Community Service

4-H is dedicated to helping youth become responsible citizens while leading healthy and productive lives. We pledge our Hands to larger service. Youth learn life skills by helping others and impacting their communities. Youth practice generosity, one of the essential elements of positive youth development, through opportunities to value and practice service to others. 

Community Service Ideas

Ideas for 4-H Community Service Projects

U.S. Flag Resources & Service Ideas

My Hands to Larger Service Mini-Grants

Funded by the West Virginia 4-H All Stars

Ten (10) $200 mini-grants are available to West Virginia 4-H teens/teen leader groups to assist in the planning and completion of a community service project.

Limitations: Funds cannot be used to purchase items to donate elsewhere (ex. pet food for a local animal shelter), as payment to an individual or group, or for items to benefit the individual/group performing the service (ex. shirts, food, etc.)

Applicant criteria: Teams/clubs may apply for this grant, but a ‘lead’ applicant, meeting the criteria, must be listed.

• Applicant must be a 4-H member. Adult guidance is encouraged, but this grant should be written by a youth member or team.
  
• Be at least 12 years old as of 10/1/2021.
• Have previously completed at least 1 year of 4-H.
• Enrolled in the “My Hands to Larger Service” 4-H project book as a resource for selecting and planning a community service project.

Applications must have the approval of your county Extension Agent. The county extension office will receive the check (in name of a supporting 4-H club or group) and be responsible for disbursement of funds.

2022 Timeline:

• February 15, 2022 – submit the grant application.
• March 15, 2022 – recipients will be notified.
• July 1, 2022 – deadline to complete the service projects.
• July 15, 2022 – deadline to submit the PowerPoint and final grant report for exhibition at the State Fair of West Virginia.

This project is adapted from the Ohio State University Extension’s 4-H Youth Development “My Hands to Larger Service Mini-Grants” program.

To learn more about the 4-H My Hands to Larger Service mini-grants program, contact Jenny Murray at Jenny.Murray@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-7993.

Previous My Hands to Larger Service Projects

My Hands to Larger Service Spotlight: Putnam County

While thinking about ways people could get up and move more in their community during the COVID-19 pandemic, Carter Takarsh and the Clover STEMs 4-H LEGO® Robotics team members decided that their area needed a Little Free Library®. Their community of Fraziers Bottom is far away from any of Putnam County’s public libraries. In addition to building and installing a Little Free Library at the intersection of three subdivisions in the community, Takarsh planned to provide starter books for the library.

My Hands to Larger Service Spotlight: Pleasants County

Many residents have to leave the comfort of their home, neighbors, friends, and most of their personal belongings when they move into a nursing facility to receive care. The Pleasants County 4-H teen leaders wanted to ensure that the residents know that they are valued and acknowledged for their roles in the community. The teens made a case for friendship with residents by bringing a small source of comfort to those who may need a helping hand.

My Hands to Larger Service Spotlight: Mineral County

"Give what you can. Take what you need." That is the motto of the Blessing Box that the Denim & Dirt 4-H Club saw a need for in their local community. A Blessing Box is a mini-pantry stocked with canned vegetables and proteins, personal care items, paper items, kid-friendly non-perishables, and special seasonal treats.

Browse Other 4-H Service Projects

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