Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
your group and together, figure out a fee structure that works for everyone. In programs where gardener
contributions are the main funding source, there is often a tricky balance between the money you need
to build the garden and what your members can afford. Also remember that as stated earlier, you might
not be able to do everything you want the first year. Don't break the budget or your garden will suffer.
Phasing has its advantages and patience is a necessity not only in gardening but also in building a suc-
cessful, long-running community garden.
You can also offer a scholarship model, in which more affluent participants can help cover the costs
of gardeners who may not be able to afford membership fees. You may be surprised by how supportive
your community of gardeners will be once they know what's needed. Never be afraid to ask for their
input and support.
Cash and In-Kind Donations
Get used to asking individuals, organizations, and local businesses for cash donations. Most people ex-
pect this type of request from non-profits, no matter how uncomfortable it may seem to you. If you
don't have 501c3 status or a fiscal sponsor, you must make it clear that donations are not tax deductible,
but don't worry—a tax deduction is often not the biggest motivation for a donation. Moral of the story:
don't be afraid to ask, no matter what your nonprofit status, and be prepared to be delighted by the re-
sponse.
Not all support comes in the form of cash. Many companies are very willing to donate materials or
services to your program in lieu of dollars. Useful donations might come in the form of garden equip-
ment, soil, tools, or other necessities. Don't overlook asking for services such as a front-end loader and
operator to spread woodchips, or a CPA to help with your year-end taxes. When approaching an or-
ganization or business about in-kind donations, have a wish list of items you need ahead of time. By
providing this list to potential in-kind donors, they can easily see how best they can participate in your
garden.
Sponsorships
Hand-in-hand with in-kind donations and receiving support from businesses is the concept of sponsor-
ship. Companies may be willing to give you resources in exchange for expanding their customer base
by association with your garden. This goodwill, or halo effect, can translate into dollars for your spon-
sor in the long run, making their connection with your garden profitable as well as altruistic.
Sponsorships often involve posting the company's name, logo, and web address where gardeners or
other community members will see it; in effect, associating the company with your good cause. This is
often in the form of signage, logos on T-shirts, and company recognition on a website or printed mater-
ials.
And a word of caution about sponsorships: make sure the company has the same values you espouse
in your community. If your organization teaches people to grow their own food organically, a chemical
fertilizer company might be a conflict of interest or at least undermine your mission. If your program
helps people in food deserts to grow their own food, a high-end consumer brand might not be a good
fit. You'll need to look at each potential sponsor on a case-by-case basis to make sure the partnership is
advantageous to both parties and reflects and supports the values of each organization. When in doubt,
always refer to your mission statement.
As with donors, sponsors sometimes like to buy something or be associated with a specific element
of your program. If you have a membership-driven organization, perhaps a sponsor can fund some
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