The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to challenge the non-profit sector. The Trust’s grantees, like all nonprofits, have been affected by disruption of programming, increased costs, and the uncertain economic environment, which threaten their employees’ well-being and their organizational sustainability.
In recognition of these circumstances and the importance of these organizations to the Trust’s own mission, below we share the ways the Trust has supported our grantees and the horticultural field in response to this crisis.
- COVID-19 Response Grants – In May 2020, 104 organizations operating botanical gardens that received a grant between 2016 and 2019 (and we up to date with reporting), received a general operating grant of $5,000 to support immediate needs. COVID-19 Response Grants were one-time off-cycle grants and do not affect eligibility for the Trust’s regular grantmaking cycles.
- General Operating Support – While the Trust has historically funded project-based requests, in 2020 and 2021, the Trustees considered requests for general operating support in amounts up to $10,000 from organizations whose activities normally are well-aligned with the Trust’s interests. This policy has been extended through the 2023 grantmaking cycle. An application for general operating support may comprise the entire amount requested, or it may supplement a request for project-based funding, but the general operating support portion cannot exceed $10,000. Per the Trust’s usual guidelines, the maximum grant awarded by the Trust is $25,000, however, grants normally do not exceed $20,000.
- Flexibility – We can adjust report deadlines for projects delayed as a result of the pandemic. Current grantees should contact Nancy Kartes, Grants Director at nkartes@smithht.org to discuss what flexibility they might need.
We encourage our grantees and interested organizations to reach out to our Grants Director or staff with questions or feedback.
Grants Director – Nancy Kartes: nkartes@smithht.org
For questions related to a specific project or grant, questions about whether a potential request is aligned with the Trust's funding interests, or to discuss reporting flexibility for a current grant
Director of Grants Management – Dan Gaff: dgaff@smithht.org
For questions about the LOI or Proposal process, the online grants portal, or your organization’s eligibility or reporting status
Grants Associate – Patricia Rodgers: prodgers@smithht.org
For assistance registering for access to the online grants portal, or to update your organization’s contact information
Finance and Operations Manager – Janet Ferraiolo: jferraiolo@smithht.org
For questions regarding a grant payment