AMES, Iowa—The 2008 Pioneer Community Improvement Grant has recently awarded 31 Iowa 4-H clubs a total of $5,000 to support service projects within their own communities. Pioneer Hi-Bred International, in cooperation with Iowa State University Extension 4-H Youth Development, granted $50 to $250 to each awarded club.

 “The Pioneer grant program allows young people to make a positive difference in their communities while learning valuable life skills,” said Albert Grunenwald, associate director of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. “These grants give 4-H'ers a sense of belonging and appreciation for the communities where they live.”

Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. offers grants annually to encourage local 4-H clubs in Iowa to coordinate and participate in service activities and projects that benefit their communities. The grant money is used to cover the cost of labor, expertise and materials needed to complete improvement plans. 

Some of the projects receiving the 2008 Pioneer Grants include barn quilts made by 4-He'rs in Boone and Wright Counties.  Buena Vista County 4-H’ers are building handicap accessible walkways for the National Historic Newell Allee Mansion as well.

Warren and Clayton counties will use their grant money to update county fairgrounds by erecting new steel cattle wash racks and building picnic tables for fairgoers to use. 

In western Iowa, Monona County 4-H’ers will use their grant to develop and install a skateboard park in Onawa. Shelby and East Pottawattamie counties will put their grants to use by creating butterfly and flower gardens for local community parks. 

4-H’ers from Emmet County will keep shut-ins and nursing home residents warm with their grant money by creating and distributing fleece tie-blankets.

All 31 4-H clubs receiving awards will use the grant money to make a difference within their own communities.

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