Adopted May, 1992
I. General Considerations.
- The Fund is intended to be a resource in support of special, one-time projects that advance the art and science of rock gardening. It is not desirable to finance activities of an annual or ongoing nature, no matter how meritorious, from this source.
- The funding requested should be critical to accomplishment of the goal. It need not be the sole source, but it should not be a minor portion of the project.
- If the applicant constitutes a subdivision of a larger organization, then the grant application should be accompanied by a letter from the parent organization concurring in the aims and the financing of the project.
- Upon receipt of an application, the Endowment Committee shall, when appropriate, seek review and comment from knowledgeable ARGS members or appropriate professionals on the merit of the proposal and the qualifications of the applicant. It is appropriate to seek outside review when the applicant or some aspect of the project is not well known to the Committee members.
II. Application Procedure
- The application deadline varies from year to year but usually is sometime in February of the year in which the award is granted. For the exact date contact the Chair of the Endowment Fund.
- Copies of the application will be sent to the Committee members, to the Administrative Committee, and to the reviewers.
- The amount requested will be reviewed with respect to its realism in accomplishing the stated goals of the project and also with respect to the funds available. Adjustments of the amount should be negotiated with the applicant, but when inadequate endowment income forces reduction of an award below the requested level, the award should generally be made conditional upon obtaining the balance elsewhere. If the applicant can proceed effectively with partial funding, it should be so stated in the application.
- The Endowment Committee shall determine the award recipients by simple majority vote, and the decision will be submitted to the Board for approval.
III. Types of Projects Supported
- Monographs. Particular subjects of interest are genera substantially endemic to North America and, of course, substantial rock garden interest. Cultural advice is regarded as an important component of a worthy monograph.
- Publications. Beyond monographs, books or pamphlets of more general interest are encouraged. In particular, introductory material, documentation of successful gardens, and resources for rock gardeners are appropriate subjects.
- Promotion. Outreach projects which educate the wider public about rock gardens and rock gardeners are encouraged. Specifically, public rock gardens are supported.
- Education. Projects which expand the knowledge of rock gardeners are encouraged; specifically, internships or stipends will be considered.
- Preservation and Conservation. Preserving a garden record via slides, video, or other visual media is to be encouraged. Projects that will increase the chances of survival or re-establish species in their native habitat are encouraged.
- Seed Expeditions. Shares in expeditions that will provide seed to the exchange or that seek to introduce new plants to cultivation are appropriate only where there is a unique opportunity.
IV. Priorities
The list of projects in section III is presented in order of general priority, but the merits, the benefits to rock gardening, of an individual project are the most important criteria in awarding grants.