The Pollinator Garden Grant Partnership provides financial and support resources to Kentucky schools and nonprofit organizations wanting to establish or expand native plantings to attract and sustain pollinators. The primary mission is the garden, but the secondary mission is education regarding native plantings for pollinators in Kentucky.
The partnership includes three parties:
- The Kentucky Native Plant Society as grantor will provide funds to purchase native plants and seeds. In lieu of funds, KNPS may choose to supply the plants and seeds to be chosen and delivered with the grantee’s knowledge and cooperation.
- The grantee will be the owner or caretaker of the garden. The site should have education as part of its mission and offer public access, within reason.
- An educational agency or organization will provide education and continued support for at least two years. KNPS can help you find such an organization in your area if necessary.
Each grant recipient will receive $500 to purchase native plants and/or seeds.
The plants must be true natives, no nativars, and be native to your region. KNPS and the educational partner of your choice will help you choose the best plants for your garden.
We encourage grant participants to follow these management practices:
- Manage the density of plants, keeping them close, though not crowded, to provide shelter and protection for caterpillars and chrysalises.
- Completely eliminate the use of insecticides.
- Remove old growth from the previous year before the growing season begins, preferably in early to mid-spring. Keep in mind that many native pollinators overwinter in the garden as eggs, caterpillars, or chrysalises. Fall clean-up may destroy next year’s pollinators.
- A pollinator garden should be approximately 100 square feet or more, although we encourage you to start small unless you have a good volunteer base to support a larger garden.
During the two years following the grant, KNPS requires before, during, and after progress reports and pictures to help us assist you in maintaining your garden. The number one failure of new pollinator gardens is a lack of central and continued support during this crucial time. We encourage grantees to choose someone in their organization who is willing to take on this two-year responsibility.
If you have received this grant previously, you are still eligible to apply, with evidence of prior success and commitment.