Frequently Asked Questions
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for 2011 is August 15. Proposals must be postmarked by deadline.
Is it possible to get an extension to this deadline?
No.
How do I obtain application guidelines?
Contact the Trust’s Grants Director, Dr. Thomas F. Daniel, at tdaniel@calacademy.org or 415-379-5350 to ascertain whether or not your project fits within the Trust’s guidelines. If so, current application guidelines will be sent to you. These guidelines will list all required items, method of delivery, etc.
Once my proposal has been submitted, how long does it take for a decision to be reached?
Decisions are made once a year, typically in November. Notifications and grant payments are mailed in December.
What geographic areas do you fund?
The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust makes grants for projects primarily in North and South America.
Can I apply for a grant if my organization has received past funding?
Yes. However, reporting on all previous grants must be up to date according to the Guidelines for Grant Reporting. Proposals from organizations that have more than one grant still outstanding generally are not considered favorably.
Is there a form to use for progress and final reports?
No. There is no standard report form. However, narrative and financial descriptions of how grant funds were spent should be submitted and should incorporate information outlined in the Guidelines for Grant Reporting.
What size grant should I request?
There are many factors that influence the Trustees’ decision on grant size. An organization should request an amount that they feel is appropriate for their project. The maximum grant award through the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust is normally $20,000.
Do you make grants to individuals?
No. The Trust only makes grants to tax-exempt organizations which qualify as public charities.
What are the chances of receiving a grant?
A large number of worthy organizations approach the Trust for support. The process is highly competitive. Even if a project fits within the foundation’s guidelines, it will not necessarily be funded. In 2009, 36% of the requests received were funded.
Why was my request denied?
The top reasons that a request is denied are:
- The organization did not submit all the information required in the application guidelines.
- The request is not strongly related to research and education in ornamental horticulture.
- The orgranization did not submit a final report on its previous grant.
- The proposal was not judged to be as competitive as those that received funding.
Can you suggest other funding sources?
The Foundation Center maintains a comprehensive listing of U.S. foundations and their areas of interest.
I have a question that is not answered in these FAQs. What should I do?
If the answer to your question cannot be found in the other sections of this Web site, you may contact Thomas F. Daniel, Grants Director, at 415-379-5350 or tdaniel@calacademy.org.