MSU Extension 4-H

Both founded in the early 1900’s to promote agriculture in the U.S., it is no surprise that 4-H and the Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association (WNF&GA) have developed a close partnership over the past century. This collaboration has been especially beneficial in Michigan, where the Michigan Division of the WNF&GA has been a strong supporter and partner of the 4-H program for more than 50 years.

“The Michigan Division of WNF&GA has supported 4-H for nearly 70 years,” said Abbey Miller, director of the Michigan 4-H Foundation, which provides philanthropic support to Michigan 4-H. “In fact, they are the longest consecutive donor to the Michigan 4-H Foundation, and we are so appreciative of their support and advocacy of 4-H over the past seven decades.”

Founded in 1914, the national WNF&GA is non-profit organization dedicated to promoting agriculture and horticulture. The synergy with 4-H, which began in 1902 as an agriculture club, became even stronger when Gertrude Warren became the national WNF&GA president from 1952-1954. From 1917 -1952, Warren led the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension 4-H program and is largely known as the “mother of 4-H” for her national and international development of 4-H. Today, membership in the WNF&GA is open to men and women, with approximately 1,500 members nationwide. There are 25 branches in Michigan, six branches across New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania, as well as a multi-state branch made up of members at-large.

In the Great Lakes State, the Michigan Division of WNF&GA’s commitment to supporting Michigan 4-H began years before the Michigan 4-H Foundation was even founded when they created a 4-H scholarship for MSU students. Then, in 1948, they began supporting the International Four-H Youth Exchange Program, also called IFYE. This sponsorship and their ongoing support of 4-H led to the Michigan Division of the WNF&GA becoming a founding donor for the Michigan 4-H Foundation in 1952. 

Today, the partnership remains strong, and the Michigan Division maintains a position on the Michigan 4-H Foundation’s board of trustees. Most recently, that position has been held by Sheila Kneeshaw, who first joined the board in 2015. In addition to her trustee service, Kneeshaw also volunteers with Michigan State University Extension in Wayne County for both the Michigan 4-H and Master Gardener programs.

“I’m just honored and blessed to be a part of 4-H,” Kneeshaw said. “I feel that I’ve come full circle from being in 4-H as a youth in South Carolina.”

Previous Michigan Division representatives to the Michigan 4-H Foundation board are:

• Claudia Scioly, 2006-2015
• Jeanette Hudson-Matyn, 2000-2006
• Gerry McCrumb, 1994-2000
• Jane Windeler-Lawrence, 1988-1996
• Eleanor Wernette, 1978-1989
• Gladys Nagel, 1974-1977
• Kay Rockwell, 1973-1974
• Lou Chapman, 1956-1973
• Anne Garrison, 1956-1973

Amongst these esteemed representatives, two have served as president of the Michigan 4-H Foundation: Scioly from 2012-2014 and Kneeshaw from 2020-2022.

“Claudia Scioly is actually the one who got me involved and nominated me to the board,” Kneeshaw explained. “4-H is a worthy cause. It takes time and is time well spent.”

Throughout their 70 years of supporting Michigan 4-H, the Michigan Division of WNF&GA has funded many different initiatives. They have remained committed to international travel programs, hosting an International Tea to benefit Michigan 4-H international programs for many years. In addition to the tea, donations come from individual branches of the association and their foundation to support a variety of 4-H programs annually.

The Michigan Division of WNF&GA has also been a generous supporter of the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens, which opened in 1993. They provided initial seed funding for the gardens, as well as sponsorship of the Garden House, which is a major feature of the original outdoor 4-H Children’s Garden. They continued to make annual contributions to support the variety of educational garden programs conducted in this fun and imaginative space.

In 2007, the Michigan Division of WNF&GA reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Michigan 4-H by creating the Woman’s National Farm and Garden Association, Michigan Division, Endowment for perpetual support of 4-H programming. This endowment provides ongoing annual support to many of the programs the Michigan Division historically supported through their gifts to the Michigan 4-H Foundation, including: 4-H international programs; the 4-H Great Lakes and Natural Resources Camp; the Michigan 4-H Children’s Gardens; and 4-H volunteer training and development.

In 2014, the Michigan Division of WNF&GA made special gifts to the endowment commemorating their national centennial anniversary, as well as honoring two special members of the Michigan Division: Marian B. Renaud and Miriam Kernan. With these gifts, they surpassed the $100,000 goal for the endowment. Today, the endowment has grown to nearly $165,000 and the interest earnings provide over $5,000 in support annually for 4‑H programs.

“The long-term generosity of our partners at the Michigan Division of the WNF&GA has benefited countless Michigan 4-H youth,” said Miller. “The lasting impact of their contributions have impacted so many already and will continue to do so for generations to come. We’re so grateful for their ongoing partnership and collaboration.”

To learn more about creating a lasting endowment legacy with the Michigan 4-H Foundation or how you can support Michigan 4-H programs, contact Abbey Miller at abmiller@msu.edu.

Michigan 4-H Foundation Endowment FAQ’s

Minimum investment: $30,000

• An endowment is a fund that is held permanently. The corpus of the fund is invested and held intact, and the earnings from the fund are used to support 4-H programs.
• Endowments can be named in memory or in honor of individuals.
• The Michigan 4-H Foundation offers donors endowed gift options designed to sustain both county and state 4-H programs and 4-H facilities.
• Endowments created during a lifetime can see 4-H program impact grow significantly with the addition of a planned or estate gift.
• Endowments are created through agreements negotiated with the donor.
• All endowments are managed according to the guidelines set by the Michigan 4-H Foundation’s revenue and spending policy.
• All named endowed funds are permanently recognized in the foundation’s endowment registry published in the foundation’s annual report.
• Endowment gifts qualify a donor for the Michigan 4-H Cornerstone Society.

Learn more about endowments at mi4hfdtn.org/endowments.