News

With a shared passion for youth leadership and civic engagement, former Gov. Jim Blanchard and Janet Blanchard graciously sponsored the 4-H Capitol Experience legislative reception which took place on March 17.

The Michigan 4-H Foundation is pleased to announce the creation of the Michigan Pork Producers Association 4-H Endowment, established through a five-year pledge from the Michigan Pork Producers Association (MPPA).  

The Lee G. and K. Joanna Schwenk Fund for Kalamazoo County 4-H, a permanent endowment, was recently established through a charitable gift annuity from the estate of Lee G. and Katherine “Joanna” Schwenk.

The Michigan 4-H Foundation has awarded nearly $130,000 in sponsorships to reduce the cost for youth and volunteers to attend Michigan 4-H programs and events during the 2025-26 program year.

The Rorabaugh Family 4-H Endowment, established at the Michigan 4-H Foundation by Thomas Rorabaugh and Joyce Hartom, will provide perpetual annual support for three county 4-H programs.

Michigan 4-H has relaunched its 4-H Tech Changemakers Program to help rural communities overcome the digital divide through youth leadership and technology education in Chippewa, Mackinac and Luce counties.

When you name the Michigan 4-H Foundation as a beneficiary, you create a lasting impact for generations of youth and may also earn income tax benefits for yourself, as the donor.

Michelle Neff, of Harrison, was appointed to the Michigan 4-H Foundation board of trustees at its annual membership meeting on Oct. 3, 2025.

Livingston County 4-H’er Danykah Muck shared her 4-H story during Michigan 4-H Day at the Capitol on Oct. 8, inspiring legislators and guests with how 4-H has shaped her leadership and life skills.

For the 2025-26 program year, 4-H mini grants were awarded in four categories totaling $9,891.