By Jennifer Whitlock
Field Editor
The Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) Clover Cash 4-H grant program is back for a second year.
The grants are available to county, district and state 4-H programs to help fund hands-on activities to grow student agricultural knowledge and increase agricultural advocacy efforts.
“We had a tremendous response to Clover Cash last year, and we were able to award $20,000 to a variety of projects across the state,” TFB Associate Director Organization Division Mia Balko said. “We saw some 4-H clubs use the funds for cooking classes, hydroponics, rabbit show clinics, vermiculture, remote learning equipment and more. At the state level, we helped fund a leadership retreat and a water awareness outreach project. Texas 4-H leaders have so many creative ideas to get students involved in learning about agriculture and promoting agricultural advocacy. We’re proud to bring this second round of funding opportunities to them.”
At the county level, four grants up to $500, four grants up to $750 and three grants up to $1,000 will be available.
Four grants up to $1,500 each will be awarded at the Texas 4-H district level, and three grants up to $2,000 each will be awarded for state projects.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension agents or adult leaders of any county, district or state 4-H program are eligible to apply. The funds will be disbursed by the Texas 4-H Foundation to organizations only, not an individual.
For the application to be considered, students must be directly engaged in the educational component of the project.
A timeline of the project, a list of all community partners and a detailed budget with estimated expenses must also be included in the application.
Applicants are encouraged to be creative in their project proposals and descriptions.
“We saw some very innovative projects last year, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the 4-H clubs come up with this time,” Balko said. “Hidalgo County 4-H hosted a show rabbit clinic discussing the feeding and care of the animals and show tips, which was unique and a great way to get more younger and urban students involved, those who may not have a lot of experience or space for raising show animals. Lynn County created a hydroponics vegetable garden. The possibilities are truly endless as to what the projects can look like.”
Program guidelines and a Google doc application form are available online at texasfarmbureau.org/youth/youth-opportunities. The deadline for applications was extended to July 15.
Contact youthoutreach@txfb.org with questions.