Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation

The university of Arizona 4-H Youth development program provides quality Youth education by building positive relationships and life skills. We develop competence, caring and actively engaged citizens who strengthen Arizona communities. 4-H is for all Youth, ages 5-19, who have fun, learn new skills, and explore the world. Kids 5-8 join cloverbuds, a non-competitive, fun introduction to many projects available through 4-h. Youth ages 8-19 participate in 4-H by enrolling participate in 4-H by enrolling in projects and joining a club. In 4-h, young people make new friends, develop new skills, become leaders and help shape their communities. Youth have the opportunity to participate in 4-H experiences that strengthen a young person's sense of belonging, generosity, independence, and mastery. The 4-H Foundation created and implemented the great 8 pathways in 2020-2021 covering the areas of: agriculture, camp/outdoors, civic engagement, community service, cultural understanding, leadership, healthy living and stem. These pathways cross-over all events, programs and projects in 4-H and enable the Foundation to talk with donors in a more robust and inclusive way.in 2022, Arizona 4-H grew to 6,342 Youth enrolled members of 4-H community clubs. They are supported by 566 adult volunteer leaders. Another 31,221 Arizona Youth get involved in 4-H through special educational opportunities. This number is expected to be slightly less in 2023 with the absence of a state 4-H program leader and other challenges. 2024 looks to be a building year and growth is expected in the months and year to come! 4-H gives Youth a chance to pursue their own interests, from photography to computers, from building rockets to raising rabbits, growing vegetables to raising a lamb. A comprehensive list of 4-H projects is available online at: https://extension.arizona.edu/4h. Arizona 4-H Youth also go places--to camp, to state and national conferences and even on international cultural immersion exchanges. They learn to be leaders, active citizens and citizen scientists. In 4-H clubs, they serve as officers and learn to conduct meetings, handle club funds, and facilitate group decision-making. In a growing number of communities, 4-H Youth serve as Youth representatives in municipal or county government or as members of teen courts. They give back to their communities. 4-H members are involved in volunteer projects to protect the environment, mentor younger children, and help people who are less fortunate. 4-H clubs and affiliated organizations derive their tax-exempt status under the Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation. They do not have a tax existence outside of the Foundation's umbrella, and for tax purposes are treated as programs of the Foundation. Accordingly, all revenues, expenses, and assets of these clubs and affiliated organizations are reported on the Foundation's form 990.

The Arizona 4-H Youth Foundation exists to raise and administer funding for the Arizona 4-H Youth development program through the great 8. The Foundation annually allocates funds for county, state and national 4-H projects, programs, events and activities. During fiscal year ending september 30, 2023, the Foundation awarded scholarships, provided for state and nationals events, contests and conferences for Arizona Youth. The Foundation also supported adult volunteer education, training and chaperoning for 4-H events and programs.