AMES, Iowa--Applications must be filed by Feb. 1 from 4-H clubs wishing to receive a 2008 Iowa's Promise Youth Grant for local service projects. The funding program is a partnership of the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and Iowa State University (ISU) Extension 4-H Youth Development, which administers grants up to $250 to help Iowa's youth make lasting contributions to their communities.

The grant helps youth groups (4-H, FFA, Scouts, church/school groups, etc.) make a connection between their activities and volunteerism in communities. Past examples of programs funded through Iowa's Promise Youth Grant include:

• Improving a playground at the county fairgrounds
• Purchasing new park equipment
• Landscaping a local museum sign
• Building picnic tables
• Creating a teen area in a library

The application and grant description are available at ISU Extension county offices and may be downloaded from www.extension.iastate.edu/4H/grants.html. For more information on Iowa's Promise Grants, go to www.IowasPromise.org and see Resources.

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. In Iowa, 4-H is administered by ISU Extension and headquartered on the campus in Ames.

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