The Oklahoma 4-H Foundation continues to make strategic investments in Oklahoma youth through the National 4-H Council’s Beyond Ready initiative, a nationwide effort focused on preparing young people with the skills, experiences and opportunities needed to thrive in an ever-changing world.
The campaign, which began in July 2024 and will continue through December 2030, seeks to raise $3.25 million to support Oklahoma 4-H Youth Development programs across the state, said Milford Jenkins, Oklahoma 4-H Foundation executive director. As of June 2026, the campaign has raised $1,843,861 toward its goal.
Jenkins said the lives of more Oklahoma 4-H’ers than ever before have been enriched because of increased philanthropic support from donors.
“Beyond Ready has become a rallying call for Oklahoma 4-H alumni to give back to the organization that prepared and equipped them for life,” he said.
Funds raised through Beyond Ready support educational and leadership opportunities for youth, continuing education and training for volunteer leaders, scholarships and programming at the local, county, district and state levels.
Whitney Dockrey Ford of Shawnee understands firsthand the impact donor support can have on the lives of 4-H’ers. A former Pottawatomie County 4-H’er and Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame recipient, she credits 4-H with helping shape her educational and professional journey.
“The scholarships I received through Oklahoma 4-H showed me at a young age that college was within reach and that hard work could help pay for it,” Ford said. “Earning my project area scholarships and Oklahoma 4-H Hall of Fame gave me both financial support and the confidence to set ambitious goals.”
Ford, who graduated cum laude from Georgetown University before earning a Juris Doctor and a Master of Health Administration from the University of Oklahoma, said 4-H helped shape both her educational path and career aspirations.
“4-H helped me discover what I wanted to pursue as a career,” she said. “It gave me a place to test my interests, learn how to succeed and build the work ethic that carried me through Georgetown, graduate school and law school.”
As part of its Beyond Ready fundraising efforts, the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation is also working to raise $100,000 in unrestricted gifts by the end of 2026. Successful completion of this goal by Dec. 31 will result in an additional $100,000 matching gift of unrestricted funds from a generous anonymous donor.
“Unrestricted gifts underpin our organization’s annual operating budget,” Jenkins said. “Our ability to fund programs and activities for the benefit of 4-H mirrors the pool of available unrestricted funds.”
At the 2026 State 4-H Roundup, the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation awarded $200,600 in scholarships to deserving 4-H’ers pursuing higher education. Scholarships are one example of how donor investments create opportunities for Oklahoma youth while helping them prepare for future success.
Ford said donor support helps create opportunities not only for 4-H’ers but also for communities across Oklahoma.
“If you want your gift to reach young people who are already investing in their communities, Oklahoma 4-H is one of the best places to give,” she said. “4-H members choose to spend their time outside school serving others and developing as leaders, and that commitment shows up in their communities for years to come.”
Ford encouraged donors to consider the long-term impact of supporting Oklahoma 4-H. “A gift to Beyond Ready helps turn that drive into real opportunity, opening doors to college, careers and lives of service,” Ford said.
Donors who have a specific purpose in mind are encouraged to contribute with funds earmarked for their chosen cause. Gifts may be designated for a specific project area, event or club and can also be used to purchase supplies, kits and equipment.
Donors age 70½ or older can make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) of up to $100,000 annually directly from a traditional IRA to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation. These direct transfers are not considered taxable income, and 100% of the gift supports Oklahoma 4-H. In addition, QCDs count toward required minimum distributions, making them an attractive giving option for eligible donors.
Businesses, organizations and individuals seeking opportunities for tax-deductible charitable giving are encouraged to consider supporting the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation.
Looking toward 2030, Jenkins said continued donor support will be critical to expanding opportunities for Oklahoma 4-H’ers, volunteers and educators. He said he hopes donors will help create permanent funding or significantly increased annual sponsorship support for youth development programs and activities, including Oklahoma 4-H Roundup, Citizenship Washington Focus, enhancement grants for county 4-H programs, professional development for Extension educators and volunteer training.
“What’s holding you back from investing in 4-H youth, volunteers and 4-H Extension educators?” Jenkins said. “Join me in investing in 4-H with your charitable gift to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation!”
Making a charitable gift to support Oklahoma 4-H youth is easy. Donors may write a check payable to the Oklahoma 4-H Foundation and mail it to 293 Agricultural Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078; visit oklahoma4hfoundation.com and click the donate button; or contact Jenkins at 405-744-5390 or milford.jenkins@okstate.edu.
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