Iowa 4-H Foundation Scholarships
Scholarship Sponsored by Iowa 4-H Foundation
Overview
Iowa 4‑H members who satisfy the specific criteria for each scholarship are able to apply. To receive any scholarship payment, recipients must be enrolled as a full‑time college student (at least 12 credit hours). A single application form covers all Iowa 4‑H scholarships; applicants may submit their name for multiple scholarships but may receive no more than one Iowa 4‑H scholarship during any academic year. Scholarship applications open on December 1, 2025 and must be submitted by February 1, 2026.
Grant cycles and award timing
The Iowa 4‑H Foundation distributes grant awards twice annually.
- Spring cycle: Applications are due March 15 and should request funding for projects occurring in the upcoming fiscal year (on or after July 1). Applications are reviewed by the Iowa 4‑H Foundation Program Committee, with funding recommendations finalized at the June meeting of the Foundation. Award notifications will be issued by May 15 and funds should arrive at the State 4‑H Office by June 1.
- Fall cycle: Applications are due October 1 and should request funding for projects taking place in the current fiscal year (before June 30). The Program Committee reviews submissions and makes funding recommendations at the October Foundation meeting. Award notifications will be sent by November 15 and funds will be received by the State 4‑H Office by December 31.
Who may apply
All 4‑H staff members are eligible to submit grant proposals. County 4‑H staff must obtain approval from the Youth Program Specialist assigned to their county. State and Field staff need sign‑off from their immediate supervisor. Proposals may request support for state, regional or county initiatives, ongoing program needs, events or camps. Local initiatives are also encouraged to explore funding from their county endowment in addition to Foundation support.
Application requirements
Every grant request must include:
- A completed application form (one form serves for all Foundation grants).
- A project budget that lists total program costs and specifies the amount being requested from the Foundation.
If the proposal has previously received Foundation funding, the applicant must include the prior grant’s report with the new application.
Funding priorities
The Foundation has identified three priority areas for awarding funds:
1. Expanding organizational capacity
2. Supporting retention and enrollment
3. Reaching new audiences
When available funds are limited, proposals that align with these priorities will receive preference.
Reporting and renewals
Recipients of Foundation grants are required to submit a Grant Evaluation Form one year after the award. For Spring cycle recipients, the evaluation is due by the following spring cycle deadline; Fall recipients must submit by the next fall cycle deadline. Renewal requests will not be reviewed until the required evaluation for the prior award has been submitted.