The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust is offering grants to support education and research in ornamental horticulture. Funding Information
The maximum grant awarded by the Trust is $25,000, however, grants normally do not exceed $20,000. Grants may be approved for full or partial funding of the requested amount.
The grant period during which funds should be used is the calendar year. For example, for grants awarded in November 2024, the grant period will be January 1 to December 31, 2025. It is expected that funds will be spent during this year.
Activities
The Trust seeks to fund projects that will further ornamental horticulture through organizations pursuing the following activities:
Research
The advancement of research in ornamental horticulture and the publication of the results of such research.
Examples include:
trial/evaluation gardens for horticultural potential of selected plants in a region
discerning appropriate cultural techniques and best horticultural practices for a specific group of plants
laboratory freezer for DNA samples
Public Gardens
Assisting in the creation, development, preservation, and maintenance of gardens accessible to the public for educational purposes related to ornamental horticulture.
Examples include:
new or revised home demonstration gardens or beds
resurfacing garden trails for all-weather accessibility or ADA compliance
damage remediation following a natural disaster
Ornamental Plants
Promotion of the environmentally responsible introduction, cultivation, and distribution of plants which have ornamental horticultural value.
Examples include:
testing potential new ornamentals for invasiveness
promotion and demonstration of the use of local native ornamentals in local or home landscaping
collections management software for ornamentals
Publications
Assisting in the publication of books or other works relating to ornamental horticulture.
Examples include:
guide to appropriate ornamentals for local and regional landscaping
guide to best practices for controlling diseases and pests in ornamentals
online publication of horticultural inventory for public access
Education
Informal and/or formal educational activities that further ornamental horticulture.
Examples include:
classes and workshops on developing and maintaining home gardens
garden signage that notes cultural requirements, water- or fire-wise properties, or aesthetic attributes of plants
horticultural internships
construction or remodeling of educational facilities
Eligible Countries/Regions
The Trust supports projects and activities in:
North America
South America
Central America
The Caribbean
Australia
New Zealand
Eligibility Criteria
The Trust only makes grants to tax-exempt organizations that qualify as, or are equivalent to, public charities.
The Trust awards grants for project support only. Requests for general operating support are no longer accepted. The Trust does not fund endowments or capital projects, nor make grants to individuals.
