The Indiana 4-H Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2026 YES Grant (Youth Engaged Service Grant) program, which offers funding for 4-H members across the state to complete service projects in their communities. This year’s YES Grants were made possible by generous gifts from Corteva Agriscience and Rural 1st by Farm Credit.
The purpose of these grants is to assess the need, then create and execute a youth-led project. Group participation is encouraged, including younger children and youth not currently part of 4-H, as long as the youth lead is a 4-H member in grades 7-12. Each application must be digitally signed by an adult lead as well as the applicant’s 4-H educator.
Grant awards up to $1,000 are available for projects that:
- Put the ideas and energies of young people to work to address community needs.
- Youth are communicating, designing, and carrying out with adults serving as advisors.
- Have a realistic budget and a solid plan.
- Have a variety of clearly defined activities and responsibilities for young people.
- Create a wide range of positive impact on the community at large.
Examples include, but are not limited to, serving a community group or organization, starting a community garden, organizing events with a local nursing home, or helping animal rescue efforts. More examples are listed at in4h.org/yes-grants-2025.
The YES Grants application portal will remain open until 11:59 p.m. EDT on March 15, 2026. Projects will be selected by mid-April, and final project reports will be due at the end of the year. The application portal and documents are linked at in4h.org/grants.