4-H in Cumberland County: Investing in Youth, Growing a Community

Explore Cumberland County is excited to promote a new initiative to help sustain and grow opportunities for local youth: the Cumberland County 4-H Endowment Fund.

The Fund is intended to expand and secure long-term support for the local 4-H program. Led by the Cumberland County 4-H Council and funded via the Cumberland County 4-H Endowment Fund, the Fund is managed through the Kentucky 4-H Foundation to provide ongoing support for youth programming.

Charlene and Ric Smith, long-time supporters of the community and 4-H, recently pledged $10,000 as seed money to establish the endowment. Their contribution reflects a deeply held belief. 

“With blessings comes responsibility, the responsibility to give back to the community,” said Charlene. “Our hope is that this fund will grow over the years, fueled by the generosity of others who believe in the mission of 4-H, to build skills, knowledge, and confidence in young people.”

What will the endowment fund do for local youth?

The Cumberland County 4-H Endowment Fund will provide sustainable support for youth programs, scholarships, travel opportunities, and leadership development, opening doors for youth to explore areas such as agriculture, STEM, leadership, and more. Those tools, in turn, ensure youth have the tools to reach their full potential.

The Fund is not only a financial contribution but also a vote of confidence in the region's future leaders and a symbol of faith in youth. Support reflects a promise to future generations that 4-H will continue to thrive and lead in Cumberland County, helping young people build valuable life skills, confidence, and leadership abilities. It reminds the community, and its young people, that Cumberland County believes in their abilities and aspirations. 

“Every dream is worth pursuing, and every talent is worth cultivating,” said Charlene.

How does an endowment help Cumberland County 4-H?

The future of Cumberland County depends on opportunities for today’s youth. By supporting the Cumberland County 4-H Endowment Fund, community members, businesses, and former 4-H families can make a lasting investment in education, leadership, and lifelong skills.

Rather than depending solely on year-to-year fundraising, the endowment provides a stable financial base to generate annual earnings for future planning. Funds earned from the endowment may be used for scholarships, program expansion, travel opportunities for youth, and other local needs identified by the 4-H Council.

How can the community help grow this legacy?

The initial fundraising goal for the fund is $20,000 by the end of 2026, with a target of $1 million by 2035. Support is encouraged from local businesses, former 4-H members, and community partners who share a commitment to youth education and leadership development. 

The endowment is a lasting legacy that ensures youth of all backgrounds have access to high-quality educational experiences. The Smith’s hope is that everyone will join in nurturing this “seed” of opportunity, helping 4-H continue its mission to empower and inspire young leaders.

“Together, we can ensure that Cumberland County 4-H continues to grow and flourish for generations to come,” said Charlene. 

What recognition exists for contributors?

Community members interested in contributing can make tax-deductible gifts through the Kentucky 4-H Foundation and designate them to the Cumberland County 4-H Endowment Fund. 

To thank those who contribute, the endowment includes multiple giving levels that recognize supporters:

Clover Club $100 to $499: Recognizing grassroots supporters who believe in planting the seeds of success. 

Friend of 4-H $500 to $999: Supporters helping nurture growth in local youth development. Green & White Circle $1,000 to $4,999: Honoring those who exemplify the spirit of 4-H in action. 

Leadership Circle $5,000 to $9,999: Investors shaping the next generation of community leaders. 

Founders Guild $10,000 to $24,999: In recognition of gifts that build lasting roots in the 4-H legacy. 

Heritage Society $25,000 to $49,999: Celebrating donors preserving the 4-H mission for generations to come. 

Legacy Builder $50,000 to $99,999: Those whose giving ensures 4-H thrives well into the future. Visionary Partner $100,000 to $499,999: Leaders who believe in transformational change through youth development. 

Centennial Circle $500,000 to $999,999: Honoring exceptional generosity in shaping the 4-H century ahead. 

Champion of 4-H $1,000,000 and Above: Reserved for those whose lifetime giving places them among the most impactful 4-H benefactors in Kentucky.

Invest in the future of Cumberland County

Every contribution helps ensure that 4-H continues to inspire and prepare young people to lead, serve, and succeed for generations to come. Community members are encouraged to learn more, get involved, and help shape the future of Cumberland County through this meaningful effort. 

For more information or to make a gift, contact the Cumberland County Extension Office at 90 Smith Grove Road in Burkesville or by calling (270) 433-7700.