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)