Area 4-H programs receive foundation grants

Two programs that serve northwest Iowa counties were recently awarded grants through the Iowa 4-H Foundation.

The NW Counties 4-H program was awarded a grant of $3,000 to help transition their summer programming to virtual. The program serves Sioux, O’Brien, Lyon Osceola and Cherokee counties.

The funds will support youth in STEM, communication, arts and healthy living. Funding will be utilized for campers to receive supplies and lessons that can be picked up or mailed. At a later date, educators will Zoom with members. A YouTube channel will eventually be created to share virtual camp activities.

The SW and NW 4-H Program was awarded an $11,000 grant to support youth in STEM and healthy living programming, as well as the purchase of computer science kits and material for Kids in the Kitchen for the West Field Team.

Area counties served include Buena Vista, Clay, Dickinson, Cherokee, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola and Sioux.

The Iowa 4-H Foundation offers grant support to state, regional, and county 4-H programs each year valued at more than $200,000. The foundation reviews and awards grant funds twice a year. Grants are made possible through donor contributions and the endowment created as a result of the sale of the Iowa 4-H Center.