MSU Extension 4-H

Since 2015, Homeworks Tri-County Electric Cooperative has partnered with Michigan 4-H as both a sponsor and host site for the 4-H Renewable Energy Camp. During this five-day camp, youth explore ideas, research and opportunities in the energy field as it relates to natural resources and agriculture. Homeworks has also been a longtime 4-H supporter at the local level.

This year, Homeworks provided $5,000 each to the Clinton and Ionia county 4-H endowment funds.

“HomeWorks has a large membership (consumer base) in Clinton and Ionia counties, and supporting 4-H in these counties supports our members that are involved in agriculture and their children that seek careers in agriculture,” said Mark Kappler, president and CEO of Homeworks.

A not-for-profit based in Portland, Michigan, Homeworks is a membership-owned utility serving 26,000 locations in 13 mid-Michigan counties with electricity, propane and internet.

“Roughly 60 percent of our electric sales are agriculturally based – crop farms, dairies, poultry, swine, food processing, etc.,” he said. “We believe that our rural youth are the future to Michigan’s agriculture and the safety of our food supply.”

The 4-H endowment funds in Clinton and Ionia counties will provide a perpetual source of funding for local 4-H programs for generations to come. Annual interest earnings from the county endowment funds can provide annual support for 4-H program delivery, including scholarships for 4-H youth for out-of-county learning experiences and participation fees, or development of new programs and learning materials, or any future areas of great need to advance the county 4-H program.

Eleven counties, including Clinton and Ionia, continue to fundraise toward their local goals for the 4-H county endowment match campaign. Clinton and Ionia counties are both in need of approximately $5,000 to meet their $50,000 goals. Gifts are welcome at any time to continue to grow any county 4-H endowment fund.

The $10,000 endowment minimum was met by all 31 counties participating in the county 4-H endowment campaign. Twenty of the participating counties have met or exceeded their local campaign goals, including nine counties that raised $50,000 or more in local gifts. Learn more about the county 4-H endowment campaign.