MADISON COUNTY – A group of like-minded volunteers will place a grant, the Jane R. Parks Memorial Fund, with another organization that has community improvement in mind.

Master Gardeners of North Alabama or MGNA has available grant money to fund existing educational/horticulture projects in Madison County. The funding namesake, Jane R. Parks, worked as an educator for many years and a gardener most of her life. The grant will fund specific projects while honoring Parks’ memory.

Janet Boothe is Project Chair for the grant project.

Master Gardeners of North Alabama is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. Membership dues, donations and fundraising efforts support the group’s projects. “We are an active member of the Alabama Master Gardener Association and a fully qualified 501(c)3 non-profit organization,” according to Master Gardener Suzanne Kirkhuff.

“Jane became a Master Gardener in January 2003. This memorial grant honors her extraordinary life through teaching and helping,” Kirkhuff said.

“She helped others obtain an understanding of the importance and value in growing things of beauty and use and connecting with others to share the wonders of horticulture,” Kirkhuff said. “Through this grant, Jane Parks’ legacy continues for friendship, gardening, humor and boundless love for life.”

Nonprofit groups or institutions are welcome to apply that have an existing project and need funding assistance. Some examples of suitable projects are outdoor classrooms, educational landscapes and crop education.

Grant awards range from $100 to $1,000. Deadline to apply is Oct. 15.

Interested applicants should read the grant instructions available at mginfo.org/grants. This website also contains the application form. Applicants must submit the application form online.

MGNA is a nonprofit organization with certified Master Gardeners who are committed to community education of horticulture in the greater Huntsville and Madison area. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System oversees the Alabama Master Gardener Program.

For more information, email grantcommittee@mginfo.org or visit mginfo.org.