About the grant
The Debbie Foster Memorial Fund Grant is designed to provide educational opportunities for youth enrolled in Snohomish County 4-H. The goal is to allow youth to participate in unique learning experiences, including attending workshops, traveling to attend shows or events, and competing at 4-H or other educational events at the local, regional, state, or national level. The
maximum grant amount is $400 per applicant per year.
Grant requirements
Applicants must be enrolled 4-H youth in Snohomish County at the time of application. Youth must fill out this application completely and return to the Snohomish County 4-H office (see last page for instructions). Applications should be submitted AT LEAST 30 DAYS BEFORE funding is needed and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. As a requirement of the grant, if selected, youth must sign up to present to the Snohomish County 4-H Council after their event is complete. Presentation must include a brief description of the event that they attended, what the youth learned, and why they think it was valuable to their 4-H experience. Presentation should be no longer than 7 minutes.
About Debbie Foster
Debbie Foster served 4-H as a volunteer, program staff, and program secretary for several years. Debbie had a passion for photography, encouraging youth to learn, give service, and exceed their own expectations. She spent much of her efforts putting together learning experiences that provided all youth the opportunity to learn the way they needed to learn. Debbie demonstrated her
understanding that all youth were valued and deserved whatever it took to help them succeed.
Debbie began her 4-H involvement with her own children in the Cavy program and eventually worked her way up to beef cattle; yes, from the smallest to the largest animal project in the 4-H program! She was the innovator that created the “Cardboard Cow” showing opportunity for Cloverbuds that has been
replicated across the nation and in other project areas.
As 4-H Secretary, Debbie took care of “her” volunteers. She often spent countless hours helping volunteers with ideas for learning activities, enrollment issues, and simply listening. Everyone knew if they needed something, all they had to do was contact Debbie; Debbie would make sure it was done. Debbie was a leader in the state with the “Blue Ribbon Enrollment” system (before 4-H Online) and was working her way into being an expert in the new 4-H Online system.
Debbie was truly a gem in the Snohomish County 4-H Program. She had a great sense of humor and could make light of most any situation! Her legacy will live on for years and, hopefully, inspire others to do their very best for youth and volunteers!