Viva Florida

Landscape Demonstration Garden Grant Program

Applications for the 2023–24 Viva Florida program will be accepted from Jan. 1 through Mar. 15, 2023. Potential applicants must complete a brief survey to determine eligibility.

Viva Florida Landscape Demonstration Garden grants bring native beauty to parks, nature centers and other public spaces. These grants provide funds with which to purchase Florida native wildflowers and plants for public projects that showcase the beauty of Florida natives while demonstrating their uses. The goal of the program is to educate the general public about the role of native wildflowers and plants in supporting native pollinators, decreasing air and water pollution, providing wildlife habitat, and in general, creating a better environment for all Floridians.

Thinking of applying? Click here to complete a brief survey to determine your project’s eligibility. Want to know more about the program? Review the criteria below and watch our webinar to get the answers to all of your questions.

Garden with blooming tropical sage — Viva Florida native plant garden at Cutting Horse Eco-Center, Bonita Springs

Criteria

The purpose of this grant is to establish or enhance a native demonstration planting in a park, nature center or other public space.
Eligibility is limited to Florida-based agencies and organizations with a mission, vision and values aligned with the mission, vision and values of the Florida Wildflower Foundation.
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to plant and care for Florida native wildflowers.
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to provide educational programming relevant to the planting and its purpose.
Projects should aim to increase the awareness and knowledge of native wildflowers, grasses, and flowering shrubs and vines among visitors by demonstrating the benefits and beauty of Florida native plants in cultivated landscapes.
Projects that are currently underway or that will begin prior to the award announcement date (May 15) are not eligible for funding.

Projects must be in highly visible, publicly accessible areas that experience frequent pedestrian traffic.
The planting site must be properly prepared prior to installing plants. For assistance with site preparation, please email Stacey Matrazzo, program manager.
Plants and seeds must be native to Florida, in accordance with FWF’s definition of cultivars, appropriate for the region and site conditions of the planting, and purchased from the Florida Wildflower Growers Cooperative, Florida Association of Native Nurseries members and other retail outlets specializing in native plants.
The planting must remain in place and be maintained for a minimum of one year from the installation date.

Projects must have strong educational components. These may include but are not limited to:
- interpretive signage explaining the purpose/benefits of planting.
- guided walks/programs associated with the planting.
- plant identification signs or lists (required).
- informational handouts or brochures.
Educational programming should primarily target adult audiences.
Grantees must pursue at least one media outlet in which an article or video that describes the native wildflower planting will appear.

This is a matching grant program; applicants must provide evidence of in-kind or monetary contributions of 50% or more of the amount requested.
In-kind contributions may include donations of materials, services and/or volunteer time, as well as staff time related to the project (including application preparation).

Up to $3,000 per project may be awarded.
Grant funds will be distributed based on the project timeline.
Funds are delivered in two payments: one-half after the project manager submits a signed agreement, and one-half after the Foundation receives and approves a final report.
A minimum of 80% of the grant funds must be used to purchase native wildflowers, grasses, and flowering shrubs and vines (plants or seeds).

Two progress reports will be submitted on dates to be determined by the Foundation based on the project timeline. Reporting format will be provided in advance of the due date by the Foundation’s grant manager.
Reports will include:
- a narrative describing the project and its results.
- itemized expense report, design plan, plant list, construction methods and maintenance schedule plan for the next year.
- visitation and volunteer hour numbers.
- photos of the planting site before and after installation, as well as during periods of peak bloom.
- photos of staff and/or volunteers participating in installation and site maintenance.
- photos of people visiting the planting and participating in related programming.
- information about visitor impressions and the impact of the gardens and educational programming.