2026 Giving Day raises $45K for youth learning in Arkansas
March 30, 2026
By Mary Hightower
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- March 17 Giving Day generates $45K
- Calhoun County led in donor participation rate
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FERNDALE, Ark. — The Arkansas 4-H Foundation has $45,000 more to fund scholarships and supply the needs of the Arkansas 4-H youth development program, thanks to donations during the sixth annual March 17 Giving Day.
“We are grateful for the generosity of the more than 300 donors and matching partners who invested about $45,000 for Arkansas youth in just a single day,” said John Thomas, managing director of the Arkansas 4-H Foundation. “That’s not just a number. That’s opportunity. That’s confidence. That’s leadership in the making.”
Donors from 25 of Arkansas’ 75 counties took part in Giving Day. Thomas said that Calhoun County led the state in participation, with a rate of 4.85 donors per 1,000 residents. Clark County was second at 2.94 donors per 1,000 residents. Lafayette County was third at 2.54 donors per 1,000 residents.
Arkansas 4-H is the largest youth organization in the state, with over 131,000 youth members and a reach of over 250,000 Arkansas youth. It offers a variety of hands-on learning opportunities and allows youth to explore different topics such as art, agriculture, civic engagement, health, outdoor skills, science and more. 4-H programs are free and available in all 75 Arkansas counties.
Through the Arkansas 4-H Foundation, donors invest $150,000 annually in students through college scholarships, event sponsorships and program hosting.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land-grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact:
John Thomas
jcthomas@uada.edu