first year while fostering confidence, communication skills, and cross-cultural connections. By investing in the talents and lived experiences of multilingual youth, the 4-H Nexo Team is building the next generation of leaders who will help make Oregon’s communities more inclusive and connected.

Lane County Emergency Preparedness: Empowering Youth $1,800.00

This project helps youth build the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to prepare for emergencies and natural disasters. Through interactive workshops, participants will learn about emergency preparedness, disaster readiness, and personal responsibility while creating their own emergency “go bags” to take home. Youth will also practice hands-on skills, including making paracord bracelets and learning how emergency supplies can be used in real-life situations.

Grant funding will provide supplies for free emergency preparedness kits and educational materials for participants throughout Lane County. The program aims to reach at least 500 youth in communities including Cottage Grove, Eugene, Florence, Junction City, Lowell, Mapleton, McKenzie, Oakridge, Springfield, and Walterville. By empowering young people to share what they learn with their families, this project helps strengthen community resilience while encouraging youth leadership, civic engagement, and a sense of belonging.

Clatsop County Digital Resources $1,000.00

This project will provide an interactive screen for the Clatsop County 4-H clubhouse to enhance learning and engagement for young people. This screen will support hands-on, visual, and collaborative learning opportunities in areas such as agriculture, STEM, and life skills while helping club leaders deliver more dynamic educational experiences. The screen will also allow members to showcase digital fair projects, including videography and podcasting, and support virtual guest speakers and multimedia presentations. This project will benefit approximately 384 youth members and more than 140 adult volunteers throughout Clatsop County.

Winter 2025 Recipients

Clackamas County Regional Ambassador Retreat $1,080.00

The Regional Ambassador Retreat provides youth leaders with a weekend of hands-on learning focused on leadership, communication, service, and team development. Ambassador team members from Clackamas, Washington, and Yamhill counties will come together to strengthen their leadership skills, build meaningful relationships, and collaborate on plans to promote 4-H and serve their communities throughout the coming year.

Grant funding will help support lodging costs for the retreat, allowing youth to participate in workshops, team-building activities, and service opportunities in a supportive environment. The retreat is expected to serve 10–12 youth ambassadors and their adult advisors, helping participants develop the confidence, communication skills, and sense of belonging needed to succeed as leaders within 4-H and their local communities.

Statewide 4-H Camp Tumbleweed $3,000.00

Fall 2024 Recipients

Lane County Adulting 101: A Life Skills Series $4,000.00

The Adulting 101 series is a comprehensive life skills program designed to help teens ages 13–18 gain the confidence, knowledge, and practical skills needed for adulthood. Through hands-on workshops, participants will learn about topics such as resume building, career readiness, budgeting, cooking, food preservation, first aid and CPR, emergency preparedness, mental wellness, self-defense, and basic car maintenance. The program also connects youth with local community partners and resources they can rely on as they transition into adulthood.

Grant funding will support educational supplies, take-home learning materials, and community instructors who help deliver specialized training throughout the series. The program will serve up to 20 teens from across Lane County, providing meaningful opportunities to build independence, confidence, and real-world skills that can be applied for years to come.

Washington County Intro to Sewing Short Term Education Program (STEP) Class $1,392.78

This project provides youth with an opportunity to explore sewing in a fun, low-stress environment without the commitment of a year-long club. The Introduction to Sewing STEP Class consists of a series of beginner-friendly lessons that teach fundamental sewing skills through hands-on projects such as pillowcases, aprons, and pajama pants. Youth can participate regardless of their prior sewing experience and are encouraged to continue building their skills through future classes or 4-H clubs.

Grant funding will support the purchase of four sewing machines and reusable sewing equipment kits, helping remove barriers to participation and making sewing more accessible to youth. The program is expected to serve between 4 and 24 youth and is designed to introduce participants to 4-H while helping them develop practical life skills, creativity, and confidence.

Clatsop County Art Workshops (Fiber Arts) $422.01

This project provides youth with hands-on opportunities to learn traditional fiber arts skills, including spinning, weaving, and knitting. Through a series of workshops, participants explore the history and techniques of working with wool while developing creativity, patience, and craftsmanship. Grant funding supports the purchase of fiber arts supplies and equipment needed to expand existing workshops and accommodate growing interest in the program. The workshops are open to both 4-H and community youth and are expected to serve approximately 10 participants per session through multiple workshops held throughout the year. The program aims to preserve traditional fiber arts skills, encourage youth to exhibit their work at the county fair, and increase awareness of these projects within the community.

Spring 2024 Recipients

Clatsop County Art Workshops $500.00

This goal of this project is to support a series of art workshops designed to help Clatsop County youth explore the principles of design and elements of art through hands-on learning and creative expression. Participants have opportunities to experiment with different artistic techniques while developing confidence, creativity, and new skills. Grant funding helps provide art supplies and materials for the workshops, allowing youth to engage in meaningful artistic experiences regardless of their previous experience level. Serving approximately 10 youth per session, the program also creates a welcoming environment where participants build friendships, share meals, and connect with peers. The workshops encourage youth to showcase their work at the county fair while fostering creativity, community involvement, and a sense of belonging.

Curry County 4-H Summer Camp $4,000.00

This project supports a four-day overnight camp experience at Lobster Creek Campground, where Curry County youth participate in outdoor recreation, team-building activities, and hands-on learning opportunities. Grant funding helps provide nutritious meals for campers and staff while supporting improvements to camp operations through updated kitchen equipment and water conservation supplies. The camp also incorporates educational activities focused on environmental stewardship and water conservation, helping youth develop a deeper appreciation for natural resources. Approximately 60 youth, along with teen counselors and adult volunteers, will participate in the camp, building lasting friendships, leadership skills, independence, and confidence through a memorable outdoor experience.

Polk County Forging Futures $5,000.00

The goal of this project is to provide safe, hands-on blacksmithing opportunities for Polk County youth through the creation of a mobile forge and educational blacksmithing program. Developed in partnership with the Falls City School District, the program introduces youth to industrial arts, craftsmanship, and potential career pathways while helping participants build confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Grant funding supports the equipment and materials needed to establish a forge site where youth can learn traditional blacksmithing techniques in a safe and supportive environment. The project will serve youth in Falls City and throughout Polk County, offering after-school and summer programming that expands access to unique educational opportunities and encourages interest in skilled trades and industrial careers.

Winter 2024 Recipients

Lake & Harney County Animal Science Field Day $2,500

This project is a collaborative effort between Lake and Harney Counties designed to increase youth understanding of animal science, livestock care, and the ethical treatment of animals through hands-on learning experiences. Participants will receive research-based instruction in animal husbandry, animal welfare, and public speaking while engaging directly with industry professionals and educational activities. The program aims to expand access to high-quality animal science education for rural youth and encourage future educational and career opportunities in agriculture. Grant funding will help support educational materials, clinician travel, facility expenses, and participant resources. The goal is for this event to become an annual program that strengthens the partnership between Lake and Harney Counties while serving approximately 60 youth from across the region.

Statewide Camp Tumbleweed $2,000

This project offers a unique, affordable overnight experience for 4-H youth from across Oregon. Camp Tumbleweed provides campers in grades 4–6 with opportunities to learn life skills, gain independence, build friendships, and develop a sense of belonging through fun and educational outdoor activities. Grant funding helps keep registration costs affordable so more youth can participate in the camp experience. The program will serve approximately 70 campers statewide and will also support about 20 teen counselors in grades 9–12 who receive leadership training and gain experience mentoring younger youth. Through first aid, team building, camper care, and leadership development, counselors build valuable skills while helping create a positive and memorable camp experience for participants.

State Outdoor Leadership Training $4,300

This project provides a statewide training opportunity for youth leaders involved in Oregon 4-H outdoor education programs. Youth ages 12–19 gather from across the state to develop leadership skills and receive training in topics such as diversity, equity, inclusion and culture, first aid and emergency preparedness, and outdoor program leadership. The goal of the program is to standardize training for camp counselors and other outdoor youth leaders, helping improve the quality and consistency of outdoor-focused 4-H programs throughout Oregon. Grant funding helps reduce participation costs and support educational programming for attendees. The training will serve approximately 175 youth and 30 adult volunteers and staff, while strengthening leadership development, increasing youth retention, and creating a network of skilled outdoor leaders who can support 4-H programs across the state.

Wallowa, Union, & Baker County Tri-County STEP $1,200

This project is a collaboration between Wallowa, Union, and Baker Counties that provides virtual Short Term Experiential Projects (STEP) for youth ages 9–19. Through a series of hands-on workshops in areas such as sewing, arts and crafts, and gardening, participants gain access to learning opportunities that may not be available through traditional local 4-H clubs. Grant funding supports the purchase of educational supplies, project kits, and technology needed to deliver interactive online lessons across multiple rural communities. Youth receive materials in advance and participate in live virtual sessions led by 4-H staff from the three counties. The program is expected to serve approximately 90 youth and help increase interest in new project areas, expand county fair participation, strengthen community connections, and introduce additional youth and families to 4-H opportunities throughout Eastern Oregon.

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