THE PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL GROUP

2007-2009 Civic Development Grant Program

“LET’S GO NATIVE”

A $50,000 COMMUNITY OUTREACH COMMITMENT

In conjunction with

NATIONAL GARDEN CLUBS, INC.

And your state garden club

For Regions, States, Districts and Member Clubs Nationally

“LET’S GO NATIVE” is a grant program funded by Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc.  It will feature civic development projects up to $1,000 each and will require matching funds  (Donated Labor is included in Matching Funds)

Suggested projects are:  planting at public buildinghs such as schools, libraries, museums, parks, historic sites, gateways to cities, roadside such as islands, etc. 

The NGC/PRINCIPAL grant program committee encourages you to review the application procedure and APPLY.

Send THREE Copies of the ENTIRE APPLICATION to your Principal Financial Group/STATE CIVIC DEVELOPMENT CHAIRMAN  prior to November 15, 2007.  State presidents will be notified of all winners and all money will be awarded by January 31, 2008.

Application/Project Requirements

Deadline November 15, 2007

1.       The project must be a NEW project or a restoration of an existing site. One application per club or group of clubs, please.

2.       The project must begin after June 2007 and be finalized by May 2009.

3.       The application must be written and submitted by a garden club member.  The contact person must also be a garden club member.

4.       Garden club members’ involvement is crucial and must be explained in the application.

5.       An estimated, itemized budget of income and expenses must be included in the application.  Your budget must list matching funds that total twice the amount of your grant request, i.e., if you request $1,000, you must list estimated expenses totaling at least $2,000.

6.       In-kind donations of materials and labor at $7.00 per hour are welcome, and must  be used in tabulating “matching” funds in your budget.

7.       Funds received or requested from any other source must be acknowledged and/or explained in the application.

8.       There must be a clearly stated plan for future maintenance and/or monitoring of the project.

9.       Interim and financial reports as well as all publicity crediting Principal Financial Group and National Garden Clubs, Inc. will be expected in a timely manner.

10.    A dedication or rededication ceremony is suggested.  Every attempt will be made to have state officials/NGC officers, chairmen, and a representative of The Principal attend this ceremony, if requested.

General Information

1.       Grant money may NOT be passed through to another organization; however, clubs are encouraged to network with other organizations or their local government.

2.       Conciseness, neatness and overall scope of the project in relation to the size of the club’s membership will be considered in the judging.

3.       Grant funds are not transferable.

4.       No book of evidence is required; however, a scrapbook for photos and publicity is recommended.  Do consider applying for existing state, regional and NGC awards.

5.       Applications will not be returned.

Application Procedure

     No form is needed.  The following information MUST be stated on the cover page of your application.

¨       Club name, city and state

¨       Title of project

¨       Number of club members

¨       State garden club affiliation

¨       Name of contact  person and his/her title for this 2-year project

¨       Complete address of contact person (including zip code), telephone number (including area code), e-mail and/or fax.  If no e-mail, provide e-mail of another club member

¨       Name and e-mail address of club president

¨       Estimated cost of total project & its anticipated completion date

¨       Amount requested (up to $1,000)

¨       1 or 2 color photos of the site---mounted or printed on cover page  In addition, a separate color photo should be attached.  A digital photo is preferred.  In order to properly identify each project, the photo must be clearly labeled.  The photos and or CD should be marked on the back with the club name, project, etc.  All digitals should be in a jpg format.  The CD may be attached in a paper CD folder.

Attach no more than three typewritten pages to the cover page.  Type on one side of the paper only.  No folders, please.  Briefly describe the project and its impact on the community.  Itemize projected income and expenses.  (Please refer to Application/Project Requirements #5 & #6.)

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