UACES Facebook Greening of Arkansas grants provide funding to grow community spaces
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Greening of Arkansas grants provide funding to grow community spaces

By Kelli Reep
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture 

Fast facts:

(496 words)

Greening of Arkansas grants provide funding to grow community spaces

(Newsrooms: with art at www.flickr.com/photos/uacescomm/albums/72157655240491984)

LITTLE ROCK – Community spaces like gardens, parks and nature areas provide invaluable quality of life for adults, children, and businesses – even pets. The Arkansas Flower and Garden Show is investing in these areas by providing community beautification grants through the Greening of Arkansas program.

Applications are currently being accepted from community and civic organizations for beautification projects on public lands. Proceeds from the annual Arkansas Flower and Garden Show fund the Greening of Arkansas program. Grant applications must be postmarked by Oct. 2.

Since 2006, the Greening of Arkansas grant program has been funded from proceeds from the Arkansas Flower and Garden Show, along with financial support from other entities.

“Many times, citizens see opportunities to turn abandoned lots or areas around public properties into more beautiful places for their community,” said Merilyn Tilley, chairman of the Greening of Arkansas Committee. “The grants allow communities to create ornamental gardens, neighborhood parks and other public spaces.”

Awards are available up to $2,500, and smaller grants are awarded based on a project’s merits and overall benefits to the community.

The Greening of Arkansas program supports the development and ongoing care of community gardens, neighborhood parks and high-profile public green spaces in towns across Arkansas. Working in partnership with neighborhood residents, community organizations and city agencies, the Greening of Arkansas Grant program was developed to promote the idea of a greener and cleaner environment by encouraging civic plantings in the community. This program can promote community pride, rejuvenate streets, re-energize neighbors, and improve Arkansas’ image.

            General requirements for applying for a grant are:

  • Applicant must be a nonprofit, community-based or civic organization located in the State of Arkansas;
  • Grant award funds may only be used for the project in the area defined in the plan and project description;
  • Project must contain at least 50 percent horticulture (trees, shrubs, flowers, etc.);
  • Grant funds will not provide awards for projects on private property;
  • Organizations who receive a Greening Grant must wait two years before they can apply for another Greening Grant; and
  • The application must include the application form; a project summary form; maintenance plan; and photograph of intended site. Incomplete applications will be eliminated in an initial screening of applications.

To apply, mail an original and three copies of the application as well as all related material to Krista Quinn, executive director, Arkansas Flower and Garden Show, P. O. Box 638, Conway, AR 72033. For more information, please contact Merilyn Tilley, merilyntilley@gmail.com, or Krista Quinn, krista.quinn@yahoo.com.

For more information about the Arkansas Flower and Garden Show, visit argardenshow.org.

 

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your county office or research and extension center as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay. 

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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu

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