Despite challenging economic times, this past fall the three foundations that support North Carolina Cooperative Extension celebrated the signing of 20 new endowments.

Dr. Jon Ort, director of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, presided over the September joint luncheon meeting of the N.C. Cooperative Extension Foundation, the 4-H Development Fund, and the Family and Consumer Sciences Foundation.

“Yes, these are tough times, but your leadership and support is outstanding,” Ort said. “One of the most exciting examples of your innovation is the Campaign for Counties.”

Through the Campaign for Counties, Extension has established at least one fund in 98 of the state’s 100 counties. At press time, the total number of funds that support counties was 308.

New county endowments

Bladen County 4-H Program Enhancement Fund

Cabarrus 4-H Foundation Inc. Endowment

Cumberland County 4-H Program Endowment

Duplin County Cooperative Extension Fund

Guildford County 4-H Program Endowment

Brenda Allen Morris Family and Consumer Sciences Program Enhancement Fund

Dr. Pauline F. Calloway Family and Consumer Sciences Endowment

Hoke County 4-H Program Restricted Fund

J. Gregory Clemmons 4-H Scholarship Endowment

J.M. Wright Jr. Scholarship Endowment for Rockingham County

Wake County Junior Horticultural Association Endowment

Warren County 4-H Program Enhancement Found

New regional and statewide funds

Besty-Jeff Penn 4-H Educational Center Endowment

Dr. Marjorie Donnelly Family and Consumer Sciences Leadership Development Endowment

Kenan Fellows BRAC RTF Regional Project Fund

Billy Nance Family 4-H Meat Goat Leadership Endowment

The N.C. Association of Agricultural Agents Program and Awards Endowment

The N.C. Association of Agricultural Agents Youth Scholarship Endowment

The Maurene Stewart Rickards Family and Consumer Sciences Foundation Endowment

Southeast District Agritourism Task Force Enhancement Fund

—Suzanne Stanard