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Publication # C-411 |
REVISED -- |
Effective Date
--10-1-99 |
Steps in Organizing a County 4-H Foundation
County 4-H Leaders Association or
Council Meets
Discusses
purposes and objectives of a county 4-H foundation
Gives approval for organizing
Prepares (with Extension agents) a proposed county 4-H foundation budget
Executive Committee of county 4-H Leaders Association or council meets and
selects seven to nine people (plus county Extension agriculture agent or
Family and Consumer Sciences agent) to serve on the original 4-H Foundation
Board.
Examples of people to select:
- President of each bank
- President of Extension Homemakers' Council (EHC) (could be permanent position)
- Owner or President of radio station
- Editor of newspaper
- President of local Farm Bureau (could be permanent)
- Key businessman or two
- Leaders Council/Association president (permanent position)
- Attorney
Note: Make
personal contacts to get their agreement to serve, then follow up with a
personal letter to each.
Call Meeting of Foundation Members. (Include the Executive
Committee from the 4-H Leaders Association or Council)
- Have president of county 4-H council take about 8 to
10 minutes on program to talk about 4-H, programs, activities, needs, etc.
(could use two 4-H'ers on the program, but make sure they are "sharp,
outstanding 4-H'ers").
- Explain to the group that their purpose is to raise money for county
4-H programs and to oversee the financial situation of the program; that
Extension will do the leg work; that the Foundation would be
"the" group as far as helping sponsor 4-H work. They also need
to be kept up to date on enrollment and program efforts.
- Outline proposed budget (made up by county Extension staff and
executive committee of 4-H council) based on plans and needs.
- Elect Foundation officers. (Really publicize on radio and newspaper
the purpose of the Foundation, etc.)
- All Foundation members serve for one year. Then they draw for 1, 2,
and 3-year terms thereafter. One-third new members should be added
each year.
The Foundation meets at least twice each year, once in spring and
once in fall (one of which is an annual meeting).
- Fund drive is held each spring. A letter is sent to all civic,
business, corporations, etc., signed by the president and secretary of
Foundation. These letters are written by Extension on Foundation
stationery and may suggest the amounts based upon the kind and size of
business. (Some counties do not use a suggested amount.)
- Include an article in the bylaws stating that, "Funds and other
securities provided by the county 4-H Foundation will be awarded to
eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion,
gender, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally
protected status."
- Have a lawyer draw up the constitution and bylaws on legal paper
(usually will do this free).
- Lawyer presents it to the Secretary of State; and then files
with the County Clerk (usually $25 to $50 filing fees).
Helpful Hints
Use the 4-H Foundation officers and members at banquets, leader meetings,
and activities at every possible opportunity. Let them help make decisions.
Use them, their pictures, etc.
Printed letterhead for the Foundation with officers and members listed
would be good.
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