Iowa 4-H Foundation Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Iowa 4-H Foundation

Here’s a clearer, teacher-friendly version of the information — organized so you can quickly see who can apply, what’s required, and when decisions happen.

Scholarships (for Iowa 4‑H youth)
- Who can apply: Any eligible Iowa 4‑H member who meets individual scholarship criteria.
- Enrollment requirement: Recipients must be enrolled full‑time (minimum 12 credit hours) to receive an award.
- Application process: One application form covers ALL Iowa 4‑H scholarships.
- Limits: You may apply for more than one scholarship, but an individual may receive only ONE Iowa 4‑H scholarship per academic year.
- Important dates: Applications open December 1, 2025, and close February 1, 2026.

Grant cycles and awards (Iowa 4‑H Foundation funding for programs/projects)
- The Foundation reviews and awards grants twice a year: Spring and Fall.

Spring cycle
- Due date: March 15.
- Use this cycle for programs and projects that will take place in the upcoming fiscal year (on or after July 1).
- Review and decision process: Applications are reviewed by the Foundation Program Committee; funding recommendations are made at the June Foundation meeting.
- Timing: Expect award notifications by mid‑May and funds to be received by the State 4‑H Office by June 1.

Fall cycle
- Due date: October 1.
- Use this cycle for projects taking place in the current fiscal year (before June 30).
- Review and decision process: Reviewed by the Program Committee with funding recommendations made at the October Foundation meeting.
- Timing: Award notifications by November 15; funds received by the State 4‑H Office by December 31.

Who is eligible to submit grants
- All 4‑H staff may submit grant requests.
- County 4‑H staff must have applications approved by the Youth Program Specialist serving their county.
- State and Field staff must have requests approved by their supervisor.
- Types of requests: State, regional, or county programming; ongoing needs; event or camp support.
- Note: Local projects are also encouraged to pursue support from local county endowments.

What each grant submission must include
- A completed application form.
- A project budget that lists total program costs and specifies how much funding you are requesting from the Foundation.
- If the proposal received Foundation funding previously, include the completed grant report form with the application.

Funding priorities
- The Foundation gives priority to proposals that:
1) grow organizational or program capacity,
2) support retention and enrollment, and
3) reach new audiences.
- If funds are limited, projects that best meet these priorities receive preference.

Reporting requirements
- All funded applications must complete a Grant Evaluation Form.
- Evaluation timing: Due one year from the grant award. Spring cycle awardees submit their evaluation by the next spring cycle deadline; Fall awardees submit by the next fall cycle deadline.
- Renewal rule: Renewal applications will not be considered unless the previous grant evaluation has been submitted.

Quick applicant checklist
- For scholarship applicants: one application covers all scholarships; enroll full‑time (12+ credits); apply between Dec 1, 2025 and Feb 1, 2026.
- For grant applicants: confirm approval from the appropriate supervisor; include application + detailed budget; attach previous grant report if applicable; be prepared to submit a Grant Evaluation Form one year after award.

If you want, I can condense these dates and steps into a one‑page checklist or calendar you can print and post for your office.