Piedmont Chapter 2024 Grant Program

INTRODUCTION

The Virginia Native Plant Society (VNPS), founded in 1982, is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and preserving Virginia’s wild native plants and their habitats. The Piedmont Chapter is a chapter of VNPS in northwestern Virginia.

In 2024 the VNPS Piedmont Chapter will award $5,000 for well-defined projects located in Fauquier County, Virginia that address the VNPS Mission and Goals.

Grants will be awarded to projects that incorporate one or more of the following themes:

• Conserving native plant communities in their natural habitats through conservation and land stewardship practices.
• Educating the public about the value of native plants and how to encourage them.
• Establishing gardens, preserves, or parks that incorporate native plants.
• Projects that incorporate public education, consistent, current and long-term public
  access, and that are part of an established organization will be given priority

GRANT APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

To apply, submit a written proposal to PiedmontVNPS@gmail.com that includes the information listed below. Write “VNPS Fauquier County Grant Proposal” in the subject line. Please combine all the parts of the application into a single PDF file. Each page should include the name of the applicant, proposal title, and a page number. The proposal page limit is 4 pages plus a summary cover letter that outlines the project idea and scope. The project must be based in Fauquier County, Virginia.

1. The amount of funding requested. Applicants may request up to the total award amount of $5,000. One or more grants may be awarded.
2. The name of the applicant, whether you are applying as an individual or public or private organization, and where the project is located in Fauquier County, VA.
3. A description of the activities and tasks that will be accomplished during the project and by whom. Provide a timeline with milestones and completion dates.
4. Plans for evaluating the project’s results.
5. A description of the project deliverables. Deliverables must include: an article for our VNPS Piedmont newsletter; updates for our monthly Board Meetings; a final report; diagrams, plant lists, and other deliverables to be negotiated.
6. A detailed financial plan. Include a breakdown of costs and the total cost, any other funding sources, and provisions for contingencies.
7. Plans for sustaining the project after grant funds expire.

DEADLINE

Research proposals must be submitted by 11:59 PM on February 28, 2024. Please direct any questions about the application process or grant guidelines to Emily Southgate, Chapter President, at PiedmontVNPS@gmail.com.

View/Download a PDF of the Request for Proposals.

PAST WINNING PROJECTS

Our 2023 and 2024 Grant Programs were made possible by Emily and Tim Faltemier, owners of Three Fox Vineyards and Farm Brewery in Delaplane. They are enthusiastic supporters of native wildflower growth and preservation, particularly in Fauquier County, as evidenced by the plantings at their Winery. After careful evaluation the impressive grant proposals we received, we made awards to the following organizations.

• Weston Foundation (Warrenton Antiquarian Society (WAS)). Grant funds will support identification, documentation, and pamphlets/brochures on Weston’s native plant population. The Weston  Foundation is a very interesting historic farmhouse and property in Fauquier County. It is home of the Warrenton Antiquarian Society and adjacent to the Weston Wildlife Management Area. Our initial flora surveys of this property revealed a wide range of species, providing an excellent opportunity for education and sharing with Weston’s many visitors. Mary Ashton, WAS Past President, accepted the award on behalf of Weston.
• Fauquier County Parks and Recreation. The grant will support interpretive signage for the amazing variety of native plants at the new Riverside Preserve, along the Rappahannock River near Orlean. The County already offers nature programs and classes at this site which provide a great conduit for native plants information. Several trails exist and others are planned, which will strive to balance both access to and preservation of these valuable native species. Interpretive signs will be a fantastic addition which will support the County’s efforts at this amazing site.
• Clifton Institute. The Clifton Institute has been working hard to be a source of hyperlocal native plant seeds for our area. They have put in an astounding amount of effort and we are thrilled to see them have success, including hosting a plant sale late this past summer. To support their efforts, we are providing funds to build a much-needed shade structure. We hope the weather is more cooperative next year, but having more shade will be a help.