4-H funds including membership dues and staff-led program fees should be deposited in a county government account. This must be done in accordance with a written agreement between the county government and the Division of Extension. 

If a county account is not an option, another chartered entity may serve as the fiscal agent for membership dues and staff-led program fees provided that 1) the staff have control of the funds and 2) the designated funds are tracked separately from the other chartered entity funds.

4-H State Level Member Dues

Money collected from individuals for membership in the Wisconsin 4-H program.  The amount of the dues and how the funds will be used are set by the Wisconsin 4-H Associate Director.

4-H County Level Member Dues*

Money collected from individuals for membership in the county 4-H program.  The amount of the dues and how the funds will be used are set by the 4-H Program Educator.

*Please note that this policy would not prohibit a 4-H Leader Organization from requesting donations from 4-H members to support programming, marketing, and fundraising efforts.

4-H Club or Group Level Member Dues

Money collected from individuals for membership in the club or group. Dues are for the benefit of that specific club or group’s membership. At the club or group level, members vote on the amount of dues and how all 4-H club or group funds are used.

Economic Hardship for Membership Dues 

At the club, group, county, and state levels, the ability to pay dues will not be a barrier to 4-H membership. Staff and volunteers must have a system to provide access to 4-H membership.

Participation Fees

Money collected from individuals participating in a specific program or activity. Participation fees are charged directly to participants who choose to participate in the program or activity.  These fees are separate from membership dues.

Bank Accounts

With the oversight from the 4-H Program Educator, 4-H Clubs and 4-H Groups may establish accounts at FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) or NCUA (National Credit Union Administration) insured institutions. This option includes the use of savings accounts, checking accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit.

Only 4-H members and 4-H volunteers can be listed as official signers on 4-H Club or 4-H Group financial accounts. 

Use of Debit and Credit Cards

Debit Cards and Credit cards are highly discouraged and limited to 4-H Leader Organizations. In the event a 4-H Leader Organization needs a credit card, the following practices apply:

• Be aware of all fees and policies associated with the credit card, such as a minimum number of transactions per year to maintain the account.
• Inform UW-Madison Division of Extension when a corporate credit card is being opened – add to the annual charter on the financial report page.
• The monthly statement must be mailed to the county office.
• The credit card is the responsibility of the Treasurer of the 4-H Leaders Association.
• Limit authority to purchase on the authority of the organization to a few volunteers.
• Purchases should be previously approved through the budget process.
• Create a credit card log form and attach receipts to the log with an explanation of purchases.
• Restrict the credit limit and amount available per transaction even if there may be fees associated with this service.
• The account must be paid in full each month.