Grant Program
How to Apply for a Grant
Important Dates for 2025
Proposals Due:
February 28, 2025
Awards Announced:
April 1, 2025
The Application Process
To improve your chances of success, you might take a moment to review successful projects from 2023 and 2024 linked on the right.
Then, review the application criteria (below), download the application, fill it in, and send it to us through email or US mail. We look forward to reviewing your projects.
Email:
monroeces@purdue.edu
Please write “MG Grant 2025” in the subject line.
US Mail:
MCMGA c/o Purdue Extension Monroe County
3400 South Walnut, Bloomington, IN 47401
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You can download the Criteria for Grant Proposals here or read it below.
1. The Monroe County Master Gardener Association (MGMGA) may allocate monies each year to help support a variety of horticultural activities in Monroe County. The number of requests that will be funded depends on the amount of money available each year. As a general guideline, grants usually are in the $100-$750 range. A committee appointed by the president shall review grant applications and award monies by April 1. The committee reserves the right not to fund any applications in a given year. Any entity which received two MCMGA grants within the last three years is not eligible for funding for 2025.
2. Organizations submitting applications must be non-profit and must have no political affiliations. Funded activities will need a Master Gardener Liaison, who will facilitate communication between the funded organization and Master Gardeners. Organizations may select a liaison if they know a MCMGA member or a liaison will be assigned to them.
3. The purpose of the project must be educational and must promote and involve the community in horticultural activities. Requests for funding for meals will not be approved. Master Gardener volunteers are available to assist with projects. Contact MCMGA for more information 812-349-2575.
4. The project must have realistic goals and objectives, and the funds granted must make a significant contribution to the project.
5. Once completed, the activity, if it includes the installation of plants, must have a regular maintenance schedule to ensure its continued operation. Please include plans for future maintenance, if applicable, to the activity in the grant request.
6. Grant recipients are required to submit a brief report accompanied by receipts for funds expended and photos documenting the activities to the MCMGA by September 30. At the conclusion of the activity, recipients are required to do one of the following; provide a presentation to Master Gardener members at a Master Gardener general meeting, submit an article for the Master Gardener newsletter Roots and Shoots, or create a display for a MCMGA general meeting. This report is due within 6 months of the date of fund disbursement.
7. Any unused grant funds must be returned to the MCMGA.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the application process, contact us by email or phone.
Email:
monroeces@purdue.edu
Call:
812-349-2575
About the Grant Program
In 2011, the Monroe County Master Gardener Association (MCMGA) started a program to give grants to help small gardening projects created by non-profit groups in Monroe County.
Grants are funded by proceeds from the annual Garden Fair, our biggest event of the year. The spring Garden Fair brings together Master Gardeners and Purdue extension educators to share knowledge and answer your gardening questions. Garden affiliated vendors sell their wares. While the fair itself is free, MCMGA volunteers sell houseplants in one booth and food at the Garden Thyme Cafe. The money raised, along with patron donations, are returned to the community through this grant program.
Over the years, MCMGA has awarded over $16,000 to numerous groups including schools, religious and community organizations, neighborhood associations, and historical locations throughout the county.
The grant program was suspended during the pandemic, but was reinstated in 2023. Thanks to our exhibitors, donors, and supporters for assisting us in this important outreach program.
Meet the Driving Force Behind the Grant Program
Our own Nancy White was among a small group of Master Gardeners who founded the Grant Program. Read all about the motivation and origins of the program.
