1. Tips, Tips and More Tips Camisha Scott Marshall

2. Grant Writing: Writing a Winning Proposal Grant writing can be an intimidating and time consuming process, but a few basic approaches will help you keep the process under control. Cite evidence of need Demonstrate creativity Involve risk-taking Have focused achievable goals and expectations Involve the community in the planning process, not just in the implementation process

3. More Grant Writing Tips Know what you need Plan ahead Know yourself Research funding options thoroughly Be specific and realistic about costs and clearly state how the materials will be used Get Local Anticipate potential problems or drawbacks and explain how these might be addressed

4. And Still More Grant Writing Tips Research the grant writing process Pay attention to the details Solicit support Improve your chances Proofread, reread and edit Try again

5. Current Grant Opportunities What: Green Education Foundation and Gardener‘s Supply Award Who May Apply: Schools and youth groups submit chronicles of their garden projects. The award is designed to support the continued sustainability of an exceptional youth garden program that has demonstrated success, and has impacted the lives of kids and their community. Amount: $5,000 Deadline: September 30, 2011 Contact: www.greeneducationfoundation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id= 712:5000-gef-grant&catid=139:contests What: Pepsi Refresh Project grants Who May Apply: Any citizen or group with an idea that has a positive impact on society Amount: $5,000 to $250,000 Deadline: December 2011 Contact: http://refresheverything.com

6. More Opportunities Gifts In Kind What: Donations of products Who may apply: 501(c)(3) organizations Amount: Computers, software, office supplies, clothing and personal care products Deadline: Open/ Ongoing Contact: GIKI, 333 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 (703)836-2121; fax (703)549-1481; Email: feedback@giftsinkind.org Web: http://www.giftsinkind.org

7. More Opportunities Do Something Grants What: Do Something Grants promote youth activism Who May Apply: Available to U.S. and Canadian citizens, age 25 or under, who want to create a community action project, or further the success of an existing program. Amount: One grant of $500 will be awarded each month. Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and stay active for consideration for two months after submission. Contact: Visit the Do Something website to create a project posting and submit an online application: http://www.dosomething.org/grants

8. And still more Home Depot Community Impact Grants Program Grants, up to $5,000, are available to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, public schools or tax-exempt public service agencies. For 2011 funding, The Home Depot Foundation’s Community Impact Grants Program will accept proposals for grants beginning April 4, 2011 through October 31, 2011. How to apply: To apply, please visit The Home Depot Foundation's web page. http://www.homedepotfoundation.org/how-we-help/grants.html The Captain Planet Foundation All applicant organizations or sponsoring agencies must be exempt from federal taxation under the Internal Revenue Code Section 501, in order to be eligible for funding (this includes most schools and non-profit organizations). ALL PROJECTS MUST: Promote understanding of environmental issues, focus on hands-on involvement, involve children and young adults 6-18 (elementary through high school) Grant Deadlines Deadlines for submitting grant applications are March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31 How to apply: To apply, please visit The Captain Planet Foundation's web page. http://captainplanetfoundation.org/default.aspx?pid=3&tab=apply

9. Links - FYI Rebel Tomato--scroll down for tons of grant possibilities and grant-writing tips: http://www.communitygarden.org/rebeltomato/roots/fundraising.php USDA National Agriculture Library...Community Gardening Links http://afsic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=2&tax_level=2&tax_subject =301&level3_id=0&level4_id=0&level5_id=0&topic_id=1444&&placement_default=0 Community Food Security Coalition--interesting concept that takes communities far beyond the garden to a food system that maximizes community self-reliance and social justice...good stuff! http://www.foodsecurity.org/views_cfs_faq.html American Community Garden Association--some nice links to Texas http://www.communitygarden.org/connect/links.php

10. More Links FYI American Community Garden Association--benefits and resources http://www.communitygarden.org/learn Why Hunger--great information on communities food and programs http://www.whyhunger.org/programs/fslc.html Center for Neighborhoods--Community Gardens how-to (probably not for publication...but for our personal knowledge base)--scroll down and look at the sections! http://www.centerforneighborhoods.org/plananddevpar.htm

11. Is this a forgotten resource? The Local Library Go to your local library instructions: Log onto the Website: http://www.ci.desoto.tx.us/library Look on the left side and click Online Databases Go to Texas share or Texas State Library Databases Put in Login/ Password Login: DATA2834 Password: DALLAS