Hawaii 4-H Foundation

Maui 4-H Organization Parade Participants

4-H Grows Here

ABOUT

The Hawaii 4-H Foundation receives, manages and distributes funds to best meet the needs for the advancement of 4-H. These funds augment existing programs of training and study, as incentives, and to develop new programs, as well as to finance educational trips and scholarships.

The Foundation uses these resources to best meet the needs, advancements and interests of the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service 4-H Program. The 4-H Foundation was incorporated by the state in 1961 and classified as a public foundation under Section 50 (c)(3) of the IRS.

View the Hawaii 4-H Foundation Bylaws »

IMPACT

One of the oldest and most effective programs of non-formal education in Hawaii, 4-H assists young people in developing life and leadership skills and forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society.

The Hawaii 4-H Foundation supplements and complements public support available to the 4-H programs. The Foundation’s purpose is to provide resources that are not available from the public section. Private resources are not used for regular staff positions.

4-H touches approximately 35,000 young people annually throughout the State of Hawaii.

4-H Calendar of Events & Projects »

WE CARE

Board of Trustees

Joyce Yamada, President
Brenda Takahashi, Vice President
JoAnn Yosemori, Corresponding Secretary
Jan Kemp, Recording Secretary
Guy Sakamoto, Treasurer
Walter Horikawa, Program Support Committee Chair

Annual meetings are generally held the fourth Tuesday of January for the purpose of electing trustees and officers, establishing a yearly budget, and for transacting other necessary business. Quarterly meetings are normally held in April, July and October.

Hawaii 4-H Leader Mini Grants

The purpose of the 4-H Leaders Mini-Grant Program is to assist 4-H leaders, youth participants, and their clubs, by supplementing the cost of developing new 4-H programs and activities, enhancing training opportunities, providing incentives for youth and adult participation in 4-H programs and related educational activities, and supporting 4-H educational projects.

View the flyer or download the application (revised 3/20/24).

Recent Grant Projects

Malama Dolphin 4-H club youth members working under chef guidance in the kitchen The Malama Dolphins made hot cocoa mixes in mason jars and packaged desserts for first responders and essential workers.

Happy Honus Club at the Shriners Hospital The Happy Honus club members sewed activity bags for the kids/patients at the hospital.

Nature scavenger hunt photos as part of the nature curriculum The Nā Kamaliʻi o Waimea 4-H club focused on a variety of topics including weather, fitness, art, and civic engagement.

4-H Wolves club on the boat during their educational ocean adventure The 4-H Wolves club explored the Molokini sea life and habitat, learning about the historical and cultural aspects.

Finished product of roasted chicken prepared by the Mauka Stars club The Mauka Stars 4-H club learned new recipes and techniques as part of their cooking project for the year.

Completed crocheted hat as a result of the crochet project club. A Special Interest (SPIN) 4-H club was created to complete a crocheting project.

Read More about the projects.

Dr. Alfred Mina - 4-H Success Story

4-H SUCCESS STORY

Dr. Alfred Mina

From 4-H into the World — The impact that 4-H had on Alfred Mina’s life is best explained in his own words: “At a time when my high school counselors were telling me to consider a career other than veterinary medicine, 4-H was much more supportive of my dreams. 4-H kept me focused and determined to pursue my career goals. In the end, I didn’t listen to my high school counselors and followed my heart.

Alfred went on to college and obtained a BS in Agriculture and BA in Biology from the University of Hawaii-Hilo. After completing his undergraduate studies, he attended Washington State University-College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree.

Dr. Mina owns a veterinary practice in Hilo, Hawai‘i providing small animal, avian, and exotic animal medical/surgical care.

4-H Experience — As a 4-H member in Hilo, Hawai‘i , Alfred Mina was active in livestock projects, community service projects, and leadership and public speaking. He also served as a junior leader for his 4-H club when he was in high school.

Skills and Knowledge Gained in 4-H — Alfred says that throughout his years in 4-H he learned about animal husbandry and animal well-being. Community service taught him to give unselfishly. One such community service project was the PALS Project (People, Animals, Loving, Sharing) which provided the opportunity to take his animals into elderly care homes and to schools.

Read More 4-H Success Stories: 4-H Success Stories

SUPPORT HAWAII 4-H FOUNDATION

Join us in supporting 4-H Programs throughout the state of Hawaii. Whether it is to support community building at Ahaolelo, provide archery equipment to develop skills in team building and excellence in detail and organization, support equipment for Virtual Reality (VR) Agriculture Programs that allows 4-H interns to conduct virtual tours of agriculture research stations, or establishing a 4-H club for homeless youth, the Hawaii 4-H Foundation helps Hawaii’s youth to “Make the Best Better.”