The 2011-12 Garden Grants program is now open. Application forms are available here.
This year, we are wishing to specifically support projects that focus on garden renewal.

These may be renewal activities that are needed as a result of natural disasters (fire, flood, cyclones, storms, drought etc.), or from other difficulties or hardship.

Eligible gardens will be those that have either been publicly accessible through our program of garden openings in past years, or gardens have otherwise been open to public access and enjoyment (and are likely to be open in the future), from any state or territory of Australia.

Applications are invited from individuals, community groups and associations, and not-for-profit organisations. Applications for grants of amounts between $1,000 and $5,000 are invited.

A project may be jointly funded, but details of other secured funding should be included with the application.

Applications close at 4pm on Tuesday 14 February 2012.
Essential Information
Selection Criteria
Submission of applications
Application Form
Assessment of applications
Background
How the Community Benefits
Donations by garden owners
Open Garden Australia grants

Guidelines for our Grants program

Essential Information required

  • The application must provide adequate information to allow the assessment panel to understand the nature and value of the project.

  • Applications must include costings of all key components of the project, together with a total inclusive project cost.

  • Applications must include a summary timetable for completion of the project. Preference will be given to projects that will be completed within 2012.

  • Applications must be accompanied by at least two independent references.


    • Selection Criteria

    All applications should address the following selection criteria:

  • The project should enhance the knowledge, pleasure and benefits of gardening.

  • The project must in a site that has been publicly accessible (such as through being open with AOGS/OGA, or being a public garden) and will have opportunities for public visitation in the future.

  • The project may address renewal of historical, botanical, landscape or cultural aspects of a garden.

  • The project should provide good value for money - this may be enhanced through the involvement of volunteers and/or community based groups, or supplementary funding from other sources.

  • The project must be feasible, achievable, and realistically costed.

  • If permits or other permissions are required, these should be already secured, or if not, then an undertaking needs to be provided that the necessary permissions will be provided before grant funds are received.

  • The completion of the project should achieve a significantly beneficial outcome.

  • Preference will be given to projects that are unlikely to have other sources of funding, and that have not received significant grant funding through OGA/AOGS programs in the recent past.


    • Submission of applications

    Applications must be on the form which is available on our website. Please see the link below.
    A maximum of two pages (the form), two written references and four digital images will be accepted.

    Please do not provide additional material - it will not be considered. No material will be returned.

    Applications should be lodged at the National Office of Open Gardens Australia, by post or email: national@opengarden.org.au
    Post: PO Box 940, Woodend, VIC 3442

    The closing date for grant applications is 4pm on 14 February 2012.
    Decisions regarding successful applications will be announced by 15 April 2012.
    All grants will be distributed before 30 June 2012.

    Application Form

    You can download a PDF of the application form here >>

    Or download a Word version of the application form here >>

    Assessment of applications

  • Applications will be short-listed by an assessment panel at the National Office of Open Gardens Australia.

  • The short-listing process will be based on an assessment of the merit and value of the project, its assessment against the criteria, and the application's conformity to these guidelines.

  • Short-listed projects will then be reviewed by a panel comprising members of the OGA Regional Committee, OGA staff and ABC Local Radio within the project's State or Territory, and successful applications will be recommended for final approval.

    • Background

    The 2011-12 Garden Grants Program builds on the success of 12 previous annual programs that have returned over $1,100,000 to the community. Since 1987 Open Gardens Australia has funded over 475 community projects around Australia.

    Open Gardens Australia is a self-funding, not-for-profit organisation that promotes the knowledge, benefits and pleasure of gardens and gardening to all Australians.

    Each year more than 200,000 people visit around 550 private gardens which open as part of our regional programs. A proportion of the visitors' entry fees fund the organisation's operation.

    Funds surplus to operating costs are returned to the community in the form of grants for garden-related projects.

    ABC Radio has been a proud supporter of OGA since its inception in 1987. From local Saturday morning gardening talkback to 'Gardening Australia' on ABC Television, the ABC supports and recognises gardening as one of Australia's most popular pastimes.

    How the Community Benefits

    By opening Australia's finest private gardens to the public, the community benefits financially in two very distinct ways: by donations to charity by our garden owners, and by the organisations own Giving Program.

    Donations by garden owners

    Since 1987 our garden owners have donated more than $4.84 million to charity. Last season alone, our garden owners donated around $270,000 to charities and local causes. These funds were raised through garden entry fees, refreshment stalls, plants sales and various other activities on open days.

    Garden Grants

    Open Gardens Australia is committed to encouraging gardening and improving our environment. One of the ways we achieve this is by funding community-based garden projects. Each year, funds surplus to our operational costs are returned to the community in the form of grants.

    Since 1987, community projects around Australia have benefited to the tune of $1,100,000. This is in addition to funding our own national expansion.

    Recipients of funds include Botanic Gardens which play a vital role in encouraging plant diversity and education. We have funded the identification of important plant collections which enhance the community's knowledge and appreciation of plant diversity.

    Open Gardens Australia's commitment to the gardeners of the future is aptly demonstrated by the substantial number of school gardens which have received funding, encouraging tomorrow's gardeners.

    The therapeutic qualities of gardens and plants have also ensured that hospitals and retirement villages have been the focus of a number of grants.

    A growing interest in the gardening heritage of Australia is also reflected in grants given for tree surgery, restoration of hard landscaping, undergrounding of utilities and research into historic gardens.

    Inspired by the enthusiasm of community groups, we have provided funds for projects which are enhancing towns and cities across the breadth of Australia. Included among these are a number of gardens celebrating specific plant collections.

    In recognition of the challenges of gardening in our climate, Open Gardens Australia has also been involved in the construction of waterwise gardens, the installation of watering systems in historic gardens and several fire safe gardens in a bushfire-prone regions.
    Home | About Us | Visit Your State | Special Events | Guidebook | Shop | Giving Program | Photos | News | Contact Us | Interesting Links
    © 2011 Open Gardens Australia | Disclaimer | Privacy Statement