MSU Extension Join 4-H

Each year, the Michigan 4-H Foundation board of trustees approves the distribution of competitive grant funds to encourage development of innovative 4-H opportunities in communities. For the 2025-26 program year, 4-H mini grants were awarded in four categories totaling $9,891.

Michigan 4-H Legacy Grants 

Michigan 4-H Legacy Grants, funded by the Michigan 4-H Legacy Fund endowment, encourage creativity and support the implementation of innovative ideas that expand and promote positive youth development in communities. Five grants were awarded. 

The Saginaw County 4-H Embryology Program received a $1,000 grant for their four-week program that teaches students about the parts of an egg, the conditions required for incubation, and the stages of chick development. Each year, Saginaw County 4-H partners with more than 10 different schools to offer the embryology program to approximately 45 different classes who get to experience chickens hatching in the classroom.  

The Wayne County 4-H Cultural Immersion Bus Trip received a $1,000 grant to guide participants and chaperones through the rich diversity of metro Detroit.  Attendees of the trip will travel together by bus to visit multiple neighborhoods and cultural sites that represent Arab American, Asian American, African American, Latinx and Jewish communities. Throughout the day, youth will engage in a variety of cultural activities such as music, art, storytelling and food experiences, led by local culture bearers, educators and artists. 

Developers of the Houghton and Keweenaw County’s “Jazzing UP 4-H in the Copper Country” Program received a $1,000 grant to reinvigorate their successful but currently dormant program. Youth participants will learn basic music and improvisational skills with a jazz basis, helping to build character, teamwork and interpersonal skills. The ultimate goal of the group is to perform publicly, at local events, on stage and through performances at music festivals. They also plan to incorporate community service through performing at senior centers and nursing homes.  

Grand Traverse County’s Blueberry Barnyard 4-H Club received a $1,000 grant for their club that integrates agricultural science with hands-on learning and creative expression. It will offer unique agricultural exposure to a population traditionally underrepresented in 4-H and agriculture: students in the arts. Major components include weekly livestock education sessions with local experts, monthly visits to area farms, and an embryology project. 

Developers of the U.P. Animal Science Workshops received a $1,000 grant for their clinics that will be open to Upper Peninsula 4-H youth, volunteers and families – a community with limited access to animal science programs typically offered at MSU. Multiple species and topics will be covered, and specifics will be discussed with local staff to ensure the needs of youth and volunteers are met at each workshop.  

4-H Educational Garden Grants 

Three 4-H Educational Garden grants were funded by the Albert A. Albright Endowment for 4-H Plant Science and Gardening Education. 

The Cultivating Education Garden in Berrien County received a $1,000 grant for their project that will address systemic barriers to agribusiness career readiness and food access by using accessible and sustainable agriculture practices as a foundation for workforce development. They aim to address educational and economic disparities while promoting community health and resilience. By fostering local food production and access, they seek to transform systemic barriers into pathways for long-term community growth and individual success. 

The Growing Across Generations Garden in Oceana County received a $1,000 grant for their 4-H SPIN club that connects seniors at the Oceana County Council On Aging Senior Center with youth in grades 3–8 through hands-on gardening activities. Youth will plan, plant and care for a shared vegetable garden alongside participating seniors. The project fosters intergenerational learning, promotes healthy living, and leaves a lasting impact through a community-maintained garden space. 

On-Target Grants 

Three On-Target Grants were funded by the Thomas H. Cobb Shooting Sports Fund to enhance county 4-H shooting sports programs. 

The Ready, Aim 4-H Shooting Club in Grand Traverse and Benzie counties received a $500 grant to promote shooting safety, sportsmanship and ethical behavior through their purchase of new equipment. As a result, the club hopes more city and suburban youth will have a reason to explore the outdoors while learning hunting skills that can empower them to help provide food for their family.  

The 4-H Shooting Sports Grows Here Club in Iron County received a $500 grant to strengthen the rifle program for area youth by purchasing safety equipment and supplies for regular practices and club activities. This new equipment will allow youth from Iron County to participate consistently in rifle learning experiences, including regional and state shooting tournaments.  

ReAim: Relaunching Oceana County 4-H Shooting Sports received a $500 grant that will support the revival of the Oceana County 4-H Shooting Sports program that has been inactive for six years. With renewed interest and growing community support, their goal is to reintroduce hands-on, skills-based learning opportunities in archery, rifle, shotgun and pistol disciplines for youth in Oceana County. They will also invite youth from neighboring Mason County, which currently has no active shooting sports program. 

Collins Grant 

The Collins 4-H Youth Horticulture Grant is funded by the William J. and Ruth D. Collins Endowment Fund to advance local 4-H club work in plant science and horticultural activities. 

The Growing Together: The Clare County 4-H Plant Pioneers Food Library Initiative received a $500 grant to fund the creation of a raised bed educational garden at the Harrison District Library. The garden will serve as both a learning tool and a platform for food-sharing, evolving into a “food library” where community members can share or take fresh food freely, fostering generosity and reducing food waste. Plant Pioneers Club youth will gain hands-on horticulture experience by planning, planting, maintaining and harvesting the beds. The club will also host workshops and educational garden sessions, combining hands-on gardening with nutrition and environmental lessons. They also received an additional $891 Legacy Grant to help fund this project.  

The next mini-grant cycle will open April 1, 2026, with grant applications due June 1. For more information on 4-H mini grants and the grant applications, visit the Michigan 4-H Foundation website.