In 2025, the Ohio 4-H Foundation awarded more than $123,000 in grants to support over 30 programs across Ohio. These grants fueled county-level initiatives for Cloverbuds members, project members, and volunteers, and advanced statewide programming in leadership, STEAM, and unforgettable, life-changing experiences.
Hardin County 4-H
Hardin County 4-H’s Adapt and Include Kit and Training project thrived thanks to generous support from the Ohio 4-H Foundation’s Bea Cleveland Endowment and a meaningful partnership with the Hardin County Board of Developmental Disabilities (HCDD). Grant funding enabled the creation of inclusion kits for every 4-H community club in the county, each filled with tools to support diverse member needs. Items included sensory seat cushions, audio/visual timers, pencil grips, tri-grip markers, foam tube grips, loop scissors, silicone mats, communication boards for meetings, communication cards, breathing exercise cards, and a variety of fidgets.
The partnership with HCDD—made possible in part by the foundation grant—ensured that Hardin County 4-H volunteers were equipped to use the inclusion kits effectively and support families needing accommodations. Rachael Wince-Underwood, HCDD’s Service and Support Administrator, developed and delivered a specialized training at the annual volunteer kick-off meetings. Her sessions helped volunteers engage in meaningful conversations and connect families to valuable resources. HCDD also collaborated on the creation of communication boards for 4-H meetings and the county fair, which were included in the kits. As a lasting outcome of this partnership, HCDD now assists with building Winning 4-H Plan accommodations and actively supports the planning and facilitation of the All Abilities Show at the Hardin County Fair.
Ag Career Exploration Day
Thanks to the Sauder Workforce Preparation Programs grant, junior high and high school youth from seven southern Ohio counties gathered for the Ag Career Exploration Day at the Jackson County Extension/OARDC South Research Farm in May 2025. The one-day event introduced 137 students to careers and education in agriculture and natural resources. Participants engaged with representatives from agricultural colleges, including Ohio State University, Hocking College, and the University of Rio Grande, while also meeting professionals from the agriculture industry who shared insights into their career paths. Students toured the OARDC South Research Farm and participated in agriculture-based STEM activities, giving them a hands-on look at opportunities in the field.
This was the second event coordinated through the cooperation of 4-H and agricultural professionals across these seven counties, along with staff at the OARDC farm. The collaboration allowed program leaders to combine their strengths and deliver meaningful experiences for ag science students in the region. Post-event evaluations showed a strong impact: 91% of youth reported they could identify agricultural careers aligned with their interests, and 96% said they gained hands-on experience in pathways they are excited to pursue. The Ag Career Exploration Day continues to highlight how partnerships and innovative programming can inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders in Ohio.
Each year, the Ohio 4-H Foundation awards grants to programs that strengthen the 4-H community—by retaining current members and volunteers, welcoming new 4-H’ers, and reconnecting alumni as engaged supporters. If you would like to support Ohio 4-H foundation grants, please donate here.