In 4-H, we believe in the power of young people. We see that every child has valuable strengths and real influences to improve the world around us. We are America's largest youth development organization–empowering nearly six million young people across the U.S., 140,000 across Nebraska, and hundreds in Otoe County with the skills to lead for a lifetime.
Otoe County 4-H Partners
Otoe County 4-H Foundation
The Development of the Foundation:
The Otoe County 4-H Foundation was established in 2012 to ensure an avenue for tax-deductible funds to be given to the Otoe County 4-H program and to establish a vehicle to raise funds to continue quality 4-H programming in Otoe County. This is beyond the traditional sponsorship of trophies and livestock auctions.
Our mission:
The mission of the Otoe County 4-H Foundation is to enhance 4-H programming, secure financial support for local 4-H programs, and to develop area youth for future generations.
Our strategic vision is to:
- Secure and prudently manage Foundation assets and investments to prove current and long range financial support to the 4-H program.
- Expand the network of 4-H supporters through charitable giving.
- Develop fund raising activities to increase participation in county, district, state and national 4-H programs.
- Communicate the Foundation Mission to 4-H'ers, 4-H alumni, 4-H leaders, 4-H volunteers, community leaders, and Extension staff.
Foundation Causes:
Some of the events, program, and organizations the Otoe County 4-H Foundation will support include:
- Scholarships to Otoe County 4-H'ers to Nebraska 4-H Camps
- Scholarships to graduating 4-H Seniors pursuing higher education
- Financial support to Otoe County 4-H'ers attending: Citizenship Washington Focus and National 4-H Congress
- Grants to Otoe County 4-H Clubs
- Financial Incentive to Otoe County 4-H'ers for completion of 4-H Career Portfolio
Otoe County 4-H Grants
The Otoe County 4-H Foundation has allocated funding to provide grants to the Otoe County 4-H members and 4-H clubs to strengthen 4-H in Otoe County. The mission of the Otoe County 4-H Foundation is to enhance 4-H programming, secure financial support for local 4-H programs, and to develop area youth for future generations. Successful grants would assist the 4-H Foundation in achieving its mission. Grant requests can be between $50 and $500. Deadlines are November 30th and February 28th each year. A new 4-H Foundation policy is that 4-H clubs are limited to submitting two grants per year.
Application for Otoe County 4-H Grant
Otoe County 4-H Foundation Donations
You can make a tax-deductible donation by this form or by contacting any of the Otoe County 4-H Foundation Board of Directors.
Otoe County 4-H Foundation Scholarship
The Otoe County 4-H Foundation offers five $1,500 scholarships to be given annually to deserving high school seniors who are current Otoe County 4-H members. Applications are due January 15th to the Extension Office in Otoe County.
Otoe County 4-H Foundation Miyoshi Family Leadership Scholarship Application
Due to the generosity of the Miyoshi family, the Otoe County 4-H Foundation is offering one $1,000 scholarship to be given annually to a deserving high school senior who is currently an Otoe County 4-H member, either as a registered 4-H club member or as a registered 4-H independent member. Applications are due January 15th to the Extension Office in Otoe County.
Otoe County Ag Society
The Otoe County Agricultural Society meets the third Monday of the month, with the annual meeting being held the first Monday of November. These meetings are held at the Kimmel Event Center. If you have any specific concerns, contact an Otoe County Agricultural Society Board member.
2025 Otoe County Agricultural Society Board Members
Officers:
- Mike Rudolph, President
- Brandon Essink, Vice President
- Duane Windhorst, Treasurer
Directors:
- Randy Peterson
- Ted Schreiter
- Curt Stukenholtz
- Austin Jensen