The Founders Fund Award was established in 1934 to honor Elizabeth Price Martin, the GCA first president( 1913-20). The award seeks to recognize and support significant projects proposed by member clubs.
The evaluation criteria include stimulating the knowledge and love of of gardening and restoring, improving, and protecting the quality of the environment through educational programs and actions in the fields of conservation and civic improvement
Only GCA member clubs are eligible to apply for the Founders Fund Award. Each year, clubs submit proposals for projects they believe will have a meaningful and enduring impact. Submissions are reviewed by a committee, which selects finalists based on criteria such as creativity, sustainability, community benefit, and the potential to serve as a model for similar efforts elsewhere.
All GCA clubs then have the opportunity to vote on the finalists. The project receiving the highest number of votes is granted $40,000 and the two and third place clubs receive $15,000.
The three projects for this year are:
Appalachian Spring, proposed by Kanawha Garden Club, Zone VII
Community Greening, proposed by the Grass River Garden club Zone VIII
Garden of Hope proposed by New Orleans Town Gardeners,Inc., Zone IX
Members will receive a ballot after the February meeting and will be asked to vote for one project. Our collective vote will be sent to GCA and the winner will be announced at the March meeting.
Click here to go to the GCA website to read more about the finalists.
You can also read more about the finalists in the Winter 2026 Bulletin.
