The Louisiana 4-H Foundation Fund is a permanent endowment fund that is only to be used in the interest of 4-H support.  The funds are administered within the guidelines of the LSU Foundation.

The concept of a fund based on private contributions to augment support of 4-H activities in Louisiana began in 1978 when his friends and colleagues sought a suitable way to honor John A. Cox upon his retirement as director of the Cooperative Extension Service.  On April 29 of that year, the John A. Cox 4-H Development Fund was inaugurated, most fittingly honoring a man who had actively supported 4-H throughout his career.

To expand the scope of private support for 4-H programs, the Board of Directors of the Development Fund in December of 1983 created the Louisiana 4-H Foundation, an umbrella fund within the LSU Foundation that encompasses the John A. Cox Fund, the Louisiana Campaign for 4-H, many accounts in memory and in honor of 4-H supporters, and other special interest drives for funds to support 4-H activities.

The Louisiana 4-H Foundation accomplished their first $1 million goal in 1995.  Later that year, the Foundation received it’s largest contribution to date - $500,000 from the estate of Dr. Carl Baldridge and Beulah Landry Baldridge.  The 4-H Foundation reached $2 million in funds in 2000.