In 2005, the Community On My Mind Program was established with monies provided by the Georgia Power Foundation to help and encourage local garden clubs and councils to implement civic improvement projects which provide public benefit.

These could be any project which beautifies or conserves in a community setting, and benefits citizens of that community. Projects which benefit only private entities or private institutions are ineligible for grants. Please see the Community On My Mind packet for this year's guidelines and application information.

	Putnam County Library is one of the few original Carnegie Libraries in Georgia. The Town and Country Garden Club in Eatonton carried out a landscaping project with help from a Community on my Mind grant.

Garden Clubs or Councils may apply for a $200 matching grant for qualifying projects. As of October 2008, there have been seventy-nine projects that have been approved to receive the COMM grant—resulting in nearly $16,000 that local clubs or councils have used to beautiful their communities. The GCG garden clubs and councils are urged to continue to apply for the COMM grant until the funds are depleted.

While matching funds may come from the treasury of a club or council, applicants are urged to seek matching funds from other non profit service organizations and community groups, thereby spreading awareness of garden club work. Questions about this grant program should be directed to:

Sherle Beck, Civic Improvement Chair
150 Plum Nellie Lane
Blythe Island GA 31525-9626
912-264-3745
scbeck@adelphia.net

Remember, applications must be accompanied by a Proposed/Completed Project Financial Statement, including proof of other matching grants, or donations of goods/services. Everything is included in the packet of information.