Analysis of critical components of state 4-H foundations

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2006-05

Authors

Davis, Jay Brad

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Cooperative Extension, in many states, is struggling to survive under budget cuts and changing legislative priorities (Hammond, 2004). These cuts and changing priorities have had and will continue to have a direct impact on state 4-H program funding. Seeking private dollars has become a necessity for state 4-H programs due to decreasing local, state and federal monies and increasing competition for private resources.

The purpose of this study was to identify successful characteristics and activities of state 4-H foundations which appear successful in fundraising when compared to those 4-H foundations which are not as successful. This study focused on state 4-H foundations associated with Land Grant Universities in the United States. These foundations have had to secure alternative funding sources in a period of declining financial resources from local, state and federal agencies. The emphasis of this research was directed towards 4-H foundation executive directors (or persons in charge of state 4-H foundations) and foundation boards of trustee. The population for this study consisted of state 4-H foundation executive directors (n=42) , who held their position in spring 2005, and a random sample of state 4-H foundation trustees ( n=300) in the United States. The response rate for the 4-H executive directors survey was 92.87 percent with 39 questionnaires being completed. The response rate for the 4-H foundation trustees was 82.66 percent with 248 usable questionnaires being gathered. Results of the research included several significant findings which affected state 4-H foundation fundraising. There was a substantial relationship with foundations that had a strategic plan and the amount of monies raised. Results indicated a strong relationship with monetary goals and higher level of total financial support. There was also a significant correlation between 4-H foundations that have conducted a capital campaign and a higher level of total support. In 2004, none of the state 4-H foundations had more than $2,000,000 total support for the fiscal year.

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