4-H Fundraising

May 27, 2026
By Dustin W Blakey

Fundraising

So you want to raise money for a 4-H Club? This is the right place to start that process!

First, keep in mind that we're not in the primary business of raising money: we interested in youth development. There should be a legitimate reason 4-H needs money, and there is no compelling reason to have an enormous pot of gold stashed away in a bank account.

Second, there are a few important rules that must be observed:

No raffles, gambling, or games of chance. These are illegal for 4-H even if other groups can do it.
No bake sales or homemade food, unless you want to get a permit from the Environmental Health Department in the county of the event; this is best avoided.
Funds raised can't be for individuals or families, 4-H members or otherwise.
We can't give cash to another group, no matter how noble the cause (but we can work with them as a service learning opportunity if we make it clear whom the support will go to and get prior approval)
You must get prior approval for all 4-H fundraising activities, every year. There is a form for that, below.

To comply with all the various policies and tax laws, 4-H has created a Financial Policy section in its official Policy Guide. If you want to raise money, please review that document. It's not "fun reading" but it will keep everyone out of trouble.

Most local issues regarding fundraising arise from supporting outside groups or causes. A comprehensive FAQ guide has been created to address most questions. Please consult that document first.

The best course of action if you want to do fundraising is to start by talking with our 4-H Program Representative.

Fundraising Request Forms

4-H Units that wish to raise money need to request permission. As one would expect, there is a form for that.

Form 8.7 – Fundraising Approval

All 4-H fundraising activities need prior approval from the county director. Return this form to your UCCE 4-H county office prior to the fundraising activity. Please attach additional pages as needed.

You need to work with the 4-H YDP staff for any fundraiser that requires a Facility Use Agreement and Certificate of Insurance for the facility hosting the event.

Please type or print all information provided.

4-H Club Name:		Date:
Contact Person:		Phone:

Part A

Date for Activity:	Estimated Income:	$
Name and Address of Facility Hosting the Event, if applicable:
If the fundraiser involves serving food, please list the name of the 4-H adult volunteer who will be participating at the event and who has received annual food safety training from 4-H YDP staff: Name:
Outline the activity, including products to be sold or services to be rendered.
Anticipated Use of Funds.
Describe how the 4-H Name and Emblem will be used.

Part B

Are you doing this fundraiser in support of outside groups or organizations?

☐ No ☐ Yes

If you checked yes, please answer the questions below:

What group or organization will this fundraiser benefit?

How will this fundraiser benefit the group or organization?

Please describe how you determined what the needs of the group or organization are.

What are you planning to do with the items or money collected in support of this group or organization?

We confirm the accuracy of the information provided above.

Name	Signature	Date
Club President Print name:
4-H Adult Volunteer Print name:
4-H County Staff Print name:
County Director or Designee* Print name:

There is also a fillable PDF version available. It's identical. Either will work.