2008 Community Grants Program

Australia's Open Garden Scheme Community Grants program is providing a total of $55,000 across Australia for 30 garden-related community projects.

Applications close at 5pm on Thursday 24 July.

Please note: Applications will only be accepted by mail (not fax or email). Any application received after 5pm on Thursday 24 July will not be eligible.

Guidelines for our Grants program

• Applications are invited from individuals, community groups and not-for-profit organisations.
• A project may be jointly funded but details of other funding should be included with the application.
• Schools and educational institutions are eligible to apply.
• For schools applying for grants, direct evidence of student participation in the planning and implementation of the project is an advantage.

Essential Information required

• Applications must include detailed costings of all aspects of the project.
• Applications must include a timetable for completion of the project.
• Applications must show a demonstrated commitment to ongoing maintenance.
• Applications must be accompanied by at least two independent references.

Selection Criteria

All applications should address the following selection criteria:

1. The project must be of lasting benefit to the local and wider community.
2. The project must be accessible to the public on a permanent or semi-permanent basis.
3. The project must have the demonstrated support of the local community.
4. The project should involve volunteers and/or community based groups.
5. The project should enhance the knowledge and pleasure of gardening.
6. The project may have educational or historical relevance to the community.

The Grants

NSW AND THE ACT
$15,000 is available for projects. This will be allocated as follows:

Sydney Metropolitan
One grant of $3,000; two further grants of $1,000 each
Entries to be sent to:
35 Murdoch St, Turramurra 2074
Enquiries: (02) 9983 1836 or (03) 5428 1076

Northern NSW
One grant of $3,000; two further grants of $1,000 each
Entries to be sent to:
'Devon House', 11 Rangers Valley Rd, Dundee 2370
Enquiries: (03) 5428 1076

ACT & Southern NSW
One grant of $3,000; two further grants of $1,000 each
Entries to be sent to:
53 Casey Close, Sutton, NSW 2620
Enquiries: (02) 6230 3143 or (03) 5428 1076

QUEENSLAND
$10,000 is available for projects. This will be allocated as follows:
Two grants of $3,000 each; four further grants of $1,000 each.
Entries to be sent to:
PO Box 3029, Norman Park 4170
Enquiries: (07) 3395 8919 or (03) 5428 1076

SOUTH AUSTRALIA
$5,000 is available for projects. This will be allocated as follows:
One grant of $3,000; two further grants of $1,000 each.
Entries to be sent to:
PO Box 1665, Mount Barker 5251
Enquiries: (08) 8388 0119 or (03) 5428 1076

NORTHERN TERRITORY
$3,000 is available for projects. This will be allocated as follows:
One grant of $2,000; one further grant of $1,000.
Entries to be sent to:
PO Box 1309, Palmerston 0831
Enquiries: (08) 8932 9922 or (03) 5428 1076

TASMANIA
One grant of $5,000 is available.
Entries to be sent to:
1113 Kindred Rd, Kindred 7310
Enquiries: (03) 6429 3175 or (03) 5428 1076

VICTORIA
$10,000 is available for projects. This will be allocated as follows:
Two grants of $3,000; two further grants of $2,000 each.
Entries to be sent to:
32 Nestle Court, Arthurs Seat 3936
Enquiries: (03) 5981 8800 or (03) 5428 1076

WESTERN AUSTRALIA
$5,000 is available for projects. This will be allocated as follows:
One grant of $2,000; two further grants of $1,500 each.
Entries to be sent to:
118 Grantham St, Floreat 6014
Enquiries: (08) 9387 1388 or (03) 5428 1076

Application Form

You can download a PDF of the application form here >>
(108 KB | get the free PDF reader)

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

Or to receive this information by post, click here >> to email us your name and address.

Judging

Judging panels comprise representatives of Australia's Open Garden Scheme and ABC Local Radio. Members of the judging panel may contact applicants for further information.

Judging will be completed by Friday 22 August and all applicants will be advised of the result.

AOGS reserves the right to vary the awards or not to make an award if projects are judged of insufficient quality.

Background

The 2008 Community Grants Program will build on the success of ten previous annual programs that have returned $870,000 to the community. Since 1987 the Scheme has funded 350 community projects around Australia.

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

Each year more than 250,000 people visit around 600 private gardens which open for the Scheme. The entry fees charged fund the Scheme's operation.

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

Australia's Open Garden Scheme in association with ABC Radio is proud to offer these grants to community organisations for the creation or improvement of a garden for a public or community outdoor space.

ABC Radio has been a proud supporter of the Scheme 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

Australia's Open Garden Scheme is a self-funding, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting the knowledge and pleasure of gardens and gardening.

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 Scheme's own Community Grants program.

Donations by garden owners

Since 1987 the Scheme's garden owners have donated more than $4 million to charity. Last season alone, our garden owners donated nearly $345,000 to charities and local causes. These funds were raised through garden entry fees, refreshment stalls, plants sales and various other activities on open days.

Community Garden Grants

The Scheme 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 $870,000. 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.

The Scheme'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, the Scheme has 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, the Scheme has also been involved in the construction of a Waterwise Garden, the installation of watering systems in historic gardens and a Fire Safe Garden in a bushfire-prone region.

• More details about the diverse projects funded in previous years ...