4-H endowment campaign halfway to goal.

SCOTTVILLE — Supporters of Mason County 4-H programs have the opportunity to double their personal support for 4-H by helping to “Make the Match for Mason County 4-H.”

The Mason County 4-H Advisory Council  has set a goal of raising $30,000 locally which, if successful, will result in the county 4-H program qualifying for a 1:1 match from the Michigan 4-H Foundation for a total of a $60,000 endowment being invested for Mason County 4-H.  The endowment fund is now halfway to the goal.  Over $15,000.00 has been raised this past year, but additional support is needed to continue building this fund.

Many 4-H leaders have expressed their concerns in securing the future of 4-H.  Joan Vidak, a 4-H leader commented, “We had an eye opening experience a while ago, when we thought that Mason County would no longer have a 4-H program. Funding always seems to be an issue, for a lot of organizations. My husband and I have watched our children grow up in the 4-H program. It has been such a positive influence for them. We want to make sure the program continues to support and teach other children for years to come. The endowment is a great way to help make that happen.”

County 4-H programs in Michigan have historically been funded by a partnership between federal, state and county governments, Michigan State University and gifts from private supporters.  With increasing reductions in public support for 4-H, 4-H families, volunteers, clubs, alumni and other friends are coming together to build private support to sustain 4-H in local communities.

The Mason County 4-H Endowment, when doubled by the match, will provide annual support for current  4-H program delivery, for future 4-H program enhancements and other areas of greatest need that would serve to advance delivery of 4-H in the Mason County. The Make the Match for Mason County campaign is made possible by grants from the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation and gifts made by individual leadership donors to the Michigan 4-H Foundation.  The goal is to raise $1 million in endowment for county 4-H programs in Michigan that will in turn be doubled by the match from these leadership contributors.

For information on how you can help Make the Match for Mason County 4-H, visit the campaign web site at www.mi4hfdtn.org/countymatch or contact the Mason County MSU Extension office at 231-757-4789.

Mason County 4-H is a program of Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development Programs whose mission is to create non-formal, educational opportunities to help youth thrive in a complex and changing world.  The Michigan 4-H Foundation supports Michigan 4-H Youth Development programs to prepare youth for meaningful and productive lives.