Grant Application & Evaluation Criteria

Take note that we’ve changed the timeline of our grant cycles; the winter cycle will begin in mid-December for the following year with a second cycle in spring, beginning in mid-February. We are getting started earlier in our process to help you better prepare for the growing seasons. Read on for the information critical to writing a successful grant application.

grant review criteria

CMGA grants are reviewed and evaluated based on the six following categories and are scored from ‘ideal practice’ to ‘unacceptable practice’. It’s suggested that you read past successful grant applications on this page to better understand how to prepare yours.

• Project background - describes the factors that led to the project design and the grant application

• Population(s) and accessibility - clearly states who the population(s) are to be impacted and how the project is accessible to them

• Community impact - describes how the project will benefit the intended population, including how it contributes to the CMGA mission to help promote horticultural knowledge and enhance the community it serves through gardening-based activities

• Project continuation - how will the project continue after the grant project is complete, and who/what will maintain the project

• Master Gardeners & other volunteers - how many MGs, MG interns, and other volunteers will be included in the project, and how will they benefit from being involved

• Budget - expenses are clearly described, including financial support from other sources

Each grant application is reviewed and rated using this Grant Evaluation Rating Chart that describes how the Grant Review Criteria are scored. Reviewing the chart before you begin writing your application can help you make your application explanations clear.

Still have questions?

Please email the CMGA Grants Committee at grants@ctmga.org

We want to help you to be successful in applying for and receiving a CMGA grant to benefit your community!