Donors make it possible for North Carolina 4-H to offer experiences and recognition programs that go beyond what public funding alone can provide. Contributions from individuals, alumni, businesses, and community partners directly support youth participation, leadership development, volunteer training, and statewide educational opportunities.
Every gift helps ensure cost is never a barrier to a young person participating in 4-H.
Adult and Alumni Awards
The NC 4-H Adult and Alumni Awards recognize individuals who have provided outstanding support and leadership to 4-H programs across the state. These partners, volunteers, and alumni play an important role in sustaining opportunities for youth and strengthening the impact of 4-H in their communities.
Pull for Youth
Pull for Youth Sporting Clays is a statewide fundraising initiative led by the Farm Credit Associations of North Carolina that supports the future of agriculture through youth development. These fundraising shooting events take place September/October and have raised more than $890,000 for NC 4-H and FFA, directly investing in programs that prepare young people for leadership and careers in agriculture.
Pickin' in the Pines
Pickin’ in the Pines is an annual bluegrass and BBQ benefit concert held at Millstone 4-H Camp on the third Saturday of every October. Since its establishment in 2017, the event has raised funds to provide summer camp scholarships for underserved youth, helping ensure that financial barriers do not prevent participation.
On the Dock of the Bay
On the Dock of the Bay is the signature fundraising event of the Eastern 4-H Center. The event brings together community members and supporters for an evening of food, live music and entertainment, with proceeds primarily supporting youth programs and activities at the center.
Betsy's Bash
Betsy's Bash is a fundraising event held at the Betsy-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center, featuring live music, food and a silent auction. Established in 2022, the event raises funds for the Friends of Penn fund, which supports the center's highest-priority needs.
$4 for 4-H
The $4 for 4-H campaign, held during National 4-H Week, encourages supporters to give $4 or more to support youth development opportunities across North Carolina. The campaign aims to receive gifts from each of the state's 100 counties, with contributions supporting the NC 4-H Priorities Fund and helping expand opportunities for young people through 4-H.
Day of Giving
NC State Day of Giving is an annual, 24-hour fundraising event held in March that supports programs across NC State University, including 4-H. During this day of collective giving, alumni, supporters, and partners come together to invest in areas that make a difference, with gifts to 4-H helping expand youth opportunities, strengthen leadership development, and support communities across North Carolina.
Tractor Supply Co. Paper Clover Campaign
Tractor Supply partners with 4-H through the biannual Paper Clover campaign, held each spring and winter, to support youth across North Carolina. The campaign has raised more than $24 million, with 90 percent of proceeds directly supporting youth in the state where they are raised and the remaining 10 percent supporting the overall mission and growth of 4-H across the country.
Scholarships
Donor support makes it possible for NC 4-H to offer scholarships that encourage members to continue their education beyond high school. These scholarships recognize outstanding youth for their leadership, involvement, and achievements while helping them pursue future academic and career goals.
Volunteer Leader Recognition
Donor contributions support several awards presented by the NC 4-H Volunteer Leaders’ Association. These recognitions honor volunteers who dedicate their time, leadership, and mentorship to local 4-H programs and help make positive youth development opportunities possible across North Carolina.
Camps and Centers
NC 4-H Camps and Centers provide hands-on learning experiences where young people build confidence, develop leadership skills, and connect with nature. Donor support helps maintain these facilities and expand opportunities for youth to participate in safe, engaging programs that create lasting memories and meaningful learning experiences.
Youth and Donor Event
The NC 4-H Youth and Donor Event held during 4-H Congress brings supporters and 4-H members together to celebrate accomplishments made possible through donor generosity. During the event, scholarships, national trip delegates, and major award winners are recognized, and youth have the opportunity to personally connect with the individuals and organizations who support their experiences.
About the NC 4-H Development Fund
The 4-H Development Fund provides private support for the North Carolina 4-H program. Formed in 1959, the fund was established to aid and promote 4-H programs and activities across the state through financial support and other resources. Today, it continues to expand educational opportunities, strengthen local programs, and support recognition and leadership experiences for youth and volunteers statewide.
The Development Fund is supported by individuals, corporations, foundations, Cooperative Extension employees and alumni, and friends of 4-H who believe in the value of positive youth development.
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