Arkansas 4-H Foundation’s Day of Giving set for March 17

March 2, 2026

By Ryan McGeeney
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

Fast Facts

Annual fundraising effort helps Arkansas youth participate in 4-H
Donations can be directed to specific county, program area
Donate online

(288 words)

LITTLE ROCK — This St. Patrick’s Day, the Arkansas 4-H Foundation is encouraging Arkansans to set a bit of gold aside to support youth development in the Natural State.

CHIPPING IN — The Arkansas 4-H Giving Day, set for March 17 this year, is an opportunity to help fund youth development programs throughout the state. (Division of Agriculture image.)

The foundation, established in 1951, will hold its annual Arkansas 4-H Giving Day on March 17. The mostly online event serves as the Arkansas 4-H Foundation’s most important annual fundraising event, supporting more than 8,000 members and helping Arkansas 4-H make more than 700,000 contacts with youth throughout the year.

John Thomas, managing director of the Arkansas 4-H Foundation for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said the annual effort typically raises about $400,000, which supports camp scholarships, program fees, learning trips, vocational training and college scholarships.

“Arkansas 4-H Giving Day brings all 75 counties together for one purpose — ensuring that no young person is prevented from participating because of cost,” Thomas said. “Whether a gift supports a local county program or a statewide initiative, every dollar stays focused on opening doors for Arkansas youth.”

Individuals can make a gift of any size to Arkansas 4-H using the online donation form. Donors can choose to direct their donation to a specific county or a specific program area.

Arkansas 4-H is a youth development effort of the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach and education arm of the Division of Agriculture. Established more than 120 years ago, it operates in all 75 Arkansas counties, led by youth development professionals and supported by trained adult volunteers and mentors.

“The Foundation’s role is to remove financial barriers so those opportunities remain accessible to every child, regardless of circumstance,” Thomas said. “Investing in 4-H today means investing in the character, leadership and future of Arkansas tomorrow.”

Learn more about Arkansas 4-H at 4H.uada.edu.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu. 

About the Division of Agriculture  

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.   

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.  

Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution. 

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Media Contact:
Ryan McGeeney
rmcgeeney@uada.edu
501-671-2120