Do You Know the Difference Between the Founders Fund and Charitable Projects?

In 1934, Garden Club of America established a competitive national program, the GCA Founders Fund, to provide financial support for projects proposed by individual GCA Clubs. Funding comes from contributions by clubs and individuals. Annually, they are able to underwrite generous, large-scale grants in areas across the country.  A project requesting funding should be designed to restore, improve, and protect the quality of the environment through educational programs, and represent efforts to enhance conservation and civic improvements.

Annually, all GCA clubs are encouraged to propose a project, and from these proposals, three finalists are selected. At this point, every club receives a written description of the three, which members are encouraged to read. At a spring Membership Meeting, a ballot is given to each member to cast a vote for her favorite of the three finalists. These ballots are then tabulated at every club nationwide, and returned to GCA. The project receiving the greatest number of votes is announced at the GCA Annual Meeting. Last year's winner won a $30,000 grant and the other two finalists were each awarded $10,000. Over the years, historic landmarks have been restored, trees and plantings flourish in countless communities nationwide, and research and educational projects enrich the young and old.

The Garden Club of America operates as a non-profit organization with a 501(c)3 tax status. Through a program of charitable giving in programs such as the Founders Fund, that tax designation is upheld. Likewise, SLGC’s Charitable Projects program maintains our club’s tax exempt status.

On a historical note, SLGC and the Garden Club of Cleveland joined forces in 2000 to raise funds to move the Little Yellow House (constructed in 1868) from Ansel Road to the Dunham Tavern Museum property on E. 66th. The overall objective, beyond historical preservation, was to make a space available for inner city children to learn about gardening. The gardening program was then a combined effort of Dunham Tavern Museum and the (then) Cleveland Botanical Garden’s outreach and community gardening program. The Founders Fund grant awarded to both clubs completed the fundraising for the entire project.

Our Shaker Lakes Garden Club Charitable Projects program is funded by voluntary member contributions to award grants to local projects.  Applications are expected to address our focus areas of horticulture, conservation, education, and the beautification of the environment. This year, they are due before February 1, 2021.

 A committee of members reviews applications submitted by nonprofit organizations in the Cleveland area and recommends three to vie for the largest grant.  The SLGC membership receives summaries of these and all vote in April to select the recipient of the largest grant. From annual donations of $15,000 - $20,000 earmarked for local projects and the Grosscup Scholarship, a large grant of up to $5,000 is awarded based upon the members’ vote, with the remainder of available funds given to other applications that the committee determines to have merit. Organizations receiving grants are required to report in one year on the use of the funds.

 Carol Provan, Margaret Ransohoff, Suzy Hartford, Martha Marsh, Sandy Holmes