About Financial Sustainability

Page 19 of the C.G. Handbook. And page 4

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Getting grants to replace lost or broken tools is just not practical. However, for a special project, it is perfect. So, what other options are there? One option is to make friends with the local businesses. Not to ask for money, but for support. Many businesses will give the garden coordinator a community discount, for various garden needs. Some will print up fliers for events. As well, the gardeners themselves can do their own fund-raising.

Something else that can be considered is when the gardeners register each year. You can ask for a modest donation - in my C.G. We ask for $10 ... and a one time fee of $5 for a key to the garden shed – which will be returned to them if they leave the garden and return the key. One C.G. I know asks for $20, and $15 will be returned at the end of the season for successfully clearing their plot. That garden had a problem with folks getting all excited in the spring, however for the rest of the summer they didn't come back.

Saving seeds. If the gardeners are encouraged to save seeds, then in January or Feb. It is a good excuse to have a seed packing party – if you have extra seeds – they are a great asset when you go to Seedy Saturday – trade your extra seeds for new ones from this event. - these don't need to be official variety of seeds, just whatever they planted that went to seed. My theory – spend good money on the seeds and plants you really want, and use the garden seeds as companions to support them.

As your community group gets established, they may wish to have a Fall Harvest Festival, or a Spring Seedling Sale or a workshop that invites the neighbourhood.

Getting the Gardeners involved – to take on ownership of their garden is really important. Helping with things like fund-raising will lead to to this.

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