July 19, 2001

N.D. 4-H Foundation Names McSparron Development Director

The North Dakota 4-H Foundation has a new development director. Tom McSparron began his duties in June on the North Dakota State University campus.

The North Dakota 4-H Foundation is the nonprofit organization that supports 4-H programs with private funds to further leadership development, education, research and scholarships, and creates opportunities for the youth of North Dakota.

"I help the foundation provide financial support to develop and promote programs for 4-H youth and volunteer leaders to reach their fullest potential," McSparron said. "These include communication arts, Western 4-H Camp, global positioning systems teen camp, 4-H Ambassadors, international exchanges, and many other programs initiated and led by 4-H youth and adult volunteers from across the state. These educational programs are greatly enhanced because of foundation support. More than 38,600 kids participated in 4-H Youth Development programs last year."

Most of the foundation’s support comes from gifts and grants from corporations, businesses and, most important, individuals and families through both annual campaigns and special projects.

McSparron plans to raise awareness across North Dakota about what the 4-H Foundation is and does and to visit with people who might want to support the benefits the foundation provides to youth.

McSparron has 14 years of professional experience in fund raising and development with North Dakota nonprofits. In 1995, he earned his Certified Fundraising Executive designation.

For information about how to support 4-H Youth Development through the foundation, contact McSparron at 323 Family Life Center, NDSU, Fargo, ND 58105, 701 231-8569, 4hfound@ndsuext.nodak.edu .

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Source: Tom McSparron, 701 231-8569, tmcsparr@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Becky Koch, 701 231-7875, bkoch@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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