Wisconsin 4-H Charter Application – for New and Returning 4-H Clubs & Groups

The 4-H Charter indicates that a 4-H Club or Group is organized in accordance with the objectives of the Wisconsin 4-H program. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension grants 4-H Charters which formally authorizes a Wisconsin 4-H Club or Group to use the 4-H Name and Emblem for educational purposes in accordance with laws and regulations established by Congress and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  In addition, the 4-H Charter Application provides:

  • Documentation of educational activities of the 4-H Club or Group/Committee needed for liability coverage for 4-H volunteers and members
  • Program impact evaluation and educational planning
  • Documentation of compliance by 4-H Clubs and Groups with EEO, ADA guidelines, and Civil Rights laws.

Wisconsin 4-H Clubs and Groups Charter Application is to be completed online by November 1st.

A few tips as the club or group completes the Charter Application:

Other important Wisconsin 4-H Charter information:

  • All 4-H Clubs and Groups must be chartered, be formally recognized as a committee of a chartered County 4-H Leader Organization or report directly to the 4-H Program Educator.
  • Requirements for a 4-H Club and chartered Groups are listed on the Wisconsin 4-H Policies webpage.
  • A 4-H Charter is given to a new 4-H Club or Group once all requirements are met. The successful completion of the Wisconsin 4-H Charter Application begins this process. 4-H Clubs and Groups newly applying to become a 4-H Club or Group should work with their local 4-H Program Educator to determine a completion date.
  • 4-H Charters are renewed annually and will be granted upon successful completion of the Wisconsin 4-H Charter Application.
  • The Wisconsin 4-H Charter Application deadline is November 1 for returning 4-H Clubs and Groups or an earlier date as determined by the 4-H Program Educator.
  • Failure to submit a completed Wisconsin 4-H Clubs & Groups Charter Application by the due date could result in the 4-H Club or Group being dissolved.

Checking or Savings Accounts for 4-H Clubs and Groups*

All 4-H Clubs and Groups that have a checking and/or savings account must complete the Articles of Organization and have an Employee Identification Number before any accounts can be opened.

In addition, 4-H Clubs and Groups that have a checking and/or savings account must annually complete and submit the following documents to the 4-H Program Educator by September 1:

  1. Wisconsin 4-H Clubs & Groups Annual Financial Report
  2. Wisconsin 4-H Clubs & Groups Audit Checklist
  3. A copy of the checkbook and/or savings registry covering July 1 – June 30
  4. A copy of the bank statement ending June 30 or July 1 for each account. Any differences between the bank statement(s) and the ending balance reported must be reconciled and the reconciliation must be uploaded with the Annual Financial Report.
  5. A current inventory of land, buildings, property, or project equipment with individual values of $1,000 or greater.
  6. Monthly Treasurer’s Reports for 4-H Clubs or Groups with annual income greater or equal to $20,000.

This process allows the 4-H Club or Group to qualify for federal tax-exempt status under the University of Wisconsin Board of Regents General Exemption Number (GEN) for Wisconsin 4-H Clubs and Groups.

Failure to submit a completed Wisconsin 4-H Clubs & Groups Annual Financial Report and supporting documents by the due date could result in loss of tax-exempt status and forfeiture of all financial assets.

*Please note that 4-H Clubs and Groups are not required to have a checking and/or savings account.

Resources

University of Wisconsin-Madison      |        Explore Extension: Agriculture Community Development Families & Finances Health Natural Resources Youth
Support Extension