Founders Fund 2022: A Sweet Outcome

Established in 1934, the Founders Fund grant is awarded annually to an exceptional community project that supports GCA's mission. Traditionally there are three finalists, with two runners up receiving $10,000 each and the winner awarded $30,000. GCA Founders Fund Committee selects these projects. The winner is then elected by GCA members across the country who have the opportunity to vote personally.

This year we find that even the Garden Club of America has fallen victim to supply chain issues! With the pandemic limiting community interaction and initiatives, many clubs have put FF on hold, resulting in only one project on the ballot for 2022. Fortunately, the project entitled Bee Successful: The 4G Honey Team, is truly outstanding! Unanimously endorsed by the Civic Improvement Committee, the project nicely reflects GCA goals of restoring, improving and protecting the environment. Growing out of a plan by four young women from Hawkins High School in Texas, to relocate a pollinator habitat of bees, the project now entails the construction of over 50 bee-boxes and acquiring the knowledge necessary (genetics, bee characteristics and behavior) to support the effort. Please read about this inspiring group of young citizens and their impressive achievements on pages 43-45 in the Winter 2022 edition of The Bulletin.

Founders Fund is the only GCA grant chosen by the votes of each member club. Although we have only one project this year, members will still have the opportunity to engage in this tradition. Our club will be "voting" at our March Membership Meeting by a show of hands. Leigh Fabens will then report the result to GCA and the winner will be announced at the Annual Meeting. Although there will be no surprise this year when the winning project is announced, it will still be a proud moment for the young ladies who initiated, brought their plan to fruition and earned this award!