Dec. 5 is deadline for green space grant program
Applications for grants from the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. to develop gardens and other types of green space in cities are due on Monday, Dec. 5. In mid-November, the two organizations announced the creation of the Gro1000 program, which will award grants to cities to build innovative green spaces.
The program will award five cities $25,000 grants apiece. Each grant will consist of $15,000 in cash and $10,000 of in-kind product. Each winner will be notified by Dec. 16, 2011. The winners will be announced at USCM’s Winter Meeting in January 2012.
Each application must include a letter of support from the city’s mayor. “Our mayors have specifically called for cities to develop, grow and maintain edible gardens and green spaces in our parks and near city hall land,” said Tom Cochran, CEO and executive director of USCM, in a press release. “This partnership with Scotts Miracle-Gro is a natural fit that will provide tangible benefits for cities across the nation and equip them with educational tools on a variety of issues related to creating and maintaining green spaces.”
“There are benefits that only gardens can provide, and we are honored to partner with mayors across the nation to improve their communities and enhance our environment,” added Jim Hagedom, CEO of Scotts Miracle-Gro, in the release.
For more information and to download an application, visit USCM’s website. USCM and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. also will develop resources to educate local governments about water quality and conservation issues.
