4-H Club Charter

National 4-H Headquarters, part of United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), requires all 4-H Clubs and groups to obtain a charter. The 4-H Charter is a document that signifies official 4-H status authorizing a club or group to use the 4-H Name and Emblem. It is also required for a 4-H Club or group to be included under the National 4-H Group Exemption Number.

Click here for more information on New Jersey’s 4-H Charter Program Policy.

4-H Club Treasury
A 4-H club or group treasury is both a privilege and a responsibility. Funds may be raised from club dues, fundraisers, and other sources. It is critical that all local, state, and federal tax regulations be followed.

As a first step in getting a club treasury, the Chartered 4-H Club or group must apply for an EIN (Employee Identification Number) by completing an SS-4 form with assistance from the county 4-H office. Once a 4-H club or group receives the EIN, the county 4-H office forwards this to the State 4-H Office who then submits this to National 4-H Headquarters.

Annual Financial Plan
As part of the 4-H Charter Policy, each club must provide the county 4-H Office with an Annual Financial Plan by December 1st that includes planned expenses and income, and information on the account and signers.

Annual Financial Review
Each club or group with a treasury must submit a completed Annual Financial Review (see Treasurer’s Record Book) to the county 4-H office by March 1 of each year. The treasury records and the bank account records must be ‘reviewed’ by a committee made up of at least two individuals NOT affiliated with the club.

Annual Financial Plan Form

Annual Financial Review Form

4-H Club Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Books
The 4-H Club Secretary’s and Treasurer’s Books are now available here. Please download the books, and copy and distribute as needed to your 4-H club secretary and treasurer. These books are great for staying organized and keeping vital records (i.e. attendance, minutes, treasury balance, etc.) each month.

Secretary's Book

Treasurer's Book

4-H Club Meeting Report
The 4-H Club Meeting Report form is now available here. The 4-H club secretary or reporter (if your club has one) is responsible for filling out this form and sending it to the 4-H office after each monthly meeting.  The form helps the 4-H staff know what your club is doing and how we can help. Additionally, information from these reports is what is used for club news/reports in the 4-H newsletter.

Meeting Report