Federated Garden Clubs of Nebraska, Inc.
Grants
Plant America
Dedicated to Creating, Promoting, Educating, and Developing America's Garden Communities
President Nancy Hargroves' signature project, Plant America, highlights the fundamental components of gardening: the range of garden designs; the components needed for sustainable, healthy gardens; an understanding of environmental concerns; and the resources to supply the necessary funding to implement garden plans.
Committees have been established with the specific goal of investigating, enlightening, and assisting the NGC community in their field of expertise. Additionally, it creates an endowment fund to collect and disburse money for NGC member club operations.
Under the direction of Betty Cookendorfer, the Plant America initiative aims to assist NGC members and the general public in getting back to the "roots" of why the majority of members join garden clubs: to learn about gardening! This emphasis has given committees and projects a new framework, streamlining and combining several earlier endeavors under new headings.
Natural Disaster USA Fund: Extending a Helping Hand
Established by NGC in 1997, the Natural Disaster USA Fund was created to receive monetary contributions from states, clubs, and individuals. Its primary purpose is to support local and state garden clubs in restoring parks, municipal gardens, and other garden-related sites affected by natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, ice storms, and wildfires.
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Each fiscal year, grants of up to $5,000 per project may be awarded to eligible local or state clubs. The application form is available for download via the link below. Submissions must include the project location, details of the disaster’s impact, a restoration plan proposed by the garden club, an itemized cost estimate, and any additional funds received from external sources. Grant decisions are based on a scale of points guideline. Applications should be sent via email to Patricia Smith, Chairman: Grants, Natural Disasters.
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The Natural Disaster USA Fund operates solely through the generosity of dedicated garden club members. Over the years, it has provided crucial financial assistance to numerous clubs across the country, helping to restore green spaces devastated by natural disasters. To ensure this vital support continues for future restoration efforts, we kindly ask for your contributions.
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Donations are tax-deductible and deeply appreciated. Please make checks payable to Natural Disaster USA Fund and mail them to:
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NGC Treasurer
Headquarters, 4401 Magnolia Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110-3492
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​Thank you for your generosity in keeping this fund alive and helping communities rebuild their cherished garden spaces!
Garden Tools for Garden Projects: AMES + NGC = Gardening!
NGC has partnered with The AMES Companies, Inc. to support garden landscaping projects through the Garden Tools Project. Established in 1774, AMES is the largest manufacturer of gardening tools in the U.S. As part of this collaboration, AMES provides tools for approved landscaping projects initiated by state or local garden clubs. This valuable partnership began in October 2014, helping garden clubs enhance and maintain green spaces across communities.
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This valuable partnership began in October 2014, helping garden clubs enhance and maintain green spaces across communities.
Espoma Plant Foods & Soils Supports "Plant America"
National Garden Clubs (NGC) is thrilled to announce a partnership with Espoma, a leading provider of organic plant foods and potting soils.
Well known for its "Tone" family of products—including Holly-tone, Plant-tone, and Rose-tone— Espoma has been dedicated to producing high-quality, natural gardening solutions since 1929. The company prides itself on using premium ingredients while maintaining a strong commitment to its employees, shareholders, and customers.
In support of President Nancy Hargrove’s "Plant America" initiative, Espoma announced at the Richmond Convention that it will award grants of up to $250 in organic plant foods and potting soils to 20 garden clubs. Additionally, Espoma has launched a dedicated NGC resource page on its corporate website, highlighting the "Plant America" initiative and providing valuable gardening resources.
We extend our sincere gratitude to John Harrison, Vice President of Marketing, and Bonnie Satterthwaite, Territory Sales Manager at Espoma for their generous support of National Garden Clubs.
Operation Wildflower: Promoting Native Plants & Wildflowers
A grant of up to $500 is available to help cover direct expenses for educational programs focused on native plants and wildflowers. State Garden Clubs, districts, councils, and individual garden clubs are encouraged to co-sponsor symposiums in collaboration with state agencies, arboreta, native plant societies, or similar organizations.
Gardeners are eager to learn about native plants, and state highway or transportation departments benefit from increased public awareness and support for their planting initiatives. When planning an event, consider scheduling it during peak wildflower bloom in your area for maximum impact.
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Topics to Include:
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Native flora discussions: endangered species, butterfly-friendly plants, habitat-specific plants, plant identification, invasive species management, etc.
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Public plantings: state highways, rest areas, and preservation of natural community spaces.
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Wildflower propagation techniques.
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Designing native plant gardens and developing nature trails. Information on Native Plants and Wildflower Awards.
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How to Apply:
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Submit a proposal at least two months in advance: Send two copies of the tentative program along with a proposed budget to the chairman.
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Initial funding: If approved, NGC will provide half of the requested grant amount upfront.
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Final report submission: Within two months after the workshop, submit a brief report including a financial statement, attendance numbers, two copies of the final program, and any publicity materials.
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Application Form & Further Information:
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For additional details, contact:
Christine Wood, Chairman: Wildflower Symposiums and Workshops
Youth Pollinator Gardens Grant
National Garden Clubs, Inc. is pleased to offer a grant opportunity for Garden Clubs collaborating with youth groups to plan and establish Pollinator Gardens. Grants of up to $200 are available for projects that incorporate educational materials on the essential role of pollinators in nature, while actively engaging youth in the planning, planting, and maintenance of gardens that support pollinators with food and nesting resources.
Through hands-on experience, youth participants will gain an understanding of sustainable gardening practices, the importance of providing proper food sources and shelter, and the critical role pollinators play in our ecosystem.
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How to Apply:
To request a grant, complete an NGC Grant Application, provide a detailed project description, and submit it to the NGC Youth Committee Chairman for approval.
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Resources
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Pollinator Power Book
For more information, contact:
Tricia Mitchell, Youth Awards Chairman