Allegan County 4-H launches match campaign to build endowment

ALLEGAN, MI -- Supporters of Allegan County 4-H programs have the opportunity to double their personal support for 4-H by helping to “Make the Match for Allegan County 4-H.”

The Allegan County 4-H Council has set a goal of raising $50,000 locally which, if successful, will result in the county 4-H program qualifying for a 1:1 match from the Michigan 4-H Foundation of every dollar raised to build an endowment for 4-H programs in Allegan County.

County 4-H programs in Michigan have historically been funded by a partnership between federal, state and county governments, Michigan State University and gifts from private supporters.  With increasing reductions in public support for 4-H, 4-H families, volunteers, clubs, alumni and other friends are coming together to build private support to sustain 4-H in local communities.

The Allegan County 4-H Endowment, when doubled by the match, will provide annual support for current  4-H program delivery, for future 4-H program enhancements and other areas of greatest need that would serve to advance delivery of 4-H in the Allegan County.

“Each year 4-H opportunities are passed by due to little funds by 4-H Families. Being able to have this endowment will enable the 4-H Council to send youth to 4-H  events such as 4-H Capitol Experience, 4-H Camp, Citizenship Washington Focus, National 4-H Congress and the Japanese LABO program without undue burden on the family. “, shares 4-H Program Coordinator, Dian Liepe, “To date we have raised over $21,000 towards our $50,000 goal.”

The “Make the Match for Allegan County” campaign is made possible by grants from the Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation and gifts made by individual leadership donors to the Michigan 4-H Foundation.  The goal is to raise $1 million in endowment for county 4-H programs in Michigan that will in turn be doubled by the match from these leadership contributors.

For information on how you can help “Make the Match for Allegan County 
4-H”, visit the campaign web site at www.mi4hfdtn.org/countymatch or contact the Allegan County MSU Extension office at 269-673-0370 extension 2557

Allegan County 4-H is a program of Michigan State University Extension 4-H Youth Development Programs whose mission is to create non-formal, educational opportunities to help youth thrive in a complex and changing world.  The Michigan 4-H Foundation supports Michigan 4-H Youth Development programs to prepare youth for meaningful and productive lives.