4-H Foundation

For Olivia Heard, life before 4-H was insulated. But Heard was determined to come out of her shell. That’s when she joined her local 4-H group.

The Prince William County teen opened up and pushed herself to be more engaged, even when it didn’t go as planned. She ran for State Cabinet twice, but didn’t land the position. Still Heard persevered, determined to be actively involved in 4-H. “I just kept looking at the big picture that I can still help in my own ways in 4-H without being in cabinet,” Heard said. Heard’s determination was noticed: this year, she was selected to represent Virginia 4-H at the upcoming National 4-H Congress.

The 17-year-old graduated high school early and now helps Prince William County elementary and middle school students with their schoolwork and plans to teach after-school fencing classes this fall. She’s applying to be a 4-H camp staffer and continuing to exploring her interests and her passion for volunteering.

“I want to try and help out people the way 4-H has helped me,” Heard said.

Help more young people like Olivia, by supporting 4-H today!

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More than 192,000 Virginia 4-H members are developing caring relationships, learning leadership and life skills, and providing service to others and their communities. The skills learned through 4-H help young people become competent, caring, and contributing citizens. Increased financial support is necessary to maintain and enhance the quality of the educational programs for which 4-H is known. You can make a difference by contributing to Virginia 4-H through the Virginia 4-H Foundation. The Virginia 4-H Foundation is a division of the Virginia Tech Foundation, Inc. which has been granted 501(c)(3) nonprofit status by the Internal Revenue Service.

Funds are raised to support a number of areas:  

• Member Recognition — Recognition is provided to 4-H members for outstanding achievements.
• Scholarships — Scholarships are provided for youth, adult volunteers, and Extension agents based on need, innovation, and achievement.
• Leadership Development — The development of leaders, both teens and adults, is the cornerstone of 4-H.
• Program Enhancement — Virginia 4-H must continually enhance and add high quality educational programs to keep up with the needs of youth and communities.
• Endowment Programs — Endowments are established to support specific projects, county 4-H programs, and the Virginia 4-H Program.

You can donate to Virginia 4-H in a variety of ways, including current gifts such as cash, property, corporate matching, and securities or planned gifts such as life insurance, will/bequests, memorials, and charitable trusts/annuities. Many large gifts require careful planning. The Virginia 4-H Foundation welcomes the opportunity to work with you as you plan your support of 4-H.