By Julie Tomascik
Editor

Applications are now open for Texas Farm Bureau’s (TFB) 2023 Clover Cash Grant Program, which supports Texas 4-H activities across the state.

The grants are available to county, district and state 4-H programs to help fund hands-on activities to grow student’s knowledge of agriculture and increase agricultural advocacy efforts.

“Clover Cash creates more opportunities to help 4-H programs connect young kids with agriculture,” McKenna Bush, TFB Youth Outreach coordinator, said. “Engaging students in interactive ways is essential as they seek to learn more about food and agricultural production in Texas.”

At the county level, four grants up to $500, four grants up to $750 and three grants up to $1,000 each 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, district 4-H specialists or adult leaders of any county, district or state 4-H program are eligible to apply. State 4-H staff or AgriLife staff responsible for any state level 4-H program are also eligible.

The funds will be disbursed by the Texas 4-H Foundation to 4-H clubs only, not an individual.

For the application to be considered, students must be directly engaged in the educational component of the project.

Previous projects that have received funds include a hydroponics vegetable garden, a vermiculture activity, cooking classes and animal care clinics.

“This program is important because it engages 4-H members across the state and encourages them to continue their educational efforts in a variety of hands-on learning opportunities,” Bush said. “Our hope is that projects funded by this grant will foster an environment of growth and create a community of life-long learners.”

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.

“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 another round of funding opportunities to them,” Bush said.

The program, which launched in 2020, has provided $60,000 in grants to help numerous 4-H clubs and activities with programming related to agricultural education and advocacy efforts.

Program guidelines, additional details and the application are available online at texasfarmbureau.org/youth/youth-opportunities.

Applications are due Aug. 14.

Clover Cash grant recipients will be announced and receive their funds in mid-October.

Contact Bush at youthactivities@txfb.org or call 254-399-5037 with questions.