NATIONAL GARDEN CLUBS INC. GRANTS
NATIONAL GARDEN CLUB GRANTS AND ACTIVITIES
2025-2027
Our NGC President, Donna Donnelly’s Plant America theme is:
PLANT AMERICA for the next 100 years!
Since its inception in 2017, the PLANT AMERICA (PA) NGC initiative has matured to become a recognized representation of National Garden Clubs, Inc. The logo symbolizes all aspects of gardening. Please plan to use the PLANT AMERICA logo in your theme, or it should at least be prominently advertised in your overall plans and on your State Website. (Please note- the trademark PA logo is always capitalized).
President’s Projects
2026-2027 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
1. Promoting the theme: PLANT AMERICA for the next 100 years! via Grants,
Reels, YouTube,Podcasts, Blogs, and Webinars.
2. Collaborating and working with other organizations to promote PLANT
AMERICA
3. Creating a 100th Anniversary Committee to start the groundwork for the
celebratory events for 2026.
4. Clean up of Bylaws and Standing Rules
The Poetry Contest themes for 2025 and 2026
2025- PLANT AMERICA for the next 100 years!
2026- PLANT AMERICA- Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with Red,
White, and Blue!
All of this information is on the National Garden Club website: gardenclub.org (click on the magnifying glass on the right hand side and type in the word “grants”). Our Louisiana Garden Club Federation website (lgcfinc.org) also has information on “Plant America” and a link to the NGC website.
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.
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
NGC Chairman: Valerie Story ([email protected])
AMES GARDENING TOOLS GRANT
NATURAL DISASTER GRANT FUND
The Natural Disaster USA Fund was established by NGC in 1997 to receive monetary contributions from states, clubs and individuals for the purpose of assisting local and state clubs with their garden-related restoration efforts. This fund has helped to replant parks, municipal gardens and other garden related sites due to natural disasters caused by floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, ice storms and wildfires.
Grants of up to $5,000 per project may be awarded in a fiscal year to local or state clubs. The application form can be downloaded from the link below. The application must include the location of the site involved, nature and severity of the disaster, proposed restoration plan by the garden club, estimated itemized cost of the project, as well as funds received from outside sources. A scale of points guideline is used for determining the grant to be awarded. Applications are to be emailed to Josephine Goodenow, Chairman ([email protected] ): Grants, Natural Disasters
The Natural Disaster USA Fund is supported solely by the generous donations of dedicated garden club members, and has extended a helping hand by awarding grants to many fellow garden clubs across the country. We ask for your contributions to keep this fund alive so that we will be able to continue to provide much needed assistance to clubs restoring garden-related areas devastated by any past, present or future natural disasters. Make checks payable to Natural Disaster USA Fund and mail to the attention of the NGC Treasurer, at Headquarters, 4401 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110-3492. All donations are tax deductible, and will be gratefully acknowledged!
ESPOMA ORGANIC AND NGC WANTS TO HELP YOUR CLUB
TO “PLANT AMERICA”
$250 Grant for Your Clubs Gardening Project
Members of National Garden Clubs (NGC) are passionate about growing with a purpose and The Espoma Company wants to help. We’re looking for local clubs with vision that we can help bring to life. We’re selecting up to 20 clubs with projects in 2025 to receive a $250 grant for Espoma plant foods and potting soils. See NGC website (gardenclub.org) for details under “Grants”.
FROM PENNY PINES TO PLANT-A-TREE
As some of you may already be familiar with this program when it was called Penny Pines, the new name "Plant-A-Tree" better reflects the program's mission and will help us reach a wider audience. Additionally, we are also making changes to the donation process to make it more accessible and user-friendly. Even if you are already familiar with the original Penny Pines program, please read through the changes below. Donation amounts previously required donations to be in increments of $68.00. Donors can now donate any amount starting at $50.00- $10,000. This change provides greater flexibility for donors and enables a wider range of people to participate in the program. Donations are to be sent to NGC Headquarters.
CERTIFICATES IMPORTANT UPDATE: DIGITAL CERTIFICATES ONLY – As of May 31, 2025, NGC no longer mails certificates and has fully transitioned to a digital format.
An email address is required with each donation to receive a tax receipt and a link to a customizable digital certificate. Donors can opt to make a certificate in honor or in memory of someone if desired, however we no longer need to collect this information. We assure you that your privacy and personal information will be handled with the utmost care and security.
DONATING TO SPECIFIED FORESTS When donating, you may choose to have your donation go to where it's most needed or you may select a National Forest; however, the Forest Service reserves the right to utilize funds based on need. If you specify a National Forest where there is no tree planting needed, then the donation may be used for planting trees on another forest. *Please note, individual plantings will not be identified per donor (ex: if you donate to a forest, you would be unable to locate a specific tree that you helped donate). Once again, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your support and dedication to our reforestation efforts. Your contributions make a real and lasting impact, and we are honored to have you as part of our garden club community and are grateful for your partnership in this important work.
OPERATION WILDFLOWER: Native Plants and Wildflowers
A grant of up to $500 is available to be used towards direct expenses for an educational program on the subject of native plants and Wildflowers. State Garden Clubs, districts, councils and individual garden clubs may co-sponsor a symposium with state agencies, arboreta, native plant societies, or similar organizations. Gardeners are eager for information on native plants; state highway or transportation departments need publicity and support for their planting programs. Try to schedule the date when wildflowers are in bloom in your location.
PLANT AMERICA for the next 100 years!
Since its inception in 2017, the PLANT AMERICA (PA) NGC initiative has matured to become a recognized representation of National Garden Clubs, Inc. The logo symbolizes all aspects of gardening. Please plan to use the PLANT AMERICA logo in your theme, or it should at least be prominently advertised in your overall plans and on your State Website. (Please note- the trademark PA logo is always capitalized).
President’s Projects
- PLANT AMERICA
- In 2026, PLANT AMERICA - Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday by planting Red, White and Blue (Note: Plant patriotic flowers of red, white, and blue. Trees may also be included)
- KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL
2026-2027 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:
1. Promoting the theme: PLANT AMERICA for the next 100 years! via Grants,
Reels, YouTube,Podcasts, Blogs, and Webinars.
2. Collaborating and working with other organizations to promote PLANT
AMERICA
3. Creating a 100th Anniversary Committee to start the groundwork for the
celebratory events for 2026.
4. Clean up of Bylaws and Standing Rules
The Poetry Contest themes for 2025 and 2026
2025- PLANT AMERICA for the next 100 years!
2026- PLANT AMERICA- Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday with Red,
White, and Blue!
All of this information is on the National Garden Club website: gardenclub.org (click on the magnifying glass on the right hand side and type in the word “grants”). Our Louisiana Garden Club Federation website (lgcfinc.org) also has information on “Plant America” and a link to the NGC website.
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 members will 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
NGC Chairman: Valerie Story ([email protected])
AMES GARDENING TOOLS GRANT
- National Garden Club, Inc.’s grant program with The AMES Companies, Inc. began in 2014. The AMES Companies has generously agreed to extend its in-kind grant program for 2025.
- Take advantage of this benefit of being an NGC member garden club. You may select tools up to a retail value of $250 for your community garden or garden therapy club project. Details may be found below. Many tools are appropriate for children or gardeners who prefer a cushion grip handle. Select “Resources and Forms” to find the Grant Application Form and the Item Selection Sheet.
- Garden tools with a total retail value of $5,000 are available for NGC gardening projects. Gardening projects performed and supported by NGC member clubs and scheduled to be carried out March 1 through September 30, 2025 are eligible. (Check gardenclub.org for 2026 dates.) Projects may be a joint venture with another organization, however the garden club applying must be a member of NGC. Awarded tools will be shipped to the successful applicants by May 31, 2026.
NATURAL DISASTER GRANT FUND
The Natural Disaster USA Fund was established by NGC in 1997 to receive monetary contributions from states, clubs and individuals for the purpose of assisting local and state clubs with their garden-related restoration efforts. This fund has helped to replant parks, municipal gardens and other garden related sites due to natural disasters caused by floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, ice storms and wildfires.
Grants of up to $5,000 per project may be awarded in a fiscal year to local or state clubs. The application form can be downloaded from the link below. The application must include the location of the site involved, nature and severity of the disaster, proposed restoration plan by the garden club, estimated itemized cost of the project, as well as funds received from outside sources. A scale of points guideline is used for determining the grant to be awarded. Applications are to be emailed to Josephine Goodenow, Chairman ([email protected] ): Grants, Natural Disasters
The Natural Disaster USA Fund is supported solely by the generous donations of dedicated garden club members, and has extended a helping hand by awarding grants to many fellow garden clubs across the country. We ask for your contributions to keep this fund alive so that we will be able to continue to provide much needed assistance to clubs restoring garden-related areas devastated by any past, present or future natural disasters. Make checks payable to Natural Disaster USA Fund and mail to the attention of the NGC Treasurer, at Headquarters, 4401 Magnolia Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110-3492. All donations are tax deductible, and will be gratefully acknowledged!
ESPOMA ORGANIC AND NGC WANTS TO HELP YOUR CLUB
TO “PLANT AMERICA”
$250 Grant for Your Clubs Gardening Project
Members of National Garden Clubs (NGC) are passionate about growing with a purpose and The Espoma Company wants to help. We’re looking for local clubs with vision that we can help bring to life. We’re selecting up to 20 clubs with projects in 2025 to receive a $250 grant for Espoma plant foods and potting soils. See NGC website (gardenclub.org) for details under “Grants”.
FROM PENNY PINES TO PLANT-A-TREE
As some of you may already be familiar with this program when it was called Penny Pines, the new name "Plant-A-Tree" better reflects the program's mission and will help us reach a wider audience. Additionally, we are also making changes to the donation process to make it more accessible and user-friendly. Even if you are already familiar with the original Penny Pines program, please read through the changes below. Donation amounts previously required donations to be in increments of $68.00. Donors can now donate any amount starting at $50.00- $10,000. This change provides greater flexibility for donors and enables a wider range of people to participate in the program. Donations are to be sent to NGC Headquarters.
CERTIFICATES IMPORTANT UPDATE: DIGITAL CERTIFICATES ONLY – As of May 31, 2025, NGC no longer mails certificates and has fully transitioned to a digital format.
An email address is required with each donation to receive a tax receipt and a link to a customizable digital certificate. Donors can opt to make a certificate in honor or in memory of someone if desired, however we no longer need to collect this information. We assure you that your privacy and personal information will be handled with the utmost care and security.
DONATING TO SPECIFIED FORESTS When donating, you may choose to have your donation go to where it's most needed or you may select a National Forest; however, the Forest Service reserves the right to utilize funds based on need. If you specify a National Forest where there is no tree planting needed, then the donation may be used for planting trees on another forest. *Please note, individual plantings will not be identified per donor (ex: if you donate to a forest, you would be unable to locate a specific tree that you helped donate). Once again, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your support and dedication to our reforestation efforts. Your contributions make a real and lasting impact, and we are honored to have you as part of our garden club community and are grateful for your partnership in this important work.
OPERATION WILDFLOWER: Native Plants and Wildflowers
A grant of up to $500 is available to be used towards direct expenses for an educational program on the subject of native plants and Wildflowers. State Garden Clubs, districts, councils and individual garden clubs may co-sponsor a symposium with state agencies, arboreta, native plant societies, or similar organizations. Gardeners are eager for information on native plants; state highway or transportation departments need publicity and support for their planting programs. Try to schedule the date when wildflowers are in bloom in your location.
Environmental Concerns/ Conservation (Air, Energy, Land and Water)
Donna Bucci, Chairman
The purpose is to promote a better understanding and awareness of the need for conservation of our natural resources through incentive and awareness programs. Also the aim is to promote environmental education projects within the state. Through these programs, we develop a caring attitude for our state’s natural resources and its environment.
Our clubs are involved in many of these projects in our state i.e. Litter Projects and Earth Day Programs. We plant Native Plants and Wildflowers and trees for Arbor Day. We may have a Waterway Clean-up Day, participate in Keep Louisiana Beautiful and our Cleanest City Contest, or any number of programs that improve our environment and our surroundings.
Our Environmental Study Schools share a wealth of knowledge for all of our Environmental Concerns as many of you who are Consultants in this room know. I urge everyone to participate in this worthwhile school.
For all these projects, there is an LGCF Award #12 which I sponsor that coincides with your projects. There were 3 winners last year with money earned by 3 clubs.
There is also a Deep South Region Award # 8, as well as 6 different awards by National Garden Clubs that are specific for Conservation Activities, Conservation Education, Wildlife Survival, Water, Native Plants and Wildflowers and Organic Practices.
So with your projects you could receive any number of awards plus money for your club.
All of this award information is available through our LGCF Website (lgcfinc.org).
I urge all of the District Directors to pass this information to your Club Presidents, and apply, apply, apply!
AWARD #12 - CONSERVATION PROJECT AWARD Eligible for DS #8 and NGC #EC-1, EC-2, EC-4 Donor: Donna Bucci Send Application to:
Environmental Concerns/Conservation Chairman Donna Bucci 1244 Delmar Avenue Morgan City, LA 70380-5904 [email protected] A certificate and $25.00 will be awarded annually to an individual Federated club or group of clubs for meritorious achievement in any of the following conservation activities: Education, legislative, cleaning of bodies of water and/or wetlands, other field projects or year's overall conservation program. Second place will receive a certificate and $15.00. Third Place will receive a certificate and $10.00. See General Rules
Project can include the following, but not limited to these:
Litter Projects within our cities and schools
Program for Earth Day where we teach Reduce, Renew, and Recycle,
Plant trees for Arbor Day
Waterway Clean-up Day
Participate in Keep Louisiana Beautiful
Participate in our Cleanest City Contest
Native Plants and Wildflower projects i.e Butterfly Gardens and Pollinator Gardens
Any number of programs that improve our environment and our surroundings
See also:
Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc. Award # 8
National Garden Clubs, Inc.: Awards: EC1-Conservation Activities, EC2- Conservation Education, EC3- Wildlife Survival, EC4- Water, EC5- Native Plants and Wildflowers, EC6- Organic Practices.
Our clubs are involved in many of these projects in our state i.e. Litter Projects and Earth Day Programs. We plant Native Plants and Wildflowers and trees for Arbor Day. We may have a Waterway Clean-up Day, participate in Keep Louisiana Beautiful and our Cleanest City Contest, or any number of programs that improve our environment and our surroundings.
Our Environmental Study Schools share a wealth of knowledge for all of our Environmental Concerns as many of you who are Consultants in this room know. I urge everyone to participate in this worthwhile school.
For all these projects, there is an LGCF Award #12 which I sponsor that coincides with your projects. There were 3 winners last year with money earned by 3 clubs.
There is also a Deep South Region Award # 8, as well as 6 different awards by National Garden Clubs that are specific for Conservation Activities, Conservation Education, Wildlife Survival, Water, Native Plants and Wildflowers and Organic Practices.
So with your projects you could receive any number of awards plus money for your club.
All of this award information is available through our LGCF Website (lgcfinc.org).
I urge all of the District Directors to pass this information to your Club Presidents, and apply, apply, apply!
AWARD #12 - CONSERVATION PROJECT AWARD Eligible for DS #8 and NGC #EC-1, EC-2, EC-4 Donor: Donna Bucci Send Application to:
Environmental Concerns/Conservation Chairman Donna Bucci 1244 Delmar Avenue Morgan City, LA 70380-5904 [email protected] A certificate and $25.00 will be awarded annually to an individual Federated club or group of clubs for meritorious achievement in any of the following conservation activities: Education, legislative, cleaning of bodies of water and/or wetlands, other field projects or year's overall conservation program. Second place will receive a certificate and $15.00. Third Place will receive a certificate and $10.00. See General Rules
Project can include the following, but not limited to these:
Litter Projects within our cities and schools
Program for Earth Day where we teach Reduce, Renew, and Recycle,
Plant trees for Arbor Day
Waterway Clean-up Day
Participate in Keep Louisiana Beautiful
Participate in our Cleanest City Contest
Native Plants and Wildflower projects i.e Butterfly Gardens and Pollinator Gardens
Any number of programs that improve our environment and our surroundings
See also:
Deep South Garden Clubs, Inc. Award # 8
National Garden Clubs, Inc.: Awards: EC1-Conservation Activities, EC2- Conservation Education, EC3- Wildlife Survival, EC4- Water, EC5- Native Plants and Wildflowers, EC6- Organic Practices.
ABOUT PLANT AMERICA
APRIL IS PLANT AMERICA MONTHPLANT AMERICA MONTH was initiated by former NGC President Mary Warshauer in April 2021. We will continue to celebrate Plant America Month in April during the 2023-2025 administration.
PLANT AMERICA MONTH incorporates the celebration of Arbor Day, which falls on the last Friday of April and Earth Day which falls on April 22 yearly.
PLANT AMERICA began in 2017 under the leadership of former NGC President Nancy Hargroves. NGC’s focus on community centered projects and efforts brings life to PLANT AMERICA.
PLANT AMERICA encourages NGC’s mission to promote the love of gardening, floral design, civic and environmental responsibility.
PLANT AMERICA projects enhance public areas, honor our veterans with Blue Star landscaping projects, educate children and adults about the joys of gardening and create pride through local, city, and county projects.
PLANT AMERICA Community Grants are available to member clubs for their projects.
PLANT AMERICA: “Plant to breathe; Plant to cool down the earth; Plant to heal yourself, physically and mentally; Plant to regain balance; Plant to live.” ― Noora Ahmed Alsuwaidi
MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
Environmental Education
The Environmental Concerns and Conservation Committee was created to provide leadership and focus on the core elements of a healthy environment: Air Quality, Land Conservation, and Water Quality; The focus is protection and conservation. This team will provide conservation information for the education of NGC members and the public, emphasizing the topic of water - its conservation and safety in light of the drought conditions and drinking water contaminant issues in parts of the United States.
Plant America Community Project Grants
This new grant fund is being created to raise funds for, and distribute funds to, local garden club projects. In response to corporate funds not being as available to the NGC community as they used to, President Hargrove has stated that "we must become self sustaining," and the establishment of the grant fund will be a crucial step forward in doing that.
The first grants will be awarded in 2017. Funds will be actively solicited from members, affiliated organizations, sponsors and partners to provide financial and in-kind support for worthy projects. This is not just a 2-year project; the intention is for this to be a perpetual fund that will help sustain member clubs and their projects beyond the 2017-2019 administration.
NGC STORE (Books and Plant America Promotionals)
Youth books written to engage young children are available. Beautifully illustrated and written by Brenda Moore, the books will provide educators and clubs working with children a magnificent tool to introduce the joys of gardening. Other Plant America items are offered.
PLANT AMERICA MONTH incorporates the celebration of Arbor Day, which falls on the last Friday of April and Earth Day which falls on April 22 yearly.
PLANT AMERICA began in 2017 under the leadership of former NGC President Nancy Hargroves. NGC’s focus on community centered projects and efforts brings life to PLANT AMERICA.
PLANT AMERICA encourages NGC’s mission to promote the love of gardening, floral design, civic and environmental responsibility.
PLANT AMERICA projects enhance public areas, honor our veterans with Blue Star landscaping projects, educate children and adults about the joys of gardening and create pride through local, city, and county projects.
PLANT AMERICA Community Grants are available to member clubs for their projects.
PLANT AMERICA: “Plant to breathe; Plant to cool down the earth; Plant to heal yourself, physically and mentally; Plant to regain balance; Plant to live.” ― Noora Ahmed Alsuwaidi
MORE ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
Environmental Education
The Environmental Concerns and Conservation Committee was created to provide leadership and focus on the core elements of a healthy environment: Air Quality, Land Conservation, and Water Quality; The focus is protection and conservation. This team will provide conservation information for the education of NGC members and the public, emphasizing the topic of water - its conservation and safety in light of the drought conditions and drinking water contaminant issues in parts of the United States.
Plant America Community Project Grants
This new grant fund is being created to raise funds for, and distribute funds to, local garden club projects. In response to corporate funds not being as available to the NGC community as they used to, President Hargrove has stated that "we must become self sustaining," and the establishment of the grant fund will be a crucial step forward in doing that.
The first grants will be awarded in 2017. Funds will be actively solicited from members, affiliated organizations, sponsors and partners to provide financial and in-kind support for worthy projects. This is not just a 2-year project; the intention is for this to be a perpetual fund that will help sustain member clubs and their projects beyond the 2017-2019 administration.
NGC STORE (Books and Plant America Promotionals)
Youth books written to engage young children are available. Beautifully illustrated and written by Brenda Moore, the books will provide educators and clubs working with children a magnificent tool to introduce the joys of gardening. Other Plant America items are offered.
LGCF, Inc.
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