Fund will support 4-Hers

A new endowment fund for Carlton County 4-H will support the launch of new programs in science, agriculture and technology, as well as trips to the Minnesota State Fair.

The endowment was introduced this month with $7,000 in seed funding coming from the Minnesota Farmers Union of Carlton County, and a private donation from former county commissioner Mark Thell.

The endowment will also aid youth who want to attend state and national 4-H programs. The fund with the University of Minnesota Foundation "provides a different kind of support than a bake sale or fair food stand," a University of Minnesota Extension news release said.

Carlton County Farmers Union members Mark Sagvold and Thell presented Katie Siltanen, Carlton County 4-H extension educator, with their donations.

These donations are being used to start the Carlton County endowment fund.

"The Carlton County Federation has a goal of reaching the starting balance for the endowment fund which is $10,000," SIltanen said. "Reaching this goal would widen the variety of programming and opportunities Carlton County could offer the youth who participate in 4-H. I never want a youth to miss an opportunity due to the cost of an event."

Short of reaching the starting balance by $3,000, Siltanen said the group would begin the work of fundraising the remainder.

The Carlton County Endowment funds cannot be utilized until it has reached the starting balance of $10,000.

If you would like to contribute to starting the Carlton County endowment fund, please visit https://z.umn.edu/CarltonCountyEndowmentFund or contact Siltanen at [email protected] or 218-384-8682.

4-H is a youth development program of the University of Minnesota Extension. Available for youth in kindergarten through one year after high school, 4-Hers participate in hands-on learning experiences in STEM, agriculture, citizenship and leadership, animal science, and creative arts.