cut out letters spelling "donate" on a cork bulletin board, built from scratch by Sandy Repp

We appreciate your support!

Donate

Invest for impact, invest in Orleans! Your donations raise buildings, provide educational opportunities, and change lives. Our organization is a reflection of the dedication and commitment that our community has made to agriculture, youth, and families. We have made great strides, but there is so much more to do!

Please consider making a donation to Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension to:

  • 4-H Club Activities. 
  • Master Gardener Activities.
  • Master Food Preserver.
  • Facility Improvements.
  • Community Education Programs. 
  • Regional Agriculture Teams. 

How We Grow Your Investment

Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension (OCCCE) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that partners with Orleans County Government, Cornell University, and the national Cooperative Extension System to improve the quality of life in Orleans County. Our mission is to provide relevant, accessible, research-based information to grow confident youth and successful farms & gardens for a strong and healthy Orleans community.

Through County Law 224, our county’s annual appropriation (currently $240,000 for 2022) is matched as a percentage with state funds. The more funding provided by our county legislature, the more funding our state will match and provide to OCCCE. Additionally, the state funds the benefits for all staff, which equates to 55% of all salaries. One dollar invested in staff by Orleans County, immediately returns 60 cents (55 cents in benefits and 5 cents in State 224 funding).

OCCCE owns and operates the land and buildings at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. We utilize the facility to generate revenue (through storage and rental) that pays for about $20,000 in utilities and $11,000 in insurance each year. Upgrades to our facility improve our rental appeal and bring more people to Orleans County.

OCCCE supports volunteer groups that raise funds for youth and horticulture programming. The 4-H Leaders’ Association, Family & Consumer Science Program Development Committee (PDC), Horse PDC, Dog PDC, Fair Committee, Market Auction Committee, Senior Council, Robotics 4-H Club, and Master Gardeners raise funds to support a total budget of about $170,000 each year. Their efforts fund educational programs and facility improvements that make a big impact in our community!

OCCCE pursues outside funding opportunities. Our staff write grants and participate in Cornell Cooperative Extension regional and statewide initiatives to bring money and services to Orleans County. .

Last updated February 14, 2024