Since the beginning, Kansas 4-H has always been committed to enhancing accessibility to 4-H experiences for current and future members.
As clubs across the state prepare for the upcoming 4-H year, they are setting goals for their project areas and practicing generosity. Every year, more than 80,000 Kansas youth have a 4-H experience. Through those experiences, 4-H provides youth essential life skills, and there are even more youth who could benefit from a meaningful 4-H experience.
One way the Kansas 4-H Foundation partners with the Kansas Youth Leadership Council is by selecting Youth Philanthropy Ambassadors (YPAs). These youth leaders apply to be selected to lead the annual youth philanthropy initiative and inspire their peers to practice generosity. The YPAs lead workshops and activities with 4-H members across the state to identify and prioritize the needs of youth. They launched the Accessibility Fund in response to feedback they received and have a goal of raising $20,000 this calendar year! This fund will support the financial, physical, social and emotional needs of Kansas youth. Here are some examples of how they envision enhancing accessibility for current and future 4-H members:
- Providing financial assistance to cover the 4-H enrollment fee for a member in need
- Paving trails at Rock Springs Ranch so a camper with physical limitations can participate in all camp experiences
- Online access to educational programs for 4-H members across the state.
For every $5,000 raised, generous donors, Daryl and Joyce Buchholz, will match every gift dollar for dollar up to the goal of $20,000. Daryl and Joyce believe in providing the 4-H experience for all youth. Their gift will make the fund total $40,000.
“We want to help in a major way to increase access for more young people to experience the great 4-H program,” they said. “We look forward to increased access, availability, and opportunity for involvement of all Kansas youth. With our matching contribution, support to the Accessibility Fund will be doubled and will create greater opportunities for all Kansas youth to experience 4-H!”
When clubs make a gift to support the Accessibility Fund, they are recognized as 2022 Gavel Club members. Gavel Club celebrates the generosity of Kansas 4-H clubs across the state.
Once all the club gifts are counted, the Kansas 4-H Foundation’s Impact Committee will collaborate with Youth Leadership Council members to determine the method for distributing the funds.
“The generous matching gift from Daryl and Joyce Buchholz inspired the Kansas 4-H Youth Leadership Council to make a $1,000 gift to the Accessibility Fund. This fund and vision have been a dream of mine for many years, and I’m so glad that we can finally have opportunity for all in Kansas 4-H! Generous support to the Accessibility Fund will help so many Kansas youth, and the impact will be immeasurable.”
Jaden Huel
2022 Youth Philanthropy Ambassador
If you feel inspired to make a gift to the Accessibility Fund, you can give online at www.kansas4hfoundation.org/give/accessibility