Illinois 4-H Foundation

Published research demonstrates that experiences like 4-H provide a significant impact in positively shaping youth so they are more likely to become self-sufficient and contributing citizens in our society. 4-H is the largest out-of-school educational program for youths in the United States and its continued success depends on raising funds from individuals, corporations, and organizations that supplement state and county 4-H programs.

Creating a 4-H Youth Development Center will connect statewide 4-H youth, alumni, volunteers, and staff to the University of Illinois campus. The center will become Illinois’ operational base for the 4-H Youth Development Program and will serve as a campus gateway and 4-H showcase.

Funding Opportunities

• Build a 4-H Youth Center and Visitor’s Center at the Arboretum
• Enhance the 4-H and Youth Development programs, which provide research-based activities and programs to more than 280,000 youth with the help of 26,000 youth and adult volunteer leaders
• Renovate the 4-H Memorial Camp dining hall to continue the camp’s mission of developing young people for responsible roles in society; because private funds will be used exclusively, dollars must be in hand before building can begin