Grant Program

In 2011, the Monroe County Master Gardener Association (MCMGA) started a program to give grants to help small gardening projects created by non-profit groups in Monroe County.

Grants are funded by proceeds from the annual Garden Fair, our biggest event of the year. The spring Garden Fair brings together Master Gardeners and Purdue extension educators to share knowledge and answer your gardening questions. Garden affiliated vendors sell their wares. While the fair itself is free, MCMGA volunteers sell houseplants in one booth and food at the Garden Thyme Cafe. The money raised, along with patron donations, are returned to the community through this grant program.

Over the years, MCMGA has awarded over $16,000 to numerous groups including schools, religious and community organizations, neighborhood associations, and historical locations throughout the county.

The grant program was suspended during the pandemic, but was reinstated in 2023. Thanks to our exhibitors, donors, and supporters for assisting us in this important outreach program.

Meet the 2023 Grant Recipients

  • View of St. Thomas Lutheran Church community garden with shed in background.

    St. Thomas Lutheran Church Garden: Critter-Proof Fence

    The St. Thomas Lutheran Church Garden Project was started in 2009 as an outreach program. In recent years, rabbits invaded the garden and various methods to deter them haven’t been successful. Grant funding will provide for a substantial fence to be built around the entire garden area. It will be designed to permanently protect all the garden plots resulting in increased production and donations to community food bank agencies.

  • Fiarview Elementary School gardening books

    Fairview Elementary School Garden: Little Free Library

    The grant funds for Fairview Elementary School Garden supported the purchase of a Little Free Library and children’s gardening books. The grant supported the purchase of 15 books, however many additional books continue to be donated by teachers and volunteers.

  • Invasive jumping worm (Amynthas sp.). Photo: Susan Day / UW–Madison Arboretum

    MC-IRIS: Invasive Jumping Worm Flyer

    Monroe County Identify and Reduce Invasive Species (MC-IRIS) has been working to share information with landowners on how to identify and report sightings of the invasive Asian Jumping Worm on their property. MC-IRIS will use grant funds to print an informational flyer designed by a local artist. They plan to distribute the flyer at a variety of venues including the Annual Master Gardeners Garden Fair to reach the widest possible audience.

  • Vegetables growing in the remote Middleway House garden

    Middle Way House: New Remote Garden

    Middle Way House used their award to buy mulch and compost to enhance the grounds at The RISE! a transitional housing facility in Bloomington. And, some of the award was used to establish a community garden with the goal of providing opportunities for families, youth, and community members to learn about gardening.

Read more about the 2023 Grant Recipients

Information about How to Apply

  • March 1: Grant Deadline

    April 1: Grant awards announced

    November 1: Deadline for Roots & Shoots article, oral presentation, or poster display

  • Review the application criteria, download the application (link below), fill it in, and send it to us. It’s that simple!

    SEND THE APPLICATION THROUGH EMAIL OR US MAIL TO:

    EMAIL: monroeces@purdue.edu with MG Grant 2024 in the subject line

    US MAIL: MCMGA c/o Purdue Extension - Monroe County, 3400 South Walnut, Bloomington, IN 47401

  • You can download the Criteria for Grant Proposals here or read it below.

    1. The Monroe County Master Gardener Association (MGMGA) may allocate monies each year to help support a variety of horticultural activities in Monroe County. The number of requests that will be funded depends on the amount of money available each year. As a general guideline, grants usually are in the $100-$500 range. A committee appointed by the president shall review grant applications and award monies by April 1. The committee reserves the right not to fund any applications in a given year. Any entity which received two MCMGA grants within the last three years is not eligible for funding for 2024.

    2. Organizations submitting applications must be non-profit and must have no political affiliations. Funded activities will need a Master Gardener Liaison, who will facilitate communication between the funded organization and Master Gardeners. Organizations may select a liaison if they know a MCMGA member or a liaison will be assigned to them.

    3. The purpose of the project must be educational and must promote and involve the community in horticultural activities. Requests for funding for meals will not be approved. Master Gardener volunteers are available to assist with projects. Contact MCMGA for more information 812-349-2575.

    4. The project must have realistic goals and objectives, and the funds granted must make a significant contribution to the project.

    5. Once completed, the activity, if it includes the installation of plants, must have a regular maintenance schedule to ensure its continued operation. Please include plans for future maintenance, if applicable, to the activity in the grant request.

    6. Grant recipients are required to submit a brief report accompanied by receipts for funds expended and photos documenting the activities to the MCMGA by September 30. At the conclusion of the activity, recipients are required to do one of the following; provide a presentation to Master Gardener members at a Master Gardener general meeting, submit an article for the Master Gardener newsletter Roots and Shoots, or create a display for a MCMGA general meeting. This report is due within 6 months of the date of fund disbursement.

    7. Any unused grant funds must be returned to the MCMGA.

  • If you have any questions about the application process, contact us by email or phone.

    EMAIL: monroeces@purdue.edu

    CALL: 812-349-2575