Grant Cycle:

The J.W. & M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation is pleased to announce the first application cycle for our Youth Grant Program. Applications will be accepted from September 16, 2024, to October 28, 2024.

Eligibility:

This program is open to students between the ages of 5 and 18 who reside in Muskingum County, Ohio. Individual applications or applications from groups (such as school clubs, classrooms, teams, or scout troops) are welcome, provided all group members fall within the eligible age range.

Grant Focus:

We are seeking proposals for projects and programs designed to improve our community. We value the unique perspectives of young people in identifying problems and developing creative solutions. There is no minimum or maximum project scale; we are happy to fund both large-scale initiatives and smaller projects that demonstrate a passion for positive change.

Funding:

Grants of up to $2,500 will be awarded to support project implementation. All funds must be used for activities or programs benefiting the students named on the application.

Application Process:

Applications are available online. The application is designed to be completed by the student applicant with optional space for adult input. Adults are encouraged to provide guidance but should clearly distinguish their contributions from the student’s work.

Selection Criteria:

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Quality: Completeness, detail, and evidence of thoughtful planning. Applications should primarily reflect the student’s own ideas and effort.
• Creativity: Originality and ingenuity of the proposed project.
• Impact: Potential positive impact on the community.

Adult Supervision:

A supervising adult (parent, teacher, etc.) is required for all projects. The adult is responsible for ensuring project completion, proper use of funds, and maintaining receipts for documentation.

Important Notes:

• Applicants should request only the amount necessary to complete the project and demonstrate a fiscally responsible budget.
• Grant recipients are required to submit a project completion report within six months of receiving funds (or within one month of project completion). This report can be submitted in writing, video, or slideshow format and should detail the project experience, impact, and community response.

More information: www.strakerfoundation.org/Grant-Application/Youth-Led-Community-Grants/ 

Any current 4-H volunteers interested in applying to become a member of the Muskingum County 4-H Committee should submit a completed application by November 15 at 11:59 p.m.

The 4-H Committee serves as an advisory committee for the 4-H program and assists with county-wide 4-H programs.

The committee meets four times per year, on the second Monday of February, April, September and December.

Adult members apply and are selected to serve a two year term by the committee members. Adult members are selected to represent a geographical area of the county based upon where their 4-H club meets. Four at-large members are also selected from any area of the county.

Youth members are Junior Leaders elected to a one year term by the club’s membership.

For more information on the 4-H Committee, please contact Jamie (mcconnell.210@osu.edu) or a member of the 4-H Committee (list on our website).

Apply Now!

Youth Youth who sold market animals during the Muskingum County Fair can find the Buyers List on the Junior Fair web page.who sold market animals during the Muskingum County Fair can find the Buyers List on the Junior Fair web page.

Applications are now available for adult members of the Junior Fair Livestock Committee.

Members are elected by the committee to serve a three year term in one of the following areas: beef, dairy, sheep, swine or at-large.

Other species committees (Goat, Horse, Poultry and Rabbit) have a different selection process.

Members must be approved 4-H volunteers – if not currently a 4-H volunteer, the applicant must be willing and able to complete the 4-H Volunteer Selection Process in 2025.

Complete the application.

Posting: go.osu.edu/muskofficeservices. Interested applicants MUST apply online through the OSU jobs site. Deadline to apply is August 18.

Volunteers and Families are strongly encouraged to download and carefully read the 2024 Junior Fair Notes, which contains a variety of important reminders related to fair exhibition and events!

Highlights include:

• Information about Exhibitor Premium Pick-up
• Online Availability of Show Bills, Results & Sale Bills
• Junior Fair Parade, Junior Fair Building and Junior Fair Board Activities
• Sale Reminders
• Sunday Night 4-H Awards Details
• Species Specific Reminders – Barn Meetings, Event Times and Dates, etc.