Our Funding Success

Maine 4-H Foundation Supports Maine Youth

a pre-teen 4-Her holding a chicken

100% of all donations go directly to the University of Maine 4-H Youth Development programs, funds and scholarships based on donor wishes. The Maine 4-H Foundation long-time endowment covers our operations through the investment income at a conservative 4 to 4.5%.

Maine 4-H is open to all youth ages five to eighteen. Our work includes supporting programs that encourage more Maine young people to engage in our programs. The 4-H Foundation provides over $500,000 a year in program support statewide through restricted and non-restricted donations.

There are four major program areas that we support, they include:

Youth Citizenship, Leadership, and Service

The Maine 4-H Foundation supports National 4-H Congress, National 4-H Conference, Citizenship Washington Focus, State Public Speaking, Eastern States Center Program, Leadership and Community Service Education, Service Learning and supports direct club and group applications. In addition, the youth entrepreneurship Pitch project and service projects are funded through the Youth Trustees.

a 4-H camper pulling an arrow on a bow while participating in an archery activity

Agriculture, Food Systems, Health and Wellness

Agricultural projects including animal science, veterinary science, plant and soil sciences, organic growing and local whole foods are all growing in focus across Maine. Health and wellness projects, animal science programs, Maine 4-H Days, workshops and educational exhibits, shows, fairs and Eastern States Exposition are all supported by the Maine 4-H Foundation.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

a group of mentors and 4-H youth working on a STEM project

STEM areas include the Follow-a-ResearcherTM, STEM Ambassadors, Science Saturdays, Tech Wizards, Summer of Science, Maine 4-H Days, 4-H at UMaine, youth science workshops, support to afterschool, and county 4-H science programs are all supported by the Maine 4-H Foundation.

Environmental Science and Research

two teen 4-H campers with a canoe paddle

Our three University of Maine 4-H Camp and Learning Centers at Blueberry Cove, Bryant Pond and Tanglewood all have a focus on environmental education, ecology, conservation, science and the research that is conducted by UMaine and our local partners on invasive species, water quality, fresh water and salt water habitats and more. The Maine 4-H Foundation works to support the camp and learning centers and environmental programs at the county and state level.

Scholarships

The Maine 4-H Foundation supports higher education scholarships for graduating seniors and for younger 4-H members to attend our 4-H Camp and Learning Centers as well as engaging educational conferences, workshops and events.