2022/23 Candidates for Large Grants – ACTION NEEDED – VOTE TODAY!
Laurel Stack and Jane Ellison
Upon careful consideration and discussion of seven large (5k) grant proposals, the Charitable Projects committee offers the membership three worthy for assessment. Six excellent and impactful smaller grants were reviewed, and will be considered for full or partial funding based on the large grant voting results. KINDLY E-MAIL JANE ELLISON YOUR TOP CHOICE at jane.slgc@gmail.com
NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES - $5,000
The Ridge Trail along North Woodland overlooks Doan Brook as it follows the ridge line along the southern boundary of the Nature Center property. The entrance is the most frequently used access point to the trail, and it has been degraded by heavy foot traffic and erosion. Given the slope of this section of the trail, soil and mulch wash away easily leaving exposed roots and ruts that channel storm water runoff. Installing water bars, and subsequently, trail mix and mulch will address erosion issues and stabilize the trails. Welcoming signage and native plants will clearly mark the access point to the Nature Center trail system and strengthen the connection to the Lower Lake project the SLGC has supported for years. The plan is a one-week project to be completed in Fall of 2023 and will enlist in-house Nature Center staff or a landscaping contractor depending on the contractor labor quote. Partial funding for this $9,010 project has been secured through the NCSL Annual Fund.
ASSOCIATION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL GARDENS - $5,000
There is an enormous funding effort underway supporting a Cultural Garden on Martin Luther King Drive to honor African American heritage. The journey to acquire that space spanned 16 years, representing the most prolonged struggle of any of the garden ethnicities to be recognized. The multi-phase plan broke ground in June 2016. Through annual One World Day festivities, sponsored by the Cleveland Cultural Garden Federation (CCGF), it is estimated that over 10,000 visitors have viewed this tribute, which is designed as a symbol of the African American journey. It begins with the departure from Africa through the “Door of No Return”, continuing with an infinity fountain symbolizing the “middle passage” of the Atlantic Ocean, and then to a 50-foot granite platform symbolizing resilience of, and contributions to American and world heritage by peoples of African descent. The AAACG is seeking a grant to complete the planting of flowers and shrubs at the entrance to the garden during the final building phase which will break ground in June 2023. The mission of the AAACG is to engage both the African American and the broader Greater Cleveland Community, especially the students of Wilson Elementary School and the children of the Glenville neighborhood in which the Cultural Gardens reside, and to perpetuate a spirit of friendship, peace and unity among people of all cultures. This is the first time our club has been offered the opportunity to ally our organization to the CCGF.
SPICE FIELD KITCHEN - $5,000
Spice Field Kitchen (SFK) has requested funds to expand and remediate the footprint and soil quality of the Learning Garden locate at Spice Acres, a 13-acre Countryside Conservancy farm in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP). The intent is to clear the proposed site, roughly a quarter acre, remove existing ground cover, regenerate the soil and repurpose the space with a variety of cover crops, pollinator and native plant species that will expand and beautify the Learning Garden. This enhancement will promote interest and provide educational opportunities through programming and signage. The project will take two growing seasons to complete. Once fully operational, the expanded Learning Garden and Perennial Pollinator Project will supplement current program offerings for the multiple school partners and summer camp participants (~3000) by increasing awareness through hands-on activities designed to reinforce the importance of soil health, regenerative practices, pollinators and native plantings. Spice Field Kitchen (SFK) is dedicated to educating students and adult visitors about locally grown foods and the importance of nutrient density. SFK works to cultivate the dynamic connection between nutrient-dense foods, sustainable agricultural practices and healthy communities. Spice Acres is a popular destination where visitors of all ages can explore the farm, harvest vegetables, and enjoy delicious culinary creations prepared fresh from the fields. An acre of production area from Spice Acres was dedicated to establish a learning garden, complete with a natural classroom.