The Maryland 4-H Foundation provides opportunities for active 4-H clubs, UME 4-H volunteers and 4-H professionals to apply for grants to support and expand 4-H programming throughout the state. If you have questions regarding these grants, please contact Lauren Mohler, Executive Director, Maryland 4-H Foundation, at 301-405-2833 or Lmohler@umd.edu.
For more information, including submission deadlines and applications, please visit the Grants page of the Maryland 4-H Foundation website.
Berlage Innovative 4-H Grants
Bruce and Donna Berlage, avid supporters of the Maryland 4-H Program, believe in the power of youth development. In recognition of this, they established the Berlage Innovative 4-H Grant Program to strengthen outreach and 4-H club programs. We are pleased to be able to provide financial support for our club programs.
- A minimum of four (4) $250.00 grants will be awarded annually for a service or outreach project in which 60% of the club members participate. Preference will be given to those projects that educate the community about 4-H or help “To Make The Best Better” within the community or county.
- Funds must be used within 12 months of receiving the award.
- Within 30 days of project completion, a final report is due to the Maryland 4-H Foundation. Final reports should include: a summary about the project, photos with brief descriptions to be used for publicity and participant quotes.
- There is no limit to the number of years a club may apply.
Denise E. Frebertshauser Camping & Environmental Science Grant
Denise Frebertshauser’s passion for the 4-H program and the impact it makes on the life of a child began as a 4-H member in Carroll County. She carried that passion through college as a Food Science major at the University of Maryland College Park, after which she began her calling as a 4-H Youth Development Educator and Program Specialist. She worked tirelessly as a 4-H Educator in Baltimore and Carroll Counties before becoming a part of the Maryland 4-H Center team as a Youth Development Specialist. She was an enthusiastic lifelong learner seeking to keep abreast of cutting-edge camp topics and issues as well as youth development & programming trends. Denise valued and appreciated the learning that occurs through the experiential education model. Her passion for learning, teaching, and mentoring fellow Extension educators, adult and teen volunteers, and youth was second to none.
Since her passing on April 16, 2014, Denise’s legacy has been realized through grants of $500-$1,000 supporting 4-H camping and environmental science programs.
- Annual Awards of $500 - $1,000
- Funds must be used within 12 months of receiving the award.
- Preference will be given to 4-H professionals and UME 4-H volunteers submitting requests involving:
- 4-H camp programming, including training, scholarships, and professional and staff development
- Supplies, equipment, transportation, or other related needs for 4-H residential, day, or virtual camp programs
- Environmental and outdoor education 4-H program support and development
- Within 30 days of project completion, a final report is due to the Maryland 4-H Foundation. Final reports should include: a summary about the project, photos with brief descriptions to be used for publicity and participant quotes.
Maryland 4-H Foundation Special Grants
Special Grants awarded by the Maryland 4-H Foundation are made possible by gifts from generous and thoughtful donors. The Board of Directors is dedicated to providing financial support for high-impact youth development programming.
Special Grant funding may be used for special requests and projects, events, or trips related to individual 4-H members, 4-H clubs, and county 4-H programs where other Maryland 4-H Foundation funding is not already available.
The Maryland 4-H Foundation funds projects and activities that enhance the opportunities available to 4-H members and leaders, increase public awareness of the broad scope of the Maryland 4-H Youth Development Program, and aid in recruiting new audiences who may become engaged in the 4-H Youth Development program.
Examples of programs considered through this form are special individual 4-H member or 4-H club project trips, leadership institutes, and non-state 4-H organized programs that are appropriate for youth development activities.
The Maryland 4-H Foundation provides funding for the following projects, trips and programs through other applications: National 4-H Project & Leadership trips, Post-Secondary Academic Scholarships, grants to support 4-H club community service and leadership development, grants to support 4-H camping, environmental science and outdoor education, Maryland Agriculture Fair Board funding for county awards, and the Dr. Dick Angus Professional Development Scholarship for 4-H professionals.
- A maximum of $25,000 will be awarded throughout each year
- Funds must be used within 12 months of receiving the award.
- Within 30 days of project completion, a final report is due to the Maryland 4-H Foundation. Final reports should include: a summary about the project, photos with brief descriptions to be used for publicity and participant quotes.
Applications submitted by anyone other than a 4-H professional must be reviewed by and include a letter of support from a county or state 4-H professional.
