Vermillion County’s commitment to 4‑H remains strong, which is reflected in the establishment of the Vermillion County 4‑H Program Endowment. Funded through numerous sources including memorials and other private gifts, the endowment ensures that 4‑H will remain ever-present in the community.
Nancy Towner, a member of both the Vermillion County 4‑H Council and the Indiana 4‑H Foundation board of directors, says the endowment will make funds available for 4‑H programming in the county.
“We saw the opportunity to get the endowment going, and with the help of Vermillion County 4‑H educator, Becky Holbert, it all came together,” Towner said.
Towner stressed the importance of 4‑H in light of COVID. “Opportunities for young people haven’t been there like before,” Towner said. “4‑H goes back to the family, and it is ongoing. The endowment will help us keep our county program strong.”
Holbert said the endowment will have a tremendous impact on the county’s 4‑H program.
“This endowment will help us not only sustain, but also to grow 4‑H programming for the youth in our county,” Holbert said. “We are grateful to all of our generous supporters who recognize the significance of 4‑H and its impact on our community.”
One way individuals can continue supporting the endowment is through memorial gifts. Carl and Sally Swinford, for example, have been active members and generous contributors in Vermillion County 4‑H.
When Carl passed away this past December, Sally included the 4‑H Foundation as a contribution opportunity for gifts in Carl’s memory. These gifts, along with other memorials and donations, have brought the total endowment to $30,000, which will generate over $1,200 a year. The goal is to continue growing the endowment to fund larger 4‑H programs in the county.
Towner says the endowment “will serve as an avenue for future gifts and memorials to perpetuate 4‑H in Vermillion County.”