Dear SPS member,

Have you ever driven by the local post office and thought, "Some palms would look really good around that place?" Now you have a chance to do something about it! Four years ago, the membership of the Southeastern Palm Society approved the funding of the Hometown Grant. The Hometown Grant is a $500 grant awarded to a member in good standing who desires to plant palms in his or her own town. It's a great way to show people where you live that yes, palms will grow here.

This year will mark the fifth year of the grant. Past recipients have enriched gardens in North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama and New Jersey. You could be next. 

Please read the rules below and give some thought to applying. It's a great way to make your town a little more "palmy."

Sincerely,

Johnny Cochran (click for e-mail)

SPS President

RULES FOR THE SPS HOMETOWN GRANT

1. Who can apply for the grant?

Applications are only open to active, dues-paying SPS members. (Dues must be current for 2008.)

2. How may the funds be spent?

The amount of the grant is $500 and must be used to purchase palms only. Funds may be used to cover shipping costs as well, and if the recipient picks up palms, he or she may use the funds to reimburse fuel costs. However, no funds may be used for meals, lodging or other personal expenses.

3. What palms can I use?

The palms planted must be hardy for your area. No experiments, please! We want to demonstrate that palms are worthy landscape subjects, and nothing shows this better than a healthy palm.

4. Where should the palms be planted?

Palms must be planted in a public place (no private gardens) with regular maintenance and, preferably, some type of irrigation system.

5. How do I apply for the grant?

Applicants must submit a proposal that includes:

     • a one-page (maximum) rationale

     • a site map showing the proposed location of palms

     • nursery sources the applicant intends to use

     • a timeline

     • a cost estimate.

Grant proposals should be sent by e-mail to SPS president Johnny Cochran (click for e-mail). Proposals will be forwarded to the SPS Board of Directors, who will select a recipient. 

6. What's the deadline to submit an application?

Proposals are due by March 31, 2008. The winner will be announced at the SPS spring meeting in Tallahassee, Florida, on Saturday, April 19, 2008.

7. If I am awarded the grant, how will I be reimbursed for purchases?

Receipts for purchases must be turned in to the treasurer no later than September 30, 2008. Any unused funds must be deposited back into the general fund of the Southeastern Palm and Exotic Plant Society.