Grant Eligibility & Application Process

1. The application period opens the first Wednesday in March and closes the last Wednesday in July at noon ET. Applications will not be accepted before or after the application period.

2. Applicants must be current or past members of the Licking County 4-H Band. Band member and alumni applications will be reviewed and awarded separately, if there are qualified proposals in both categories.

3. Preference will be given to first-time applicants.  

4. Applications will be accepted from both individuals and groups. For groups, a team leader/point of contact must be clearly identified for potential funds dispersal.  

5. Applications will be accepted from members/alumni living both inside and outside Licking County.  

6. Current band members may apply for both the grant and for educational scholarships in the same year.

7. Applicants must complete an online application outlining the project and planned use of grants funds. 

   • Applicants will complete a Google Form that includes: 

     • 1) basic information about their time in band, status as alumnus or current member, and other service activities outside of 4-H band; 

     • 2) three essay questions; and 

     • 3) a budget outline.  

   • Applicants may elect to answer the essay questions in written form or by attaching a video. 

   • Project expenses should focus on project beneficiaries, including but not limited to: project supplies, resources, materials, and fees. Funds should not be explicitly spent on the individual or team members implementing the project. 

8. Applications will be evaluated and final recipients will be selected by: 

   • Three members of the Licking County 4-H Band Alumni Association Grant Committee.

   • The President of the Licking County 4-H Band Alumni Association.

   • A member of the Jane Copenhefer family.

   • Applicant names will be removed to ensure an equitable blind-evaluation process.

   • Potential impact of the proposed project on the applicant’s community is also evaluated with priority given to applications that clearly demonstrate a connection to the 4-H pledge, explaining how the applicant’s project promotes service to their club, their community, their country, or their world.

9. The grant will be awarded to one current Licking County 4-H Band member (or member team) and one alum (or alumni team) at the Last Concert, held at TARA in August.

10. Grant recipients commit to delivering a short essay, video, or in-person presentation at the February meeting of the Licking County 4-H Band Alumni Association about the progress of their project and the community it benefits.