Local organizations are being encouraged to take part in a collaborative community beautification opportunity.
Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation has created a new Hometown Community Garden and Green Space Grant Fund in partnership with The Union County Foundation.
The fund was opened to mark the 150th anniversary of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and to further support the development of thriving gardens and green spaces in its backyard of Marysville.
“This is a very special time for Scotts Miracle-Gro as we celebrate our 150th anniversary and reflect back on our company’s rich history,” said Jim King, president and chairman of The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation. “A big piece of that reflection is giving back to the local community that helped our roots grow so strong.”
According to a release announcing the grant program, the Hometown Community Garden and Green Space Grant Fund will “support all types of community-driven green-scape projects, including community gardens, school gardens, athletic field refurbishments, park restorations and more.”
Monetary grants up to $2,000, as well as product donations, will be awarded based on community impact, youth engagement and sustainability, along with other factors.
Dave Vollrath, executive director of The Union County Foundation, said he looks forward to “seeing the impact of this grant program on our community and its well-being for years to come.”
“We’re proud to partner with Scotts Miracle-Gro to bring more gardens and green spaces into the lives of our residents,” he said.
All nonprofit organizations having a primary impact in Union County are welcomed to apply. Ohio State Senator Dave Burke is encouraging non-profit organizations to participate.
“Scotts has consistently created new jobs and helped make our community the beautiful green space that it is,” said Burke. “I am proud of their continued efforts to give back to our residents, and encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance the benefits of our beautiful landscape.”
The 2018 application is available on the “grants and scholarships” page of the Union County Foundation website, www.unioncountyfoundation.org.
The deadline for application submission is October 8, 2018.
Winners of the grants will be announced later this fall.