4-H Mini Grants

Deadline to apply: June 1

The Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees annually approves the distribution of competitive grant opportunities for 4-H programs. These mini grants are designed to encourage program planning and participation by 4-H members and volunteers in partnership with MSU Extension 4 H program staff.

Grants are accepted from April 1– June 1 each year. Grant applications are due June 1.

4-H Mini Grant Timeline

  • April 1, 2024: Grant applications available online.
  • June 1, 2024: Grant applications due to Michigan 4-H Foundation.
  • Sept. 2024: Grant recipients announced
  • October 1, 2024: 2024-2025 Grant acceptance deadline

4-H Mini Grant Report Deadlines

  • May 31, 2024: 2023-24 grant reports due for programs conducted Oct. 1 to Apr. 30.
  • Sept. 30, 2024: 2023-24 grant reports due for programs conducted May 1 to Aug. 31.

Note as of July 1, 2024, all Michigan 4-H Foundation reporting will occur in PEARS. Please refer to the PEARS Reporting Guide for the Michigan 4-H Foundation on how to report on this grant in PEARS.

4-H Mini Grants available for 2024-2025:

The Michigan 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees annually approves the distribution of competitive grant funds to encourage innovative 4-H program opportunities in local communities and in some cases for statewide programs. These grants are designed to encourage program planning and participation by 4 H members and volunteers in partnership with MSU Extension 4 H staff members.

We are pleased to be able to offer the following opportunities for the 2024-2025 4-H program year:

  1. Michigan 4-H Legacy Grants – 4 grants available for $1,000 each
    Supports development of a new program or initiative or to strengthen, enhance or expand a current program that’s making a difference. Funded by the Michigan 4-H Legacy Fund Endowment
  2. 4-H On-Target Grants – 3 grants available for $500 each
    Supports county 4-H Shooting Sports programs enhance existing programs, develop a new program or offer a special experience related to 4-H Shooting Sports. Funded with support from Thomas Cobb, former Michigan 4-H Foundation president, and the Michigan 4-H Shooting Sports Endowed Fund.
  3. The Collins 4-H Youth Horticulture Grant – 1 grant available for $500
    This grant opportunity is for 4-H youth clubs only to advance club work in plant science and horticulture activities locally. This grant is made possible by the William J. and Ruth D. Collins Endowment Fund to advance 4-H youth horticulture and gardening programs.
  4. 4-H Educational Garden Grants – 2 grants available for $1,000 each
    Supports the creation of local 4-H educational gardens in Michigan. Funded by the Albert A. Albright Endowment for 4-H Plant Science and Gardening Education.
  5. Michigan Farm Bureau (MFB) 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Award – 5 awards available for $1,000 each (please use this form to nominate a volunteer)
    This award recognizes the outstanding agricultural 4-H volunteers that have exhibited excellence in 4-H youth education and leadership development in the areas of 4-H beef cattle; dairy cattle; goats; horses; horticulture, crops and soils; poultry; rabbits; sheep; swine; and veterinary science. Honorees designate a $1,000 grant to a 4-H agricultural program of their choice and are recognized by both Michigan 4-H and by Michigan Farm Bureau. Funded by the Michigan Farm Bureau 4-H Excellence in Agriculture Endowment Fund.

Restrictions and Reminders

Civil Rights Compliance Statement for Grant Recipients

The Michigan 4-H Foundation, a public 501(c)(3) corporation, is organized to support Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development programs, and as such, requires that all foundation grantees submit a signed statement of non-discrimination before receiving Michigan 4-H Foundation grant funds and/or using the services and/or collaborating with the foundation to deliver 4-H supported programs.

The Grant Acceptance and Civil Rights Compliance form documents your acceptance of the grant and agreement to the conditions for funding.

Grant Acceptance Deadline is Sept. 30

All mini grants must be accepted by completing and submitting the Grant Acceptance and Civil Rights Compliance form by Sept. 30. All grants awarded and not accepted by this date will be terminated and re-announced for award in the next Michigan 4-H Foundation mini grant cycle.

Grant Report Deadlines

All mini grant activity must be completed and expensed by August 31 of the 4-H program year. Mini grant reports are due:

  • May 31 for programs conducted October 1 to April 30.
  • September 30 for programs conducted May 1 to August 31.

Note as of July 1, 2024, all Michigan 4-H Foundation reporting will occur in PEARS. Please refer to the PEARS Reporting Guide for the Michigan 4-H Foundation on how to report on this grant in PEARS.