Plant America Community Project Grants

PLANT AMERICA Community Project Grants help enhance and beautify our public areas and community gardens. Project grants to NGC member clubs help educate adults and children about the joys of gardening and create a pride throughout the community. Grants may be used for physical landscaping or environmental projects, or for horticultural or educational opportunities for the community.

Grants have been awarded to NGC member clubs since 2017. More than 250 grants have been awarded, totaling more than $225,000. Grants are awarded in amounts up to $2,000.

Application Procedure Timeline

• Plant America Community Project Grant applications are open to NGC member clubs from April 1 through October 15 of the calendar year to fund new or continuing projects carried out during the following year.
• Committee member review applications and notify grant recipients in December.
• Funds are released in January or February for projects to be implemented during that year. Project completion must be within approximately one year, but no later than February 28th of the year after funds are received. Final reports are due by April 1 of that year.

Grant Guidelines

Through Plant America Grants, up to $2,000.00 is made available to be used for direct expenses of projects. Projects submitted for receiving a grant may be a joint venture with another organization/s. The scope of these projects in communities may include:

• Beautification and/or restoration
• Community gardens
• School gardens/classrooms
• Landscaping for Habitat for Humanity Homes
• Landscaping of Blue Star or Gold Star Memorial Markers
• Implementation of environmental practices
• A horticulture or environmental educational event for the public

Project Eligibility

Who May Apply:

• Individual and Near Garden Clubs that are members of National Garden Clubs, Inc.
• Please note that recipients of previous PLANT AMERICA Community Project Grants are not eligible to apply.

Submitting Your Application

Applications must be limited to a total of two pages:

1. Your Plant America Application Form
2. Your project budget

Applications of more than two pages will not be considered. Photos should not be submitted with your application.

Completed application forms and project budgets must be submitted to:

Scale of Points

Benefit and visibility within community

35

Impact and scope of project

30

Participation of club members

15

Collaboration with community groups

15

Complete application form

5

Funding Guidelines

Grants will not be provided for:

• Projects in which the club does not participate in some aspect
• Purchase of Blue or Gold Star Markers
• Competitive Flower Shows
• Scout projects
• Salaries of benefits of personnel
• Political action programs
• Capital drives and fund building
• Scholarships and endowments
• Private gardens
• Lawsuits and litigation
• Overhead costs

Final Reports

Please submit the following by email:

• A short two to three page report describing the project, including photos
• A copy of the final financial report including all income and expenses
• A copy of any publicity

Please indicate if permission has been given for use of photos by NGC in print or on our website. The release form for adults and minors can be found under resource links below.

Grant Recipients

Resources & Application Materials

Please see the Grants Section of the Forms Library for the PLANT AMERICA Grant Application and Photo Release form.

If you have questions regarding Plant America project grants, please contact:

David Robson, Plant America Project Chairman