The CFPACS Hometown Grant 2011

CFPACS service area map The 2011 CFPACS HomeTown Grant is here!, CFPACS members are encouraged to look around their communities and notice some public places that are in dire need of palms and cycads.

The wide area covered by CFPACS has extremely diverse growing conditions. The Northern and inland areas are more impoverished palm-wise than the coastal and more Southerly areas, however, all areas throughout Central Florida can use more palms! There are plenty of out-of-the-ordinary palms and cycad species that can grow in both the cooler and warmer areas of Central Florida.

CFPACS would like to award a HomeTown Grant in 2011 and in every year following. In 10 years there can be 10 new mini palm gardens throughout Central Florida. That is the vision for the CFPACS HomeTown Grant. We hope that many member will apply - you can apply as either an individual or a team. Lets make Central Florida even more palmy!

The CFPACS HomeTown Grant at a Glance
  • $500 to plant palms/cycads in the CFPACS area
  • Recipient must be a CFPACS member
  • Planting is to be in a public area
  • Deadline for Preliminary Proposal:
    December 31, 2010
  • Deadline for Final Proposal:
    February 15, 2011
  • Grant announcement:
    March 2011
  • Funds available for planting in Spring 2011
CFPACS HomeTown Grant Checklist
  1. __Are you a member of CFPACS?
  2. __Will the palms/cycads be planted in the CFPACS service area?
  3. __Will the planting be in a public area? (not a private residence, HOA entrance, etc.)
  4. __Do you have written permission from the property owner to do the planting?
  5. __Are the plants chosen appropriate and hardy for the planting location (cold tolerance, salt tolerance, moisture needs, sun/shade, etc.)?
  6. __Have you chosen at least a few species of palms/cycads not commonly seen in your part of Central Florida?
  7. __Have you located the best plants at the best price for your project? (CFPACS is available to assist you with plant sources if needed)
  8. __Is future maintenance (irrigation, proper pruning, etc.) for the plants available?
  9. __Have you submitted your preliminary proposal as soon as possible? (No later than December 31, 2010)
  10. __Have you received approval of your preliminary proposal before proceeding with your final plans?
  11. __Have you submitted your final proposal by the deadline of February 15, 2011

Read the rules below and give some thought to applying. It's a great way to introduce more people in your community to the wide variety of palms and cycads that will grow in central Florida.

RULES FOR THE CFPACS HOMETOWN GRANT

1. Who can apply for the grant?
Applications are open to active, dues-paying CFPACS members. Applicant can be an individual or a team, but all on the team must be CFPACS members.
2. How may the funds be spent?
The amount of the grant is $500 and must be used to purchase palms and/or cycads only. Funds may be used to cover shipping costs as well, and if the recipient picks up plants, 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 and cycads can I use?
The palms and/or cycads planted should be appropriate and hardy for the planting location (cold tolerance, salt tolerance, moisture needs, sun/shade, etc.) and should include at least a few species of palms/cycads not commonly seen in your part of Central Florida.
4. Where should the palms and/or cycads be planted?
Palms and cycads must be planted in a public place (no private gardens, HOA entrances, etc. ) within the CFPACS service area with proper maintenance and, preferably, some type of irrigation system.
5. How do I apply for the grant?
Applicants must first submit a preliminary proposal that summarizes the rationale and concept of the project along with a proposed species list. Applicants are encouraged to submit their preliminary proposal as soon as possible, but no later than December 31, 2010. Once approval of the preliminary proposal is granted, the applicant must complete and submit the following no later than February 15, 2011:

Final Proposal should include:

  • a one-page (maximum) rationale
  • a site map showing the proposed location, species and size of palms and cycads
  • letter granting permission to do the planting from the appropriate authority
  • nursery sources the applicant intends to use
  • a timeline
  • a cost estimate
Grant proposals should be sent via email to Dave Reid (president@cfpacs.org) . Proposals will be forwarded to the CFPACS Board, who will select a recipient.
6. What's the deadline to submit an application?
Preliminary proposals are due by December 31, 2010. Final proposals are due by February 15, 2011. The winner will be announced on March 2011.
7. The fine print
The HomeTown Grant is intended to encourage new palm plantings throughout Central Florida. In some instances (for example, plantings at existing Botanical Gardens) it may be determined that a regular grant is more appropriate for the project than the HomeTown Grant, and the applicant will be asked to apply for a regular grant.

The CFPACS board reserves the right to direct applicants to pursue either a HomeTown Grant or a regular grant. The CFPACS Board reserves the right to not award a HomeTown Grant in the event that no application is deemed suitable. CFPACS Board members and immediate family members are not eligible to receive the HomeTown Grant.

Preference will be given to members and locations that have not been awarded a grant previously.