Selection Criteria for School Grants Program

The Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County offer a School Grants Program that awards monies to selected schools in Buncombe County to promote gardening education and appreciation among school-aged children.  School Grants Program applications are due by August 21^st of each year and grants are awarded during the first week of September.  Grant awards vary, but the average amount is $250.00. 

The Mission of the Extension Master Gardener Volunteers of Buncombe County is to provide education and current research-based urban horticultural information through North Carolina Cooperative Extension programs and activities, while striving to improve and preserve our natural environment.  School Grants Program applications will be evaluated to determine how well the applicant's program meets the Extension Master Gardeners mission. The following selection criteria will be considered:

• Type of program for which the grant funds are sought (e.g. in school program, after school program, summer program, etc.);

• The educational goal(s) of the program (e.g. horticultural, environmental, etc.);

• Whether the program will teach and promote environmentally-friendly gardening practices;

• Whether the program offers applied, hands-on learning opportunities to student participants;

• The purchase of appropriate supplies such as seeds, plants, bulbs, soil conditioners, amendments, mulch, stakes, tools, etc. (Large equipment will not be funded.)

• The number of students who will be served by the program;

• The primary population served by the program (e.g. age, grade, etc);

• Special characteristics of the students to be served (at-risk, socio-economic challenges, special needs, etc.);

•  The number of school staff and volunteers that will assist with the program;

• The nature and amount of community involvement;

• Whether other organizations or groups are involved in the program (by providing funding, volunteers, donations, etc.);

• The overall level of support for the program (school, staff, volunteers, community, other groups, etc.);

• How the garden will be maintained year-round.

Each application will be judged in its entirety.  A program that is weak with respect to one or more criteria may still be selected as a grant recipient if it is strong in other areas.

While it is possible to reapply for another school grant, please note that funding availability and number of grant requests will be taken into account when considering applicants who have received funding in the previous year.

The School Grants Committee will not consider any applicant who has ties to a Buncombe Extension Master Gardener in order to avoid any semblance of favoritism or nepotism.

Note that preference will be given to programs that reach underserved and disadvantaged populations, but this is not a requirement for receiving a grant.

Grant recipients will be expected to complete a year-end evaluation that includes:

• 1) Receipts and/or school financial statements
• 2) Evaluation Report completed by grantee and submitted by May 30, 2010.

Grant Application Cover Letter

Grant Application