Give a Douglas County kid a LEG up.
The Livestock Educational Grant Program funds local 4-H & FFA youth to select, raise, and show a market animal — building agricultural skill, responsibility, and western heritage that lasts a lifetime.
What is the L.E.G. Up program?
L.E.G. Up — the Livestock Educational Grant program — gives Douglas County 4-H and FFA youth the funding, the animal, and the mentorship to take on a market livestock project they couldn't otherwise afford.
It's run by the Fair Foundation in partnership with the Cherokee Ranch & Castle Foundation and a community of generous local sponsors — and it's been changing kids' lives since 2014.
Six species, one big opportunity
Each year our sponsors fund grants across six market species. A recipient receives the animal (or money toward it) plus reimbursement for feed, equipment, and care.
Market Steer
- A donated steer from a sponsor
- Up to $1,250 in feed, equipment & care
Hog grant
- $500 toward your market hog
- Up to $500 in qualifying expenses
Lamb grant
- A pair of sponsored market lambs
- Up to $375 in qualifying expenses
Goat grant
- A pair of sponsored market goats
- Up to $435 in qualifying expenses
Rabbit grant
- A breeding trio from a sponsor
- Up to $375 in qualifying expenses
Poultry grant
- $185 in reimbursed expenses to purchase & raise market poultry
Award amounts shown reflect the 2025 program and are set each year by our sponsors.
How to apply
Enroll in 4-H
Required for every applicant. 4-H and FFA members are both encouraged to apply.
Submit your application
Tell us which species you'd like to raise and why you'd love a L.E.G. Up grant.
Meet the committee
A short, friendly interview with you and a parent or guardian.
Get the news
Winners are announced at 4-H Achievement Night in October and celebrated at a breakfast in your honor in November.
Raise your animal
Attend trainings, lean on your mentors, update your sponsors monthly, and submit receipts for reimbursement up to your grant limit.
Sell at the Jr. Livestock Sale
Show and sell at the Fair & Rodeo. The sale proceeds are yours — for your next project or your education.
Apply online
Fill this out and we'll be in touch. Prefer paper? Download the official PDF.
From one steer to six species
It began with one steer
Cherokee Ranch & Castle donated a single market steer plus $1,000 in expenses. It sold at the 2015 Fair for $4,600 — over $5,000 with the Junior Livestock Sale add-on.
Five steers
Generous sponsors funded five recipients, who averaged $6,000 per steer at the 2018 sale.
Swine added
An $800 market hog grant launched with the 4-H Foundation; four members averaged $2,600 at the Fair.
Four species
The program grew to eight youth raising market steers, hogs, sheep, and goats.
Rabbits & poultry
Two new species joined the program — and it keeps growing thanks to our caring sponsors.
Meet our recipients
Every grant is a Douglas County kid learning responsibility, hard work, and the value of agriculture first-hand.
Market Hog
Douglas County 4-H
Market Steer
Douglas County 4-H
Market Goat
Douglas County 4-H
Market Sheep
Douglas County 4-H
Market Steer
Douglas County 4-H
Market Hog
Douglas County 4-H
2026 L.E.G. Up Sponsors
Every steer, hog, and lamb in this program is funded by a local business or family who believes in Douglas County kids. This year's L.E.G. Up grants are made possible by these generous sponsors.
This program runs entirely on sponsors.
Every steer, hog, and lamb is funded by a local business or family who believes in these kids. Put your name on the next success story.