Annual Grants

Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club Annual Grant Program

Funder: Rancho Santa Fe Garden Club (RSFGC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Mission: To further the development of charitable horticulture and conservation activities within the community.

Geographic Scope

• Service Area: San Diego County, California, with particular focus on Rancho Santa Fe community and greater San Diego area

Funding Focus

Projects that:

• Address a community need
• Are technically and economically feasible
• Ensure all those actively involved benefit from results
• Facilitate transfer of technology, skills, and knowledge
• Foster self-sufficiency
• Support horticultural education and garden/horticulture initiatives

Eligibility

• Applicant Type: Neighborhood community-based organizations with documented non-profit 501(c)(3) status
• Location: Must be located in San Diego County
• Financial Standing: Must be in good financial standing with appropriate organizational capabilities to receive and administer grant funds
• Commitment Requirement: Organizations must demonstrate commitment by providing community labor, monetary contributions, local resources, on-the-job training, or educational opportunities

What is NOT Funded

• Compensation to individuals (stipends or salaries)
• Personal travel
• General operating expenses
• Hardscape projects

Award Information

• Maximum Amount: $10,000 per application
• Funding Availability: Contingent upon RSFGC's annual budget
• Award Distribution: May 21, 2026 at annual Celebration of Giving Award Ceremony
• Attendance: Representative attendance by recipient organization required at awards ceremony
• Total Historical Impact: Over $1 million awarded to date since program launch

Application Review Process

• Grant Committee makes recommendations
• Board of Directors determines final approval
• 32 annual grant applications received in 2025-2026 cycle with multiple site visits conducted

Reporting Requirements

• Progress Report Due: April 30, 2027
• Report Contents: Brief written report and photos describing project accomplishments and measurable improvement to site
• Submit to: Grants@rsfgardenclub.org

Contact Information

• Email: grants@rsfgardenclub.org or Admin@rsfgardenclub.org
• Phone: 858-756-1554
• Address: PO Box 483, 17025 Avenida de Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

Application Process

Submission Method: Electronic submission only via email

Important: Applications will NOT be accepted via USPS mail, FedEx, or in-person drop-off at resale shop location. Contact grants@rsfgardenclub.org if unable to submit electronically.

Required Documents

All applicants must electronically submit the following documents as a combined .pdf file to grants@rsfgardenclub.org:

1. Completed grant application form
2. Form 990 for the most recent fiscal year
3. IRS tax-exempt status determination letter
4. Certificate of Incorporation and By-Laws
5. Letters of Commitment from any project consultants or subcontractors (if applicable)

Application Content

Applications must address:

How the project addresses a community need

Technical and economic feasibility of the project

How all those actively involved will benefit from results

How the project facilitates transfer of technology, skills, and knowledge

How the project fosters self-sufficiency

Evidence of organizational commitment through community labor, monetary contributions, local resources, on-the-job training, or educational opportunities

Requested funding amount (up to $10,000 maximum)