SIDNEY -- The Sidney & Greater Area Fund (SAGA Fund) has awarded a $4,000 grant to the Cheyenne County 4-H Council.

The funds will be used to purchase new rabbit and chicken cages for youth participating in the county’s small animal program. 

 The grant will help update and improve housing used during the Cheyenne County Fair, ensuring safe, durable, and appropriate facilities for animals raised and shown by local 4-H youth. The project is supported by additional matching funds from the Cheyenne County 4-H Council, allowing the equipment to meet animal welfare and show standards and to serve youth for multiple years.  

Once reduced to a single family in 2021, the Cheyenne County 4-H Small Animal Program has experienced strong growth and now serves approximately 18 families. The program introduces youth ages 8 to 18 to rabbit and poultry projects, emphasizing responsibility, animal care, leadership, and hands-on agricultural education. 

 “This grant reflects our commitment to investing in programs that create meaningful opportunities for youth said Megan Price Co-Chair of the SAGA Fund. “4-H plays a vital role in developing leadership, work ethic, and life skills, and we are proud to support a program that continues to grow and engage families across Cheyenne County.” 

 The new cages will replace older equipment that previously required animals to be housed at ground level during the fair. Updated housing will allow animals to be displayed more visibly and maintained in cleaner, healthier conditions, improving both the youth experience and public engagement at the fairgrounds. 

 About Sidney And Greater Area Fund (SAGA): The Sidney And  Greater Area (SAGA) Fund is a community-affiliated fund through the Nebraska Community Foundation. SAGA is dedicated to nurturing and enhancing the well-being of the Sidney and Greater Area communities through strategic philanthropy.  To learn more about the Sidney and Greater Area Fund or make a donation, visit www.sagafund.org