Our Dedication to Philanthropic Efforts in Horticulture and Conservation
The mission statement of the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club is to advance charitable horticulture and conservation efforts within the Rancho Santa Fe community and the Greater San Diego area.
Green Impact: Supporting 501 C3 Nonprofits with Grant Opportunities
The Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club encourages non-profit 501(c)3 organizations to apply for funding to support initiatives that support our mission. We look for projects that address the needs of the community, and every project needs to be technically and economically feasible. Applicants also should explain how those actively involved in the project will benefit from the results, facilitate the transfer of technology, provide skills and knowledge to others, or foster self-sufficiency.
We want to fund projects that make our community better, greener, and stronger. If your organization is seeking funding for a project that will serve the greater good (in a green way!), we want to hear from you!
Every application goes before Rancho Santa Fe’s Grant Committee, which prepares a recommendation for funding for board approval. Grants are awarded at our Celebration of Giving in Mid May. Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club is proud that since founding the grant program, we have awarded over one million dollars to nonprofits supporting our mission.
Grant Opportunities & Guidelines
The Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club proudly offers two distinct grant opportunities: the Annual Grant Program and Mini-Grants. Our Annual Grant Program opens each October, allowing applicants to request up to $10,000 in funding for eligible projects. Applications are reviewed by our Grant Committee, with funding decisions made once a year. Mini-Grants, on the other hand, are designed to address urgent, one-time needs with funding amounts of $2,000 or less. These requests are evaluated and approved by the Board of Directors during their regular meetings throughout the year.
Grant Eligibility & Criteria
Prospective projects should show relevance to the club's Mission Statement by including the following criteria:
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Be technically and economically feasible.
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Ensure that all those involved with the organization will benefit from the results.
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Address a community need consistent with the Mission Statement within San Diego area.
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Facilitate the transfer of technology, skills, and knowledge to others.
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Foster self-sufficiency.
Key Dates and Submission Guidelines for the Grant Cycle
The 2024-2025 grant cycle opens in October 15, 2024.
All materials for the grant process will be made available on social media, on our website, in our newsletter, and by email to those requesting the information. Past grant recipients also will receive 2024 grant materials via mail.
Applications for the 2024-2025 cycle are due Friday, December 15, 2024, by 5:00 pm PST. Contact Grants@rsfgardenclub.org for any questions about grant opportunities.
All grants and supporting documents must be made electronically. Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club will no longer accept grant applications via USPS mail, FedEx, or hand delivery. Only electronic submissions will be accepted. To submit your application for a grant, please click on the following link to upload the required documents:
Since the launch of our grant program, we have awarded over $1 million to support initiatives across Rancho Santa Fe and San Diego County.
Information and Requirements for Submitting Annual Grants
Each year, the Grant Committee distributes a Request for Proposal (“RFP”) letter inviting interested parties to an application. The RFP provides information regarding criteria that need to be met to be considered for a grant award and proceed with submitting an application. Applications are required to be submitted electronically - no mail-in or delivered applications will be accepted. It also delineates additional items needed and instructions for completing the grant application, which include:
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Name, address of organization, person of contact, local phone, and email. An Executive Summary should be the first page of the proposal.
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A short description of the organization, including goals, purpose, and brief history.
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Form 990 for the most recent year (not required for government and educational organizations).
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Project title and detailed description of how the project meets the criteria for grants and is relevant to the Mission Statement.
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Key personnel and responsibilities for the project.
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Project budget in detail, including income and expenditures of the proposed project and how funds will be used.
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Amount and purpose of funding requested.
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Upon completion of the project, grant recipients will provide a report to the Grant Committee detailing the exact use of funds, as well as other relevant information related to the project.
Information and Requirements for a Submittable Mini-Grant
For mini-grants, the following information should be included and will be reviewed by the Board of Directors to determine if an award will be made and the amount to be awarded:
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Name, address of organization, contact person, local phone, and email.
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Executive Summary including a short description of the organization, goals, purpose, and brief history.
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Project title and detailed description of how the project meets the criteria for grants and is relevant to the Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club’s mission.
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Key personnel and responsibilities for the project.
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Project budget in detail including income (if any) and expenditures of proposed project, and how and when funds will be used.
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Amount and purpose of funding requested up to $2,000.
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A summary report with pictures after the project is completed.
Make a Donation to Support Rancho Santa Fe’s Philanthropic Grants and Activities
Your donation helps to keep our club growing and helps us sponsor grants that positively impact the community.
Click the Donate Button!
Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club is designated as a 501(c) nonprofit organization. Your donation is tax deductible; click the Donate button to make your donation or send a check to:
Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club • PO Box 483 • Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
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