Master Gardeners of the Ozarks announce the availability of mini-grant funds for projects and/or tasks that support the goals and objectives of our group as specified below:

"The mission of the Master Gardeners of the Ozarks is to help others learn to grow. Master Gardeners involve people in improving the quality of life and enhancing the economy and environment through horticultural education."

The purpose of mini-grants is to provide funds for tasks and/or projects that fit the goals and objectives of the group but could not otherwise be accomplished without these funds. This rule also applies for educational funding. A total amount of $3000 has been unanimously approved for use as award money.

Requests must be submitted in writing by members of Master Gardeners of the Ozarks on the Grant Application Form designed for that purpose. This form is available through the Stone County Extension Office in Galena, from the Master Gardeners of the Ozarks website (http://mgozarks.com/) or from Grant Committee members. Applications must be submitted by February 1st, 2012 and will be reviewed by the Grant Committee and recommendations made to the membership of the Master Gardeners of the Ozarks at the following general meeting on February 13, 2012. The general membership will then vote on the committee's recommendations and the grants will be awarded. Grant Awards will be  posted on the group's website the next day.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Eligible projects or tasks would ideally but not necessarily be located within the Stone and Taney County area. Grants awarded are a one-time only occurrence and funds must be spent within one calendar year of receipt of the money. These Grants are for projects and/or tasks that are not fully funded from other sources.

SCOPE

Examples of qualified tasks and projects include but are not limited to the following:

• Plan and host an educational conference
• Plan and develop a community garden project
• Plan and host a community garden tour
• Plan and host an advanced educational opportunity for Master Gardeners
• Education funding assistance not covered in other programs

EVALUATION & SELECTION CRITERIA

All requests received will be acknowledged. Do not assume that members of the Grant Committee are familiar with your task or project. You must clearly identify your objectives and how they will be accomplished. Requests will be judged by the following:

• Relevance to the Master Gardeners of the Ozarks goals
• Feasibility of completing the project and spending the award money within the proposed time frame
• Appropriateness of the project and clarity of the application

MATCHING OR MULTIPLE FUNDS

Matching or multiple funds are not required, however they are encouraged. Any additional funds you have applied for, have received or expect to receive should be included in your application narrative.

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE GRANT

• First, you need to obtain an official Grant Application.
   Grant Application Form (153.16 kB)
  You may also have the form mailed to you by requesting one from the Stone County Extension Office (417)-357-6812.
• Fill out the application form in full and use extra paper if necessary for your narrative and plant/supply list.
• If filling out a paper application, mail it with your attachments (narrative and plant/supply list) to:
  • Master Gardener Grant Applications
  • c/o Stone County Extension Office
  • PO Box 345
  • Galena, MO 65656
• If filling out the form electronically at the website, complete the form and click the "Submit Form" button on the top right of the document. Supply your email address and full name when prompted. This will send the form to the Grant Committee Chairman by email.
  • Important: If you are filling out the form electronically, send a second email with your narrative and plant/supply list attached to the Grant Committee Chairman ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or send them by mail to the address above. We must receive all documents before we can consider your application. The deadline is February 1st, 2012.
    

NOTIFICATION OF AWARD

You will be notified in advance of the monthly Master Gardener business meeting of February 13th, 2012 whether your project has been recommended for a grant or not. The Committee will respond to all grant applicants. Those recommended for approval must then be submitted to the general membership for final approval by majority vote.