Worcester says donors have increased their commitment to advancing Kansas 4-H
By Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension news service
MANHATTAN, Kan. – The president of the Kansas 4-H Foundation said that donors have responded in a “big way” during two difficult years, paving the way to providing lasting experiences for the state’s youth.
Jake Worcester said the foundation – the fundraising arm of Kansas 4-H – twice set records for the largest individual gift in 2020; then set a record for the largest single gift from a family foundation in 2021.
Last fall, one donor provided the largest ever gift specifically for programming.
“We see people stepping up and making gifts that truly move the needle,” Worcester said. “Individuals around the state are recognizing that we can do great work through philanthropic support for our youth.”
Worcester said the Kansas 4-H Foundation has also experienced increases in number of dollars and annual gifts, average gift size, number of donors and even the number of Kansas 4-H license plates on cars around the state.
Evidence of the value of support is in many Kansas communities, according to Worcester.
“4-H is obviously about youth, but it’s also about transforming our communities through youth,” he said. “We know that where we have strong 4-H programs, we also have strong civic engagement. We have young people who care about the community around them and are looking for ways to be engaged.”
One example is a project known as Community Conversations. 4-H members have received training to facilitate discussions on challenging issues affecting society today.
“They are able to have respectful discussions in their communities on how to handle these challenging issues,” Worcester said. “There is great civil discourse around the topic.”
“And those are the kinds of changes 4-H is making in communities, in addition to the traditional work that we all know 4-H for. The opportunity for youth to make a positive difference is showing up in their communities, and people (donors) recognize that.”
Worcester said the Kansas 4-H Foundation has three priorities for supporting the state’s largest youth organization:
• Invest significantly in immersive experiences. “We know that 4-H members learn by doing, (such as) getting involved alongside caring adults to learn what they’re pursuing.” 4-H members can choose from nearly three dozen project areas each year.
• Foster innovation. “We want to encourage a culture where we encourage everything we always have, but with a 21st century mindset. We want youth today to learn in a way that’s going to benefit them today and in their future careers.”
• Enhance access. “We are looking at multiple ways to invest to make sure every Kansas youth has an opportunity for a 4-H experience, no matter the obstacles,” including financial, physical or mental challenges.
In the last two years, the Kansas 4-H Foundation received charitable gifts to complete improvements at Rock Springs Ranch, the state 4-H center located south of Junction City. Improvements include two enhanced cottages and a new health center made possible by a $1 million gift from the Sunderland Foundation.
Worcester said he is encouraging all Kansas youth – 4-H members or not – to consider attending summer camp at Rock Springs this summer. More information is available online. Some scholarships may be available to help youth attend camp.
More information about the impact of donations is available online at the website for the Kansas 4-H Foundation.
“We are excited about the breadth of support Kansans have shown for 4-H members,” Worcester said. “It’s an exciting time.”
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FOR PRINT PUBLICATIONS: Links used in this article
Kansas 4-H Foundation, https://www.kansas4hfoundation.org
Rock Springs 4-H Ranch (summer camps), https://rockspringsranch.org/get-to-know-us/4h-camp
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Story by: Pat Melgares
785-532-1160
[email protected]
For more information:
Jake Worcester
785-775-0123
[email protected]
