Iowa 4-H Financial Assistance

Geographic Scope: Iowa

Eligibility:

• Any youth who can participate in Iowa State University Extension or 4-H Youth Development programs
• Applies to youth registered as individual members or club members of 4-H
• Extension employees, volunteer leaders, teachers, or parents can submit applications on behalf of youth

Purpose: Provides financial assistance to cover 4-H program membership fees

Key Guidelines:

• Ideally, participants should pay a portion of their membership fee
• Priority may be given to first and second year 4-H members
• Limited funds are distributed to serve the greatest number of individuals possible
• A brief statement of financial need from an Extension worker, 4-H leader, or parents is required as part of the application
• Applications can be submitted at any time, though funds are limited (Foundation operates on annual budget beginning July 1)
• Notification typically sent via email within two weeks of submission
• Assistance checks sent to county Extension offices

Contact Information:

• Iowa 4-H Foundation
• Extension 4-H Youth Building
• 1259 Stange Road, Ames, IA 50011-1002
• Phone: 515-294-1537
• Email: iowa4h@iastate.edu

Application Process

1. Submit online application (preferred) or paper application
2. Required Materials:
- One application per family or group with one or more applicants
- Brief statement of need explaining:
- Family's financial situation
- Other pertinent information
- Statement must be provided by Extension employee, 4-H leader, or parent
3. Submission:
- Submit to county Extension office or program specialist
- Applications accepted on rolling basis throughout the year
4. Decision Timeline:
- Notification typically sent via email within two weeks
- Assistance checks mailed to county offices

Note: Without the required statement of financial need, funding will not be provided.