Programs: Family Strengthening Awards: Eligibility and Timeline

Programs submitted for this award must meet the following criteria:

• Programs must merit approval by 4–H Programs of Distinction prior to submitting materials for the Annie E. Casey Family Strengthening Award. Visit 4–H Programs of Distinction for full information.
• Programs must promote family strengthening by connecting families to social networks, economic opportunities, and/or services and support.
• Programs must be targeted towards disadvantaged families.
• Programs must take place in rural communities.
• The program must have been in existence for at least one evaluation cycle.
• All programs and cooperative extension service faculty and staff who are authorized to use the 4–H name and emblem by National 4–H Headquarters, U.S. Department of Agriculture are eligible to apply for this award.
• Programs must support the uniqueness of the 4–H system, including a connection with a land-grant university system and a youth/adult partnership in implementing the program.
• Programs must show a strong possibility of sustainability.

Definitions of Key Terms

• Family: The Annie E. Casey Foundation historic emphasis has been on the well-being of children. Today, the focus is on helping parents and families succeed at their jobs of raising children, even under difficult circumstances. For the purposes of this program, a family is defined as a child or children and the individual or individuals that serve as their immediate caregivers and support group.
• Rural: Communities with populations of 10,000 or less.
• Disadvantaged: All families and communities have assets and barriers related to family strengthening. However, in some families and communities, economic, social, geographic, transportation, and/or cultural conditions may be inadequate, in whole or part, for children and families to reach their full potential. Although the focus of the nominated program should be on disadvantaged families and children, the families and children served by the program need not all be considered disadvantaged. If your program has a successful record of assisting families that your community considers disadvantaged, at risk, or disenfranchised, you may apply for this award.

Timeline