ARS Endowment Grant Program

To ARS members: if you are aware of a public garden or institution whose rhododendron-related programs, projects or publication activities may be in need of financial assistance, please encourage them to examine the guidelines below and consider submitting a grant proposal.

Guidelines for Application

The purpose of the American Rhododendron Society (Society) is the encouragement of the culture of rhododendrons, including azaleas, and the increase in understanding of and interest in all aspects of these plants. In support of this mission the Society has established a grant program utilizing funds from its endowment. Activities to be supported may include the development of programs, projects or publications that educate the general public in the growing and culture of rhododendrons. Amount of grants will generally not exceed $3,000.

Proposals must be submitted to and received by the Endowment Fund Committee before the deadline of March 10. The applicant must first notify the appropriate District Director of the application and request a 'letter of assessment' to accompany the application. The appropriate District Director is the one whose geographic responsibility includes the location where grant will be utilized. The application and letter of assessment will be reviewed by the Endowment Fund Committee and its recommendation will be acted upon by the board at the annual spring meeting. Successful applicants will be supplied 'Condition of Acceptance' letters and upon completion and return to the Society, funds will be sent to the applicant. Unsuccessful applicants will also be notified after the Board meeting.

Proposals should request funding for a single calendar year or less and only one proposal per applicant will be considered. A complete proposal must include:
1) Background and history of the applicant group and the role it provides in the encouragement and understanding of rhododendrons and azaleas. Newsletters and other publications that describe the applicant are welcome.
2) Description of the project and its objective.
3) Statement of how the project fits the interest of the American Rhododendron Society. How does it educate? How many people will be affected?
4) Budget for the project, a timetable for its completion, and a statement of whether partial funding would or would not be useful. Note: no changes in the budget or nature of the application will be accepted after submission without prior approval from the Chair of the Endowment Fund committee.
5) List of the group's current sources of support and income.
6) List of all sources, from which funds are currently being sought for the proposed project, including any support already confirmed.
7) Letter of assessment from the appropriate District Director.

The application can be sent by postal mail or email to Bob Ramik, Chair of the Endowment Fund Committee, at: 27 Taylor Drive, Toronto, ON Canada M4C 3B4 or bobramik55@gmail.com. Questions regarding the grant program may be directed to Bob as well.