Over the last year, Wildcat Extension District has reached over 12,000 people with research-based educational programming. We’d like to recognize our partner, the Wildcat Extension Education Foundation, for its role in expanding our reach! The Wildcat Extension Education Foundation was formed in 2018 as a 501 (c) (3) entity to assist Wildcat District agents in applying for grants and sourcing funding to expand and lower the costs of educational programs. Over a two-year period, from 2024 to 2025, the foundation provided $ 69,000 in assistance to the district, which was, in turn, reinvested in our communities through educational programming. Wildcat Extension District is composed of Crawford, Labette, Montgomery, and Wilson counties. The district has 16 agents and assistants providing educational programming related to youth development, community development, including 4-H and school enrichment, family and child development, community wellness, entrepreneurship, natural resources, livestock, crops, horticulture, food safety and nutrition, and health and wellness. The foundation has covered registration costs for all 4-H judging teams attending nationals, provided scholarships to 4-H state record book winners traveling to the national conference, covered training costs for youth volunteers and master food and master gardener volunteers, provided equipment for agents, and assisted in keeping workshop registration fees low.
This year, the top priorities for match day funds will be our 4-H youth judging teams, providing continuing education scholarships for 4-H seniors, additional training for volunteers, and providing educational materials to youth in the district. Wildcat Extension District has 4-H judging team options related to horticulture and crops, wildlife, photography, livestock judging, meats judging, livestock skill-a-thon, and livestock quiz bowl.
Donations from generous community members at local match-day events are the primary source of revenue for the Wildcat Extension Education Foundation. Donations on match day can be amplified and have a great impact on local 4-H youth! Our foundation board is run by volunteers and has no fees, meaning once your donation is in our foundation, the full amount will be put to work! You’ll find the Wildcat Extension Education Foundation at the Parsons Area Community Foundation Match Day on Dec. 2.
Questions about match day or our foundation can be directed to Wildcat Extension District Director Carrie Lance at 620-724-8233.
