Grants and Awards
Rice Poultry Fund Awards
NYS 4-H Animal Science is pleased to announce availability of funding for 2026! Thanks to the Louise E. Rice Poultry Fund, we are able to offer resource awards to county extension associations in NYS that engage 4-H poultry project youth in direct programming.
The Rice Poultry Fund was established by a generous gift from James and Louise Rice in 1946. It was established to support NYS youth who participant in programming designed to encourage leadership and an interest in poultry.
Each year, there are several $500 resource award scholarships available to county extension associates that engage directly in 4-H Poultry Project programming with youth in New York State. To qualify, counties are expected to team up and work together to spend up to $500 on animal science related educational resource materials, equipment or to conduct regional in-services of their choice. We encourage proposals that will help increase youth participation and pay for items that are reusable rather than perishable. Please do not request funding for participant food, clothing or recognition items.
Application due date: March 1, 2026
Reporting due date: October 1, 2026
Standardbred Grant Awards
The Standardbred Grant Awards are sponsored by the New York Agriculture Horse Breeding Development Fund. The Fund has long provided grants to help accomplish its mission by championing programs that support and promote the breeding, research and racing of Standardbred horses in NYS. Awarding organizations which also make this a priority is how they enhance the work of the NY Sire Stakes program and provides a foundation for the next generation to enjoy the Standardbred breed.
The NYS 4-H Horse Program offers Standardbred Grant Awards for both clinical and in-service events. Please see the application forms below for additional details.
We encourage you to express your appreciation by sending a thank you card to the Agriculture & Horse Breeding Development Fund. Thank you cards can be sent to:
Brian O'Dwyer and Ralph Scunziano
Agriculture & Horse Breeding Development Fund
230 Washington Ave. Extension, Suite 101
Albany, N.Y. 12203
Opening Date: March 1, 2026
Reporting due date: Two weeks after your event.
Funding Donor
Standardbred Grant Awards
Case Studies
4-H Willman Resource Award
The 4-H Willman Resource Award was established in 1981 to honor Professor Emeritus Harold A. Willman, former 4-H Specialist in the Department of Animal Science. Today, youth in NY engage in animal related projects in clubs, school enrichment and camp program environments. All activities assist youth in increasing competence and confidence in subject matter and life skills.
Thanks to the New York State 4-H Foundation H.A. Willman Fund, the NYS 4-H Animal Science team at the Department of Animal Science are able to offer $500 resource awards to county extension associations in New York State that engage youth in animal science programming.
Counties are expected to team up and work together to spend up to $500 on animal science related educational resource materials, equipment or to conduct regional in-services of their choice. We encourage proposals that will help increase youth participation and pay for items that are reusable rather than perishable. Please do not request funding for participant food, clothing or recognition items. Personal protective equipment costs can be covered.
A simple budget of the entire program must be submitted with your application.
Application due date: March 1, 2026
Reporting due date: October 1, 2026