The Exeter Area Garden Club has presented 85 mini grants to Seacoast Area gardeners in the past 10 years. As of June 2020, we have awarded over $15,000 to area residents. Public areas both large and small have benefited from the program. Gardeners from Stratham and Exeter as well as those from the greater seacoast area (Barrington-Kingston-Hampton-Epping) have received Mini Grants.
Grant amounts are $100 to $400. Applications will be accepted between March 1st and May 1st, so applicants have time to think about what they plan to do once spring arrives. Funds will be forwarded to recipients by May 15th.
Applications should include a description of the work planned, including types of plants. We encourage submission of a plan. We are asking that recipients send a “before” photo with their application and another photo when the project is done. Later in the summer we will tour the gardens to admire the work.
If you are, or know of, an individual or a group who would like some financial assistance in sprucing up a public location in your community, please apply. The application form is available at the bottom of this page.
Purpose
The Exeter Area Garden Club Mini-Grant program has been established to encourage beautification of our local landscape and communities. It was developed by the Environment & Conservation Committee. See who received mini-grants in the past:
Applicants may request $100 – $400 per year for a project to be completed within the calendar year.
Eligibility
Applications will be accepted from organizations, community and civic groups, schools, businesses, or individuals from towns in the Exeter area. Only one project may be submitted per group in a given funding round. Preference will be given to new efforts by the applicant to improve a location. Funds should not be used for programs the applicant’s organization is already funding.
Eligible Use of Funds
Funds are to be used for trees, shrubs, plants, seeds, bulbs, containers, mulching materials, etc. Please be cautious not to use invasive plant species.
Ineligible Use of Funds
No funds shall be used for administrative costs, salaries, tools, or transportation.
Accounting
Applicants shall maintain an accurate record of expenditures incurred and shall submit, if requested, these records upon project completion. Grant recipients should notify the committee upon completion and submit a photograph of the completed project.
Criteria
Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria:
Need for project is adequately described
Project is designed to beautify and enhance a public space
Project does not duplicate existing programs
Goals and budget are clearly stated, specifically describing how the money will be spent
A plan is in place for maintenance of the project on a regular basis to include watering, weeding and pruning. The committee puts particular emphasis on this component of your project.
Priority is given to applicants with new projects. Repeat applications will be given consideration to complete a project already funded.
The committee reserves the right to accept or reject any project application and will respond to all applications.
