School Garden Mini-Grant Application Spring 2018 EXTENDED DEADLINE!! NOVEMBER 28TH Our History Walter P. Rawl & Sons, Inc. was founded in 1925 and is based in Pelion, South Carolina. In the early 1920 s, the late Walter and Ernestine Rawl started a local business known as the Walter P. Rawl Farm selling peaches. Over the years the business evolved into a larger farm selling greens and specialty vegetables and became known as Walter P. Rawl and Sons. Today Walter P. Rawl & Sons continues to operate as a family farm with nine family members still working in the business along with an additional 400 employees. Program Purpose and Guidelines The purpose of our School Garden Mini-Grants is to provide Lexington County School District One s schools an opportunity to enhance students knowledge of diet and nutrition by providing financial assistance toward a school garden or other live plant projects. Individual grant awards will not exceed $500 for startup gardens or $250 to sustain gardens. Up to $5,000 in awards will be made available to schools annually up to 6 awards will be awarded this grant cycle. Types of Projects Funded: Vegetable gardens; butterfly gardens; vegetation for outdoor classrooms; greenhouse/indoor nursery Applicants must demonstrate that their school garden project: Is a collaborative effort between school groups/clubs and/or community groups Has the participation from stakeholders, including the school principal, volunteers, and a community partner Has a compelling plan for integrating the garden into the life of the school and community Has a budget supportive of their proposed plan Mail or hand-deliver your completed applications to the District s Grants Office (Trish James) BY November 28 th. Also, scanned PDF generated applications with required signatures will be accepted (send to: pjames@lexington1.net). Your applications will be reviewed by Mr. Van Bowers and Rawl representatives; applications will be awarded in December. (If the application deadline falls on the weekend or holiday, please ensure that your application is received at district office on the next business day.)
PLEASE NOTE: A response will be given by Mr. Van Bowers to the applicant, either approval or rejection, within one month of application deadline. (Grants winners will be recognized at the January 16, 2018 Lexington School District One Board of Trustees Meeting at 7:30 PM.) ALL grant monies should be expended by the end of the fiscal year (June 30). Grant recipients must complete a Follow-up Report Form--This form must be completed in order to apply for future grants. Any questions or concerns regarding the application process or the awarding of grants should be directed to Mr. Van Bowers at 821-1058.
School Garden Mini-Grant Application COVER PAGE SPRING 2018 APPLICATIONS DEADLINE: November 28, 2017 School: Targeted Grade(s): Project Coordinator: Phone: E-mail: Project Title: Total Amount Requested: Number of students that will benefit from this project: PROJECT COORDINATOR REQUIRED SIGNATURES Name/Title Signature Date PRINCIPAL SUPPORT I support this application and approve that all outlined activities may be implemented at my school. I have reviewed this application s budget and approve it fully. Principal s Name (Printed or Typed) Principal s Signature Date
PROJECT NARRATIVE 1. Project Description - Please describe the vegetable and/or fruit garden project for which you are seeking a grant. Specify whether you are starting a new school garden or expanding your existing school garden program. 2. What are your goals for the proposed garden project?
3. How many students will participate directly in your school garden program as a result of this grant, and how will they be engaged in the garden? 4. How does/will the garden benefit your school community? WORK PLAN What is your project timeline?
BUDGET List the items your group will need to implement the project. Add the costs of each item for the total amount of funding you are requesting. Budget Item Purpose Cost TOTAL FUNDING REQUEST EVALUATION How will you measure the project s success (for example: before and after surveys or photos)?
Rawl Farm School Garden Mini-Grant Judging Rubric Goals and Objectives Does project include a compelling plan for integrating the garden into the life of the school and community? Student/Teacher Involvement How many students will be involved in development of the habitat? How many students will be impacted annually by the project? How many teachers will be involved annually in the project? Education Programming How will the grant be used to enhance the educational experiences of students? Will grant project be integrated into classroom activities or other academic program? Maintenance Plan How will the project be maintained? Total Points 20 20 20 15 Scored Points Budget 15 Is the budget clear and concise? Is the budget itemized? Is the budget supportive of the garden plan proposed plan Is this a new project? 10 TOTAL POINTS 100
School Garden Mini-Grant FOLLOW-UP REPORT (This form must be completed in order to apply for future grants.) Name: Mailing address: E-mail address: Amount Awarded: Project Title: Number of students served: School: Phone: Project Period From: To: Actual Funds used: Project Outcomes: E-mail your completed FOLLOW-UP REPORT FORM (PDF) and digital photo(s) of your garden project activities to Mr. Van Bowers (vbowers@lexington1.net) and copy Ms. Trish James (pjames@lexington1.net) as well as your principal. COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THIS REPORT BEFORE JUNE 30.