TENNESSEE 4-H FOUNDATION INC

What TENNESSEE 4-H FOUNDATION INC does

The Tennessee 4-H Foundation Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded on April 10, 1953, in Nashville and currently headquartered at 205 Morgan Hall, 2621 Morgan Circle, Knoxville, Tennessee, on the University of Tennessee campus. The Foundation operates as the dedicated nonprofit fundraising and program-support partner of the Tennessee 4-H Program, working alongside University of Tennessee Extension and Tennessee State University Extension to deliver youth development programming across all 95 Tennessee counties. It serves over 150,000 youth members — the largest 4-H membership in the United States — and supports programs in leadership, citizenship, STEM, agriculture, animal science, and life skills, delivered through county extension offices, four residential camp centers (Greeneville, Crossville, Columbia, and Middleton), and statewide events including 4-H Congress, Electric Camp, Academic Conference, State 4-H Council, and the Youth Animal Science Program. The Foundation also stewards the Tennessee 4-H Alumni & Friends network, founded in the 1970s.

The Foundation's core products are youth development programs rather than commercial technology offerings. Key programmatic assets include the Electric Camp (founded 1992, 12,000-13,000+ alumni, 35th year in 2026), the Academic Conference (21 project areas on the UT Knoxville campus), 4-H Congress in Murfreesboro, summer camp programs reaching over 5,000 youth annually, and the annual Picnic at the Fair fundraiser. Its digital product is the tn4hfoundation.org website, which serves as a donation portal, event registration system, news hub, and county-level club directory. No proprietary technology, AI, or software products are developed or sold; the technology stack is limited to a WordPress-based website and standard social media channels (Facebook, Instagram) plus email newsletters.

The Foundation's revenue model relies on three streams: (1) donations and charitable contributions from individuals, corporations, and organizations; (2) event-based fundraising including the Picnic at the Fair (sponsorship tiers from $400 to $10,000 plus $50 individual tickets), silent and live auctions at the Alumni & Friends Reunion, and various recognition ceremonies; and (3) annual spending from a permanently endowed asset base of nearly $25 million, governed by a roughly 5% payout discipline that yields approximately $1.25 million baseline per year. Annual program support totals approximately $3 million, with upward of $2 million spent annually on awards, scholarships, and statewide/national engagement opportunities. The organization operates with a small staff of 5 employees under President Carol Coley McDonald, supported by a Board of Directors, and has no parent company, subsidiaries, or private equity ownership.

Name

TENNESSEE 4-H FOUNDATION INC

Legal name

TN 4-H Foundation

Website

https://tn4hfoundation.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1953

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Tennessee 4-H Foundation Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1953, headquartered in Knoxville, that fundraises and channels endowment, donation, and event revenue to support Tennessee 4-H youth development programs for over 150,000 members across all 95 counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Grantmaking and Giving Services (8132), Other Grantmaking and Giving Services (813219)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

After-School, Tutoring & Academic Enrichment Nonprofits (BPAGADAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

K–12 Support & School Improvement Nonprofits (BPAGADAB), Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ)

Keywords

• Youth development programs
• Nonprofit foundation
• Educational scholarships
• Camp programs
• Donor fundraising

Headquarters

HQ city

Knoxville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Program grants and scholarships, Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The Foundation relies heavily on donor generosity and charitable contributions from individuals, corporations, and organizations to fund 4-H programs, scholarships, awards, and camp opportunities across Tennessee's 95 counties. Donations support both immediate program needs and endowment funds.
2. Event Revenue: Revenue generated from signature fundraising events including the annual Picnic at the Fair, silent and live auctions at alumni reunions, and various sponsorship packages. These events raise funds for camp scholarships and educational conferences.
3. Annual Spending from Endowment Assets: The Foundation currently holds nearly $25 million in assets (as of 2026), most of which are permanently endowed. The Foundation strives to provide a 5% payout annually, spending upward of $2 million annually towards nurturing young talent through awards, scholarships, and opportunities.

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Tennessee 4-H Foundation raises and deploys charitable funds to support youth development programs across Tennessee's 95 counties. It provides camp scholarships, educational conference scholarships, awards, and direct program funding for initiatives including 4-H Camp Programs, 4-H Electric Camp, 4-H Congress, the Academic Conference, the State 4-H Council, the Youth Animal Science Program, and the Alumni & Friends network. Funding comes from individual/corporate donations, signature fundraising events, and annual endowment payouts from a roughly $25M permanently endowed corpus.

Product overview

The Tennessee 4-H Foundation operates a portfolio of youth development programs delivered through its website platform and physical camp/conference centers. The core offering consists of the Foundation website and donation platform, which supports fundraising and program access for 4-H initiatives across all 95 Tennessee counties. Key programs include: Tennessee 4-H Congress (youth leadership and citizenship), Electric Camp (STEM-focused electrical science), Academic Conference (hands-on learning across 21 project areas), State 4-H Council (youth governance body), 4-H Camp Programs (at four statewide centers), Youth Animal Science Program (livestock and equine), Alumni and Friends (alumni networking), and the Picnic at the Fair (annual fundraising event). These programs work together to provide comprehensive youth development in leadership, citizenship, STEM education, agriculture, and life skills.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Tennessee 4-H Electric Camp A four-day interactive STEM program for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders from all 95 Tennessee counties, focused on hands-on exploration of electrical science, including drone flying, robotics, wiring electric extension cords, electrical safety demonstrations, and electric motors. Supported by Tennessee Electric Co-op Association, TVA, TMEPA, and Tennessee Valley Robotics.
• Tennessee 4-H Academic Conference An annual 3.5-day conference for junior high 4-H members offering 21 different project areas including consumer education, entrepreneurship, animal sciences, nutrition, computer science, and technology. Provides hands-on academic training, career exploration, and networking on the UT Knoxville campus.
• Tennessee 4-H Congress Annual youth leadership and citizenship event held in Murfreesboro where 4-H members act as senators and representatives in a junior state congress to gain hands-on understanding of the legislative process, emphasizing citizenship, leadership, communication, teamwork, and civic engagement.
• State 4-H Council The state's youth representative body serving as a youth planning body for 4-H events including Tennessee 4-H Roundup, Congress, and State All Star Camp. The 23-member council represents every region of Tennessee and develops strong leaders through service projects, event organizing, and ambassador duties.
• Tennessee 4-H Alumni and Friends An alumni organization founded in 1975 that connects past and present 4-H members, providing networking opportunities, fundraising events, service projects, the annual Reunion with silent and live auctions, and ongoing support for current 4-H programs. Includes the 4-H'ers Under 40 recognition program.
• 4-H Camp Programs Summer residential camping programs for youth in grades 4-12 at four 4-H centers across Tennessee (Clyde Austin 4-H Center in Greeneville, Clyde York 4-H Center in Crossville, W.P. Ridley 4-H Center in Columbia, and Lone Oaks Farm in Middleton). Activities include water sports, archery, wildlife exploration, fishing, leadership building, and STEM programs. Over 5,000 youth attend annually.
• 4-H Picnic at the Fair Annual signature fundraising event held during the Wilson County-Tennessee State Fair in Lebanon, Tennessee. Brings together supporters, alumni, donors, and agricultural leaders to celebrate 4-H's impact, with tiered sponsorship packages (Purple Ribbon $10,000, Blue Ribbon $5,000, Red Ribbon $2,000, White Ribbon $1,000, Table Sponsor $400) and $50 individual tickets. Funds raised provide 4-H camp and educational conference scholarships to all 95 Tennessee counties.
• Youth Animal Science Program A program providing hands-on experiences with agricultural animals since the 1970s, including shows for beef and dairy cattle, sheep, swine, goats, and horses. Includes the Youth Animal Science All Star recognition for top achievers who excel in multiple aspects of 4-H Animal Science.
• Tennessee 4-H Foundation Donation Platform The Foundation's primary digital platform supporting fundraising, donor management, event registration, newsletter sign-up, and county 4-H club locator. Enables donors to make one-time or recurring contributions, designate endowed or memorial/tribute gifts, register for events including the Picnic at the Fair, and access information about 4-H programs across all 95 Tennessee counties.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 150,000 youth members served across all 95 Tennessee counties
• +5 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• University of Tennessee ExtensioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary institutional partner providing operational infrastructure for 4-H programming. County extension agents deliver 4-H programs in all 95 Tennessee counties. The partnership enables the Foundation to leverage UT's educational network and resources for youth development.
• Tennessee State University ExtensioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHistorically Black land-grant university partnership ensuring 4-H programming reaches diverse populations across Tennessee. Complements University of Tennessee Extension partnership for comprehensive statewide coverage.
• Tennessee Electric Co-op Association (TECA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTECA supports the 4-H Electric Camp program since 1992, providing over 80 volunteers from the power industry to teach hands-on learning centers. Electric co-ops also sponsor the Picnic at the Fair as a white ribbon sponsor and advocate for 4-H funding with state legislators.
• Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the 4-H Electric Camp program, contributing to the unique partnership between the power industry and 4-H that provides financial support, teaching volunteers, and equipment for learning centers.
• Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association (TMEPA)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerTMEPA and its statewide member municipal systems partner with 4-H Electric Camp, providing volunteers and support for hands-on electrical and STEM learning activities.
• Knoxville Utility Board (KUB)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConducts high-voltage electrical safety demonstrations at the 4-H Electric Camp using a demonstration trailer, teaching youth about utility line safety and allowing them to try on protective equipment.
• National 4-H CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational governing body for 4-H youth development programs. Tennessee 4-H Foundation aligns with national 4-H standards and participates in national events like National 4-H Congress. The Foundation's president has worked directly with the Council historically.
• Tennessee Farm BureaumajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agricultural organization that hosts events at which State Council members represent 4-H. Partnership supports agricultural education and youth development initiatives across Tennessee.
• Tennessee Farmers Cooperative FoundationmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides program updates and support at the annual Alumni and Friends Reunion. Partnership strengthens the connection between agricultural cooperatives and 4-H youth development programming.
• Tennessee General Assembly and Governor Bill LeemajorOthersState government partners who approved $45.25 million in funding for 4-H center infrastructure improvements in April 2025. TECA advocated on behalf of 4-H members at the state legislature. Additional $90.5 million was invested to improve youth leadership and education facilities.
• Farm Flavor Media / Journal Communications, Inc.minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWebsite operator for tn4hfoundation.org. Manages the technical operation, content management, and digital presence of the Foundation's website.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Girls Inc. of Tennessee: National youth development organization with Tennessee affiliates. Similar mission around empowering youth through educational programs, leadership development, and career exploration.
• Boy Scouts of America - Tennessee Council: National youth development organization with Tennessee councils. Competes for similar youth participation, volunteer engagement, and donor support across the same geographic territory.
• National 4-H Council: National governing body for 4-H youth development programs that Tennessee 4-H Foundation directly partners with. Comparable as a nonprofit supporting 4-H programming nationally, though at a different scale and scope.

Direct peers

• Texas 4-H Foundation: State-level 4-H foundation supporting Texas 4-H youth development. Operates with similar program offerings, county-based delivery, and endowment-driven fundraising model as Tennessee 4-H Foundation.
• California 4-H Foundation: State-level 4-H foundation supporting California 4-H youth development programs through UC ANR. Direct peer with similar structure, mission, and fundraising model to Tennessee 4-H Foundation.
• Ohio 4-H Foundation: State-level 4-H foundation supporting Ohio State University Extension's 4-H programs. Direct peer with parallel academic partnership model, endowment structure, and county-based program delivery.

Others

• University of Tennessee Extension: Core institutional partner that delivers 4-H programs in all 95 Tennessee counties. While not a fundraising peer, it is the operational backbone that the Tennessee 4-H Foundation financially supports.
• Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Foundation: Regional economic development organization supporting youth and community programs in Appalachian Tennessee counties. Comparable as a nonprofit funding youth development and community programs in Tennessee, with some overlapping geographies.

Regional players

• Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation: Tennessee-based agricultural nonprofit that partners with 4-H. Comparable as a Tennessee-focused nonprofit supporting agricultural education and youth development, with overlapping donor and member networks.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Tennessee: Tennessee-based youth development nonprofit serving similar K-12 populations through after-school and summer programs. Comparable as a mission-driven youth serving organization competing for similar donors and families.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/TN4HFoundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/tn4hfoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/tennessee-4-h-foundation-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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