Geenhouse Support

Locating Ongoing Funding

To secure funds for ongoing maintenance of the greenhouse, Julia Kirkwood, an environmental science technician in Kalamazoo, MI, recommends working greenhouse projects directly into the curriculum. "If you show how benchmarks are being met, the administration is more likely to support the work and provide maintenance funding," she states.

Once you have a greenhouse, you'll have ongoing needs for replacing supplies such as containers, potting mix, and seeds. Many schools have been challenged to think creatively about ways to obtain these supplies without making great demands on tight budgets. In some classes, students write letters or make presentations to managers of garden centers or other garden-related businesses. When you or your students solicit donations, be sure to explain your project and its objectives clearly. Describe how the donation will be recognized (for instance, through a donor recognition sign at the greenhouse entrance). As part of a presentation, remind companies that interested students could grow up to be lifelong customers. Also consider approaching the following groups for donations of new and used gardening materials:

• botanical gardens
• local garden clubs
• university or city greenhouses
• local service clubs
• community garden groups

Be sure to follow up all donations with thank-you letters. If people know their gift was appreciated and well used, they are more likely to continue giving. Encourage your students to take this on. Heartfelt thank-you letters, children's drawings, and photos of abundant greenhouses with smiling faces are among the most valued ways of saying "thanks" to supporters. Maintain contact by sending donors any newspaper clippings or photos that highlight the project, and be sure to mention their contributions in any news stories or other publicity.

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