Frequently Asked Questions


St. Louis Funding:




General Application Questions

  • What is the deadline for grant applications?

    Organizations can view and familiarize themselves with the grant application any time throughout the year. The Access to the Arts and the Science and Math Education programs will have two application and review cycles a year. The first cycle will begin taking applications on January 1st. The deadline for the 1st cycle will be midnight CT on February 29th. The second cycle will begin taking applications on July 1st. The deadline for the 2nd cycle will be midnight CT on August 31st.

    The Kids Garden Fresh program will have only one application and review cycle a year. We will begin taking applications on February 1st, 2012. The deadline for applications in the Kids Garden Fresh program will be May 1st, 2012.

  • Can our organization apply in more than one category in the same funding cycle, i.e. Access to the Arts AND Science and Math Education?

    We recommend that organizations choose one grant category to apply for. Given the great need and our limited resources, it is highly unlikely that the Monsanto Fund will fund two applications from the same organization in the same year.

  • For the programs with two cycles a year (Access to the Arts and Science and Math Education) can we apply during both funding cycles?

    If you apply in one funding cycle and do not receive a grant, you can re-apply in the next funding cycle. If, however, your organization applies and receives a grant from the Monsanto Fund, you should reapply during that funding cycle the next year, not the funding cycle immediately after. In other words, we will only make one grant per organization per year.

  • Is there someone I can talk to about my proposal?

    We conduct application information conference calls to answer your questions. We are unable to respond to individual phone calls or emails beyond these conference calls. Call dates and times will be announced closer to the application period.

  • When and how should we expect to hear if we will be receiving a grant?

    In the Access to the Arts and Science and Math Education programs, grant decisions will be communicated in May via email and then, if applicable, through a grant agreement letter for the 1st cycle of funding. For the 2nd cycle, grant decisions will be communicated in December.

    In the Kids Garden Fresh program, grant decisions will be communicated in July.

  • If we are not selected, will the Monsanto Fund provide feedback on our application?

    We are unable to provide feedback on individual applications.

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Math and Science Education K - 12


Eligibility

  • What types of organizations are eligible to apply for grants in this funding program?

    To be eligible to apply in the category of Science and Math Education, organizations must be a K – 12 public school district; part of the Archdiocese School System, a charter school, a K – 12 independent or private school with a substantial student population who are economically disadvantaged; or a nonprofit organization that offers student educational enrichment programming or teacher professional development in science and/or math; and located in one of the 16 eligible St. Louis counties. Preference will be given to organizations that have been in operation for 3 or more years.

  • Are private or independent schools eligible to apply for this program?

    Yes, private or independent schools may apply for this program, provided over 50% of the students served by the school are economically disadvantaged.



Program Requests

  • What is the maximum size grant we can apply for?

    The maximum grant size is $150,000. However, it is rare that we make grants of this size. Most grants awarded will fall in the $25,000 to $50,000 range.

  • Can our organization apply under more than one category i.e. Curriculum Improvement and Professional Development for Teachers?

    Yes. Applicants may have a program that covers more than one of the Science and Math Education category options, and if so, they may select more than one category when applying. This does not mean applicants should apply for two separate programs, one in each category. It should be one program with multiple components that accomplish two or more of the categories, i.e. a professional development program that includes an innovative use of technology.

  • Can we apply for programming that enhances all areas of education, or must it be solely focused on science and/or math?

    Although there are needs in many areas of education, this program is focused solely on improving teaching and learning in science and/or math.

  • In terms of the scope of project, is there a number of students or teachers you'd like to see served?

    No, there is no set or minimum number of students or teachers that must be served by a program. Please be as accurate as possible in your estimations of the number of students and/or teachers who will be impacted or involved in the program.

  • Must the program we are applying for be a new program or can it be an existing program?

    You can apply for either a new program OR an existing program. If it is an existing program, please describe current successes as well as how you were able to fund the program in the past and why you need funding from the Monsanto Fund at this time.

  • Will Monsanto Fund grants cover overhead costs?

    Yes. Up to 20% of the requested grant amount can be utilized for overhead costs.

  • Can funds be used for staff salaries?

    Yes. The Monsanto Fund grant can be used to pay for staff salaries.

  • Where can we find information on the per capita income or student poverty rate in our school district?

    The U.S. Census Bureau has information on the student poverty rate in school districts at this site: http://www.census.gov/did/www/saipe/district.html and information on the per capita income level listed by zip code or city at this site: http://factfinder.census.gov/home/saff/main.html.

  • Will funding decisions be based on the financial need of the district or strictly on the merit of the proposed program?

    Decisions will be based on a combination of financial need in the district or school, the merit of the proposed program, and the intended outcomes on teaching or learning in science and math.



Reporting

  • What types of organizations are eligible to apply for grants in this funding program?

    To be eligible to apply in the category of Access to the Arts, organizations must be a not-for-profit focused on the arts or offering arts education programming located in one of the 16 eligible St. Louis counties. Schools are not eligible to apply, however programming can take place in a school. Preference will be given to organizations that have been in operation for 3 or more years.

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Access to the Arts


Eligibility

  • What types of organizations are eligible to apply for grants in this funding program?

    To be eligible to apply in the category of Access to the Arts, organizations must be a not-for-profit focused on the arts or offering arts education programming located in one of the 16 eligible St. Louis counties. Schools are not eligible to apply, however programming can take place in a school. Preference will be given to organizations that have been in operation for 3 or more years.



Program Requests

  • What is the maximum size grant we can apply for?

    The maximum grant size is $150,000. However, it is rare that we make grants of this size. Most grants awarded fall between the $25,000 to $50,000 range.

  • What types of programs are eligible for an Access to Arts grant?

    The Monsanto Fund seeks to support programs that reach underserved adults and/or young people, identify the barriers – real or perceived – that keep them from participating in the arts, and implement strategies to reduce barriers and engage them in arts education experiences. Preference will be given to arts experiences that are ongoing rather than one-time events and can demonstrate a change over time in awareness and interest in arts among young people and/or adults. For school-aged students, preference will be given to programming that is tied to and integrated with educational goals. Funding is not intended to cover the purchase or creation of new artwork.

  • Must the program we are applying for be a new program or can it be an existing program?

    You can apply for either a new program OR an existing program. If it is an existing program, please describe current successes as well as how you were able to fund the program in the past and why you need funding from the Monsanto Fund at this time.

  • Can we apply for a planning grant to help develop our arts access or arts education programming?

    The Monsanto Fund grant should be used for execution of a program. Once you receive the grant, you may spend some time planning how best to implement the program, but this grant is not intended to support the time needed to conceptualize, design, or develop a program.

  • Will Monsanto Fund grants cover overhead costs?

    Yes. Up to 20% of the requested grant amount can be utilized for overhead costs.

  • Can funds be used for staff salaries?

    Yes. The Monsanto Fund grant can be used to pay for staff salaries.



Reporting

  • What are the specific reporting requirements?

    Grantees will be asked to report to the Monsanto Fund at the midpoint and at the end of the grant period.

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Kids Garden Fresh Program


Eligibility

  • Who does Gateway Greening support through the Kids Garden Fresh Grant?

    Gateway Greening Inc. (GGI) supports youth gardens that focus on educating youth through garden- based curricula in a variety of subjects for all ages. The typical youth garden is run by school staff. However, there are examples of other types of groups such as parent teacher organizations, church groups, child care providers, after school programs, and not-for-profit organizations that facilitate educational garden activities and are eligible to receive gardening support through the Kids Garden Fresh Program.

  • What types of organizations are eligible?

    • Located in St. Louis City or St. Louis County;
    • Serving children or youth, 60% of whom qualify for or receive free or reduced lunch
    • A non-profit organization including:
      • A licensed child care facilities; or,
      • A youth-focused program serving children up to age 19
    • A school:
      • A public school; or,
      • A private or independent school


Program Requests

  • What type of support will the garden receive if we are awarded?

    GGI does not award monies. The initial support a garden receives is start up materials, which can include:

    • Raised beds including soil
    • Compost and mulch
    • Garden tools
    • Season extension items, such as materials for hoop houses and cold frames
    • Produce scale
    • Garden Sign
    • Curricula or gardening books

    Gateway Greening also provides ongoing support including access to:

    • A professional development series aimed at educators with a variety of gardening skills
    • Gateway Greening’s education library
    • Volunteer groups
    • Free compost and mulch delivery through St. Louis Forestry department (for city residents only)
    • Opportunity to receive free ornamental plant through an annual event called Great Perennial Divide
    • Site visits from Gateway Greening staff
    • Access to services from Bell Garden

  • What is Bell Garden?

    Bell Garden is Gateway Greening’s main demonstration garden. It is open to the public every Saturday 9am to 1pm from March through November and provides the following services:

    • From 9am to noon, seeds and seedlings are available, for free to Gateway Greening supported Youth Gardens and for a reduced price to Community and non-Gateway Greening school gardens.
    • Compost and mulch pick up is available on a first- come, first-serve basis.
    • Garden tools and lawn maintenance items (lawn mowers, weed trimmers) are available to be checked out for a two week period with a $20 deposit.
    • Gateway Greening’s Community Educator presents weekly workshops on a variety of gardening topics at Bell Garden. All Gateway Greening supported gardens will receive an e-mail notice each week about the classes and plant material (seeds and seedlings) available to youth gardens.

  • What is the Great Perennial Divide?

    The Great Perennial Divide is an annual event in which gardeners throughout St. Louis donate perennials to be distributed to youth and community gardens.  Youth Gardens may sign up to receive ornamental perennials through this event in March every year.

  • What is your timeline for awarding a garden grant?

    • Grant applications are available on January 1st and are due on May 1st. 
    • During May, June, and July Gateway Greening employees and Master Gardener volunteers schedule a site visit and evaluate potential garden projects.  This is a critical time for potential gardens to get all of the people who will support the project together so that the evaluation team can learn about the group, their roles and responsibilities in the garden project, and how the garden will be integrated into the youth organization or school. 
    • Official announcements will be made in late July.
    • An award ceremony for awarded gardens will be held on July 26th at Bell Garden
    • Garden installations will be scheduled for after  August 6th

  • What happens if our group is awarded?

    Groups that are awarded are encouraged to attend the Gateway Greening Youth Garden Grant Award Ceremony. A representative will sign a gardening agreement with Gateway Greening and a time will be scheduled for the garden installation.  On the actual installation day a Gateway Greening staff member will assist your garden’s volunteers in constructing the garden.  A typical installation involves screwing together the raised beds and filling the beds with dirt. Have students and volunteers present and prepared to help with the installation.

  • What are the requirements of having a youth garden?

    Youth Garden Leaders must agree to maintain the gardening space including during the summer. All Youth Gardens are expected to keep records of educational activities that take place in the garden on a tracking sheet provided by Gateway Greening.  All produce that is taken from the garden is expected to be weighed and records of produce weights are to be submitted on a monthly basis.

  • What are the expectations of a youth garden leader?

    The Youth Garden leader serves as Gateway Greening’s primary contact with the garden and will be responsible for meeting Gateway Greening staff during site visits.  The Youth Garden leader is also expected to attend five Gateway Greening-led workshops which will occur on a monthly basis. School gardens are asked to submit a lesson plan from each teacher who uses the garden at the end of their second year of gardening.  The lesson plans will be used to create a compilation of school garden lessons from St. Louis teachers. The garden leader must also submit a pre and post survey about their gardening knowledge.

  • If we have been awarded a grant from Gateway Greening before are we eligible to apply again?

    Yes, you may apply every year for an expansion to your garden project provided you have submitted all evaluation paperwork and fulfilled the expectations laid out in the grant.

  • We are a nonprofit organization/church group/group of parent volunteers interested in starting a school garden. What kind of support do we need from school staff?

    There are many examples of outside groups/organizations that help facilitate garden education at schools.  To be awarded, Gateway Greening must see evidence of collaboration and active participation from both the staff and the outside organization.  It will also be important that the group shows a long- term commitment to the school.

  • How can I show that I have legal access to the land?

    In most cases the school owns the land where youth gardens are placed. If the garden is not on school property please submit a lease, Memorandum of Understanding, Land Reutilization Authority agreement, or letter which indicates that your group will be able to use the land.  Please check with school authorities to see if field trip forms will be require for using a garden off school property.

  • How can I gain access to a Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) lot?

    St. Louis City LRA currently maintains approximately 8,000 lots, and many of Gateway Greening supported gardens lease vacant lots from LRA. To see if a lot is owned by LRA or to find a lot in your area you can visit the St. Louis LRA website.

  • How do I get my soil tested?

    Testing soil for lead is important if you are planning on growing produce in an in-ground garden. Soil samples can be sent to the University of Missouri Extension soil testing lab. Go to: http://soilplantlab.missouri.edu/soil/.

  • What are some resources to look at when planning a school garden?

    Two greatresources to help in planning a school garden are:  http://www.schoolgardenwizard.org/ and the Common Ground School Garden at UC Davis:  http://celosangeles.ucdavis.edu/Common_Ground_Garden_Program/

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