YES Grant Projects: 2025

Aidan partnered with his school to assist in the build-out of an Open Air Student Lounge with dedicated seating for reading, relaxation, conversation and community gathering. The YES Grant was utilized to construct two heavy-duty weatherproof benches.

“Throughout the course of this project, my place in the 4-H club grew into more of leadership. I hadn’t expected to learn so much from this project and appreciate the opportunity that it has provided.”

Anna’s goal was to increase awareness of how to prevent house fires and to help people stop them as quickly as possible with fire blankets. With the YES Grant, Anna was able to purchase fire blankets to pass out at the Morgan County Fair. She also gave a presentation to a class of 4th and 5th graders to teach them about the importance of fire safety.

“I learned that one person has the capability of significantly improving their community and can also help provide opportunities for other people to help. Being in charge of the YES Grant made me more responsible and made me much more aware of all the things that had to be done to successfully complete a big community service project.”

AnnaMarie used the YES Grant to make personal hygiene care packages for women who were struggling financially. The bags were distributed at non-profit organizations that specialize in giving people a second chance.

“Knowing that I received this grant was what made me take on the leadership role of Community Service Director for my final year in 4-H. I learned to work with other people and how to find resources. I also learned that I really like being in charge of big projects.”

Asher’s Birthday Bundle Project provided birthday celebration essentials to families experiencing food insecurity. Each Birthday Bundle included a cake mix, frosting, candles, table cover, napkins, plates, cups, and a small toy, all packed into a festive gift bag. The bundles were distributed to families in need through a community partner organization.

“We learned that we are capable of leading projects that positively impact the community in meaningful ways, and we feel more confident in our ability to continue supporting service initiatives moving forward.”

Audrey and her 4-H friends decided to help their local animal shelter. They met with shelter staff to discuss different service projects that would benefit them. The YES Grant was used to purchase quality food, blankets, and comfortable bedding for the shelter animals.

“I realized that leadership isn’t just about telling people what to do — it’s about listening, cooperating, encouraging others, and helping everyone succeed together.”

Autumn’s goal was to use the YES Grant to provide quality literature for area children through the Smithville Food Pantry as well as Little Free Libraries. She purchased hundreds of gently used books from local nonprofit shops to benefit the community in more ways than one.

“I have learned a lot about working with people and have had to learn patience and flexibility. I learned a lot about how to manage a grant and the unexpected things that can happen when trying to do good, as well as handling a budget and time management skills.”

Brady used the YES Grant to distribute over 600 books to children in Allen County to help encourage reading in an area with low literacy rates, as indicated by state testing results. He handed out most of the books at the Allen County Fair Kids Day and then donated the remaining books to a school in a low-income neighborhood.

“I gained a better appreciation for how much simple acts of service can bring people together. It reminded me how powerful community engagement can be, and how important it is to step outside your comfort zone to give back. This project didn’t just promote literacy — it helped build relationships and left a lasting impact.”

In an effort to educate younger kids about planting and growing a fruit/vegetable garden, Bridget and her team assembled and delivered over 500 garden kits to third graders at seven elementary schools within DeKalb County.

“Overall, I learned that I can do a lot if I put my mind to it. Sometimes it gets stressful, but I am more resilient than I give myself credit for.”

Brooke and her fellow Junior Leaders used their YES Grant to assemble 100 bundles of diapers, wipes, baby wash, and baby lotion for families in need through a partnership with local food pantries and shelters.

“The experience strengthened our teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills, and it confirmed that we want to continue serving our community in meaningful, hands-on ways in the future.”

Similar to a blessings box food pantry or a Little Free Library, Caleb’s puzzle library was constructed to allow people to donate old puzzles or exchange them for new puzzles to assemble. The project was intended to provide a place where community members can build connections in a shared space.

“By leading others, I learned more about being a leader. I had to face the part of myself that wanted to slip away from the hard, and I had to choose to push through the challenges instead.”

To support the efforts of Changing Footprints, an organization that provides shoes and socks to those in need, Carter decided to run a gently used shoe and new sock drive at his school. He used part of the YES Grant funds to purchase 539 pairs of socks and donated the remaining funds to Changing Footprints.

“One of the most important things that I learned is that leadership does not always mean having all the answers. Instead it means being willing to listen, learn, and adapt.”

Charlie’s YES Grant funded an educational event for local families where they learned about pollination and the impact on food supply through the reading of a story book. Participants were given a free copy of the book to take home.

“I learned that I was good at delegating job duties. As we were discussing the project and next steps to complete, I asked for volunteers to help look up different things that they may be interested in to bring back to the next meeting so that each person feels like they are contributing.”

Chloe’s group worked with the Boys & Girls Club to assemble over 100 backpacks filled with new school supplies for kids in need. They also hosted a Back to School Bash where the backpacks were distributed.

“Communication skills were something that I learned more about, and I learned how to be more organized when working with a group.”

Claire and her team built a wash pack table to donate to the Purdue Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Department for use in the new High Tunnel as part of their urban agriculture project. The wash pack table serves as an educational tool for local farmers, demonstrating efficient methods for handling their harvests.

“Working on the YES Grant while also finishing the school year pushed me to stay organized, plan ahead, and juggle multiple deadlines. Even though it was challenging, it showed me that I can stay committed and focused when things get busy.”

Arts and crafts supplies donated to children’s hospital patients cannot be reused because of the risk of passing germs, so new packs of washable markers are always in need. Cooper hosted an event called Scribbles and Smiles, a washable marker drive, to benefit patients at the Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health North Hospital. He was able to collect 30 scribble bot kits and 347 boxes of washable markers.

“I learned to take one step at a time, and complete one task at a time to eventually build it all into a large event. This process has taken a lot of dedication and time, but in the end was worth it. I feel like a world-changer, and that is really cool.”

Cooper and his group used the YES Grant to create Birthday in a Bag kits for local families who struggle to afford a birthday celebration. The kits included cake mix, frosting, candles, decorations, and small toys. They were distributed through a partnership with the Hancock County Food Pantry.

“I learned that I can help others and make a difference, even at my age. This project helped me believe in myself more and showed me that I can be a leader and help make good things happen.”

Emma coordinated with nurses at local middle schools to implement a community service project that discreetly provides pouches with the essentials for girls starting their first menstrual cycle at school, so they may continue the school day with greater confidence and comfort.

“I discovered that I am capable of taking an idea and turning it into something real that can help other people. This project helped me gain confidence in my ability to lead and follow through on a commitment.”

For the past nine years, DeLaney has led a community-based project, working with volunteers of all ages, to hand-tie fleece blankets for Eastern Hancock school children in need. She utilized the YES Grant to expand her efforts. In total, she has made and delivered 267 blankets.

“I learned that projects like this require me to work with all kinds of people. I’ve learned that my view of our small, rural community was always a little skewed until I started this project.”

Duncan used the YES Grant to start a “can”struction competition at the Tippecanoe County fair using canned goods to build artistic creations. Fairgoers could vote on their favorite displays while making cash donations to a local food bank. The cans used in the project were also donated.

“This taught me that leadership does not mean doing everything yourself but instead knowing when to rely on others. I gained confidence in my ability to lead a project while also trusting the people around me.”

Elise and her fellow Adams County 4-H Junior Leaders hosted a Community Cares Lock-In event at the local fairgrounds. Youth in attendance had the opportunity to help with three different community service projects funded by the YES Grant.

“I realized that leadership isn’t just about giving direction; it’s also about listening, understanding others’ perspectives, and creating an environment where everyone feels valued.”