MADISON – Nonprofit groups or institutions can catch a break on funding an environmental project with the Jane R. Parks Memorial Fund.

Master Gardeners of North Alabama or MGNA manage this fund. The organization issues available grants annually that fund existing educational projects in Madison County.

“Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were unable to award grants last year. We now are eager to get this going again,” Master Gardener spokesperson Suzanne Kirkhuff said.

Members of Master Gardeners urge nonprofit groups or institutions to apply for an existing project related to horticulture that needs funding assistance. Examples of projects are outdoor classrooms, educational landscapes and crop education.

Grant awards range from $100 to $1,000. Application deadline is October 15, 2021.

The Jane R. Parks Memorial Fund honors the late Mrs. Parks as an educator for many years and a gardener most of her life. “The purpose of the grant is to fund educational horticulture projects while honoring Mrs. Parks’ memory,” Kirkhuff said. “Through this grant, her legacy of friendship, gardening, humor and boundless love for life continues.”

Parks became a Master Gardener in January 2003. This memorial grant honors her extraordinary life through teaching and helping others obtain an understanding of the importance and value in growing things of beauty, according to Kirkhuff.

Applicants for grants must show that their project promotes community involvement in horticulture and has realistic goals and objectives in making a difference for the community. The funds must significantly support the project’s educational goals.

Proposed expenditures must be reasonable and appropriate. An approved sponsor will confirm a regular maintenance schedule. If the grant application is successful, the group will submit status reports and photos of the project before, during and after completion.

The group cannot use the grant to buy wheelbarrows and tillers; hardscape like cement sidewalks, foundations and fencing; sheds, arbors, walls, terraces and greenhouses; grading work; power equipment like bulldozers and backhoes; and correction of drainage.

To access an application, visit mginfo.org/grants.

MGNA is a nonprofit organization of Certified Master Gardeners who are committed to community education of horticulture in Madison County. Alabama Cooperative Extension System oversees the Alabama Master Gardener Program.

For more information, email the MGNA Grant Committee at grantcommittee@mginfo.org