About The Foundation
Founded in 1952, the Michigan 4-H Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit fundraising organization based in East Lansing, Mich. Led by a board of trustees, the foundation solicits, manages, grants and stewards support from private individuals, organizations, foundations and corporations to support Michigan 4-H Youth Development programs.
Our Mission
The Michigan 4-H Foundation supports Michigan 4-H Youth Development programs to prepare youth for meaningful and productive lives.
Programmatic Vision
Effectively supporting 4-H programs, opportunities and guidance so that all Michigan 4-H youth gain the skills needed to take leadership for their lives.
Philanthropic Vision
To be the donors’ preferred choice for support of Michigan 4-H Youth Development programs.
What We Do
- Solicit, sustain and increase financial support for Michigan 4-H Youth Development.
- Perpetuate the positive impact that 4-H programs can have on Michigan’s young people.
- Facilitate successful and meaningful funding and programming collaborations that benefit positive 4-H youth development work.
- Maintain and expand the internationally recognized quality of the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens.
- Provide responsible financial management and effective growth-oriented business practices to maintain and expand 4-H programs and operational support for the Michigan 4-H Foundation.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement:
The Michigan 4-H Foundation is committed to supporting a diverse and inclusive 4-H community. We are also committed to building a board of trustees that is diverse, inclusive and reflects the community we serve.
Through the composition of our staff, volunteer boards, and committees, we strive to show by example that diversity creates an organization that attracts talented people and generous donors.
Michigan 4-H is the youth development program of Michigan State University Extension. All 4-H programs, activities and facilities are available to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, veteran status or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state or local law, regulation or ordinance.
Dedication Statements
The Michigan 4-H Foundation is staffed by MSU Extension employees. Both MSU Extension staff members and Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees are dedicated to the following core values as defined by MSU Extension:
- We work together to ensure that programming is delivered to diverse audiences, produces equitable impacts for all participants, and demonstrates partnership and inclusion for all groups.
- We embrace that it is everyone’s job to create a culture that promotes diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
- We ensure that every team member is prepared with the skills and resources to contribute to our welcoming and inclusive culture.
- We foster inclusion by recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, skills, experiences, and work to create equal access to programming for communities.
- We commit to continuous learning for diversity, equity, and cultural competency, in order to achieve inclusive excellence.
- We understand that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential elements to our work and are vital to the organizational culture and programmatic success of MSU Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation.
- We embrace a culture of understanding, coaching and feedback towards achieving a vision of success for the entire organization and its staff.
- Together we will achieve success and we commit to these goals in our work, continued education, and ongoing efforts.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
MSU Extension and the Michigan 4-H Foundation is committed to a culturally inclusive, safe and supportive environment that is free from any and all forms of discrimination, bias, stereotyping, harassment and assault.
Learn more about our commitment: Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
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4-H has been an incredibly transformative experience for me. It has opened up a whole new world of opportunities, allowed me to form lasting relationships, and given me the chance to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
— Brooklyn Hetrick, Oakland County
Sponsor a Brick
Become a permanent part of the Michigan 4-H Children's Garden by sponsoring a brick! Bricks can be donated in your name; in honor of a family, friend or club; or in memory of loved ones. Learn more: Sponsor a brick!.